GeForce Now has a similar concept to Google Stadia, PlayStation Now, and Microsoft xCloud. In essence, it is a cloud-based gaming platform, powered by the top of the line NVIDIA graphics. On paper, it sounds impressive, and everyone is excited about it.
Read on to find out how GeForce Now works, and how good it is. This service is already available, and its launch went much smoother than that of Stadia. You might remember what a hot mess that was.
GeForce Now has a lot of potentials, it is relatively inexpensive, and it might be the future of gaming.
How It Works
Everyone knows how amazing NVIDIA graphic cards are, which is why people are very excited about this service. It makes a lot of sense that NVIDIA would launch such a service, and Now is finally here (pun intended).
Unlike Google Stadia, GeForce Now had a smooth launch, thanks to a lot of hard work and years of development. It is a cloud-based service, and it was available only in Europe and North America at the moment of writing.
In a nutshell, a cloud-based gaming service should remove the need for expensive hardware, and run solely on your internet connection through a supported device. NVIDIA promised a 60fps, 1080p gameplay, and they delivered on their promise.
The most significant difference between NVIDIA GeForce Now and other cloud gaming services is that you don’t need to buy games. You can use your previously owned games from Uplay, Origin, GOG, and Steam. There are also free games available on the platform, but these are mostly older titles (many Lego and Batman games among the others).
Subscription Plans
Nothing comes for free, but GeForce Now is pretty cheap when compared to the competition. There is a free version of the service, which is not ideal, to say the least, as it is pretty limited. With the free version, you can only play your previously owned games, up to an hour without breaks.
The subscription owners, called founders, get priority access to NVIDIA’s machines. These servers are running on NVIDIA RTX graphic cards, which is insane. The subscription allows you to play for an unlimited amount of time, it gives you access to the service’s game library, and your games run much smoother.
If you decide to subscribe, you get a three-month grace period before you need to start paying for the service. The current subscription launch deal costs only $5 a month (in North America) for a yearly subscription.
Supported Devices and Requirements
NVIDIA GeForce Now works on NVIDIA Shield tablets, Shield TVs, and Shield Portable. Additionally, you can use it on your computer (Mac or Windows), and select Android devices. On Android, you need the Android 5.0 system or later, and at least 2GB RAM.
Here is the link to the GeForce Now official download page, where you can get the app for all the mentioned devices. At the time, iOS support is still not available. Note that you need a fast internet connection, no matter what OS or device you are using.
Oh, you also need an Ethernet connection for the best possible experience. Wi-Fi can never beat a cable connection, so if you are using Wi-Fi, place your device near the modem or router. The recommended internet speed is 50 Mbps if you want the best possible experience (1080p 60 fps gaming).
NVIDIA says that you need 20 Mbps for 720p gaming (also 60fps), but honestly, these numbers should be higher. If you are using the free version of GeForce Now, you can even get away with a 10 Mbps internet plan. However, for HD gaming with the premium plan, go for 75 or even 100 Mbps, to be sure.
Your router also needs to be 5 GHz, and NVIDIA recommends its very own router for the NVIDIA Shield, which is pricey. If you don’t get a good router, you might experience stuttering and less than ideal performance.
Supported Games
Apart from the games on your device, the library supports many games from GOG, Steam, Uplay (Ubisoft), and Origin (EA). Many of the supported games are multiplayer, to the satisfaction of most hardcore gamers.
Another fantastic thing worth mentioning is that GeForce Now is not separated from other platforms, and it supports cross-play. That means that you can play on your Android phone with (or against) your friends who use PCs or Macs.
Some of the most popular supported games include Fortnite, Dota 2, Counter-Strike Global Offensive, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, PUBG, and many others. Here is a link to the list of supported games.
Remember that you need to own these games to play them, GeForce Now won’t unlock all of them. Their free game selection is meager. The list includes around 70 games, most of which are older titles.
Should You Get It Now
Overall, GeForce Now is a fantastic cloud gaming service. It proved to be already much better than Google Stadia, its direct competitor, and a fierce rival. The service is cheap, functional, and worth its cost. However, standard gaming consoles and computers still offer a better experience.
If you already have a gaming PC, PS 4, or Xbox One, there’s no need to get GeForce Now right away. In case you have an NVIDIA Shield device, or you want to get one, then subscribe to GeForce Now, ASAP.
What do you think about the service? Would you be willing to give it a shot? Let us know in the comments section below.
