Nvidia Unveils Change in Game Streaming Landscape Through GeForce Now Update
Nvidia's GeForce NOW service, a popular cloud gaming platform, has recently introduced an exciting new feature - Install-to-Play. This innovation allows users to install their owned Steam games on cloud storage, offering low latency and high-fidelity gaming on demand, with flexible, affordable storage options.
With Install-to-Play, the GeForce NOW library now boasts over 4,500 Steam titles, including newly added games. This significant expansion is made possible by Nvidia's high-performance cloud storage powered by NVMesh technology. This feature enables game installations on cloud servers that mirror a local PC experience 13.
Pricing for GeForce NOW memberships remains the same, with the Ultimate tier priced at $19.99/month and the Performance tier at $9.99/month. Both tiers come with 100GB of single-session cloud storage included at no extra cost for Install-to-Play games. Users can purchase additional persistent cloud storage for their games, with options of 200GB for $2.99/month, 500GB for $4.99/month, and 1TB for $7.99/month 14.
Comparison with Xbox Game Pass and Shadow PC
Comparatively, Xbox Game Pass offers a subscription-based streaming access to a curated, but non-owned, extensive library of games. While Shadow PC offers a full remote Windows desktop experience allowing installation of any PC game/software without restrictions, at a higher price point 13.
| Feature/Service | Nvidia GeForce NOW (Install-to-Play) | Xbox Game Pass | Shadow PC | |-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Game Library | >4,500 Steam titles, including newly added Install-to-Play games; includes Steam, Epic, Ubisoft Connect integrations | Curated library of hundreds of Xbox, PC, and EA Play titles; cloud streaming mainly Xbox Console and PC titles | Full Windows PC in the cloud allowing installation of any PC game/software, not limited by curated library | | Pricing | Ultimate $19.99/mo, Performance $9.99/mo + storage add-ons ($2.99-$7.99 for 200GB-1TB persistent storage) | Starting at $14.99/month for PC Game Pass; Ultimate tier includes console + cloud | Starts around $39.99/month for full cloud PC with dedicated resources (higher than GeForce NOW subscriptions) | | Storage Model | 100GB free single-session storage; optional paid persistent storage | No user storage in cloud; titles streamed on demand | Full SSD storage (often up to 1TB+) as part of the cloud PC environment | | Game Ownership| You play games you already own or have access to on Steam/Epic etc.; can install your own copies | Access to library of games in subscription (not owned) | Install and own any game/software as on a local PC | | Performance | Leverages RTX 5080-class GPUs, supports up to 5K 120fps streaming, DLSS 4, Cinematic Streaming modes | Streaming quality varies up to 4K streaming, depending on service tier and device | Full GPU power per cloud PC, depending on chosen plan (often Nvidia GPUs), with desktop-like experience |
Performance Improvements
In tests, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU could get around 8% better frame rates on average compared to the RTX 4080 Super. This new GPU will be hosted on Nvidia's servers at no additional cost to users. Nvidia has upgraded the CPU and memory in its SuperPOD servers with new technology to offset frame gen latency 13.
The new GeForce Now Ultimate subscription will offer 4K resolution at 120 fps and RTX 5080-level graphics capabilities through the cloud. Nvidia's Cinematic quality streaming mode promises even better visuals than what you normally get with streaming, making in-game HUDs and menus more legible and potentially improving color accuracy for games that support HDR 13.
Future Developments
Nvidia has yet to raise streaming prices, but with every major streaming service's prices ballooning every year, it's unlikely you'll continue to shell out the same amount for much longer. Nvidia is collaborating with T-Mobile and its L4S network for the new data technique, aiming to reduce dropped packets 13.
Nvidia is also planning to release a specific app for the Legion Go S handheld with SteamOS. GeForce Now has apps on PC, Mac, mobile, and Steam Deck, with a dedicated application on Steam Deck 13. Additionally, Nvidia is working with major telecom companies like CableLabs, Comcast, T-Mobile, and its L4S network for the new data technique 13.
Users will be able to play games at 5K resolutions, supporting additional widescreen for massive curved monitors like LG's 5K2K UltraGear monitors 13. Nvidia's GeForce Now is updating to allow renting of servers worth 100GB or more for game streaming, available from September 13.
- The Nvidia GeForce NOW service, with its new Install-to-Play feature, offers a local PC experience on cloud servers, expanding its library to over 4,500 Steam titles.
- Nvidia GeForce NOW's storage options include 100GB of single-session cloud storage for Install-to-Play games, with additional persistent cloud storage options available for purchase.
- Compared to Xbox Game Pass and Shadow PC, Nvidia GeForce NOW allows users to install and play their own games from Steam, Epic, and Ubisoft Connect libraries on cloud servers.
- The new GeForce Now Ultimate subscription promises 4K resolution at 120 fps and RTX 5080-level graphics capabilities, aiming to enhance in-game visuals and color accuracy.
- Nvidia is collaborating with telecom companies like T-Mobile, CableLabs, Comcast, and its L4S network for a new data technique aimed at reducing dropped packets, looking towards future data optimization and improved streaming performance.
