NVIDIA Geforce NOW (PC) Review

In a time when the prices for PC components have become unaffordable for many enthusiasts, NVIDIA GeForce NOW enters the scene. High-performance GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 5090 now cost €3,000, and even mid-range models often exceed €1,000. This development has led many gamers to seek alternatives to enjoy the latest games in high quality without breaking their budget. This is where NVIDIA GeForce NOW comes in—a cloud gaming service that promises powerful gaming on almost any device. In this review, we’ll take a detailed look at the service and evaluate its pros and cons.

NVIDIA GeForce NOW - The Rising Costs of PC Hardware

The prices for PC hardware are rising for various reasons. In addition to technological advancements, external factors like scarcity and increased demand play a role. The GPU market is particularly affected. The introduction of new models like the RTX 5090 hasn’t lowered prices but has instead caused them to skyrocket. Often, the latest graphics cards are sold out within seconds and then resold on eBay at significantly higher prices, causing frustration among many potential buyers.

Additional costs such as import tariffs and a general shortage of raw materials further exacerbate the situation. For many gamers, it is no longer practical to regularly invest in new hardware. Here, NVIDIA GeForce NOW offers an intriguing solution: instead of buying expensive hardware, you can stream your favorite games directly from the cloud.

What is NVIDIA GeForce NOW?

NVIDIA GeForce NOW is a cloud gaming service that allows users to play games on powerful remote servers. These servers are equipped with high-end GPUs, including RTX 4080 systems. The truly exciting aspect is that the service supports a wide range of devices—from laptops and desktops to smartphones and tablets. This means you can simply use your existing hardware to play the latest games without needing to purchase special versions.

Membership Models

• Free: Access to a basic rig with a one-hour session limit, including long wait times and ads.
• Performance Plan (€10.99/month): Access to premium hardware with RTX technology, 1440p resolution at up to 60 FPS, and extended sessions (up to six hours).
• Ultimate Plan (€21.99/month): Use of an RTX 4080 rig with 4K resolution and up to 240 FPS.

As quickly becomes apparent, the premium plans offer significant advantages over the free option, including improved graphics quality and longer playtimes. Overall, the premium packages include 100 hours per month, which should be more than sufficient for most players.

NVIDIA Geforce NOW – Galerie

NVIDIA GeForce NOW - Performance That Impresses

The performance of GeForce NOW is indeed impressive. With support for ray tracing and technologies like NVIDIA Reflex, the service delivers a smooth gaming experience with minimal latency. The image quality reaches up to 4K at 60 FPS or alternatively 1440p at 240 FPS—ideal for competitive gaming.

However, the quality heavily depends on your internet connection. It should be stable for gaming; otherwise, artifacts may appear. Once everything loaded on our end, every game ran smoothly in the browser without issues. Occasionally, graphics were slightly downgraded when our internet connection faltered significantly. However, this doesn’t mean that network issues on NVIDIA’s side couldn’t also occur.

Up until this point, we were already impressed by how quickly everything started—from signing up to playing without needing patches. Monster Hunter Wilds immediately continued from our account thanks to Steam Cloud synchronization. But we wanted more and tested it on the go as well—whether in airport Wi-Fi or via 4G on a train stuck for an hour. We calmly connected our Turtle Beach Atom controller via Bluetooth and just played. As long as it’s not a competitive title, playing on the go works perfectly fine.

Another advantage is the wide selection of supported games. GeForce NOW regularly updates its library and offers titles from various genres, including shooters, RPGs, and simulations. However, there are limitations: some games require an Ultimate membership for maximum graphic details or are unavailable due to licensing issues.

Finally, we come to GeForce NOW’s user interface, which is intuitively designed. As mentioned earlier, you can integrate your accounts from platforms like Steam or Ubisoft and directly access your existing games. Additionally, the service allows you to select the nearest server to minimize latency issues. At an estimated price of €21.99 per month calculated over a year (€263.88), you wouldn’t exceed €1,000 until after four years of continuous use—all while having access to cutting-edge hardware that would not be achievable with a regular PC setup. In our opinion, GeForce NOW is an absolute recommendation for many players.

Even on the Steam Deck, you can squeeze out more performance here:

GeForce NOW - Official Steam Deck Full Support Announcement Trailer

Conclusion - Definitely worth a try, especially for casuals

Overall, NVIDIA GeForce NOW offers a promising alternative to traditional gaming PCs and consoles. It is particularly suited for gamers on a budget or those who prefer to avoid dealing with hardware upgrades. While the service is not yet perfect and comes with some limitations, it clearly demonstrates that cloud gaming could play a central role in the future of gaming. For anyone curious and looking to expand their gaming experience, GeForce NOW is definitely worth trying out.

NVIDIA GeForce NOW – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is NVIDIA GeForce NOW and how does it work?
NVIDIA GeForce NOW is a cloud gaming service that allows users to play games on powerful remote servers. Users can stream their existing game libraries from platforms like Steam or Epic Games to almost any internet-enabled device without needing to purchase expensive hardware.

What are the benefits of NVIDIA GeForce NOW for gamers?
The service provides a cost-effective way to enjoy high-end gaming without investing in expensive graphics cards or gaming PCs. With features like ray tracing, NVIDIA Reflex, and support for 4K resolution, GeForce NOW delivers a premium gaming experience. Additionally, the service is flexible and compatible with many devices.

Which games are available on NVIDIA GeForce NOW?
GeForce NOW supports a wide range of games from platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect. The library is regularly updated and includes many popular titles across various genres. However, not all games are available. You can find a list of supported games on the official website.

How can I use NVIDIA GeForce NOW on my device?
To use the service, you need to download the GeForce NOW app or access it via a browser. After signing up, you can link your existing game libraries and start playing right away. The service works on PCs, Macs, smartphones, tablets, and Android TV devices. A stable internet connection is required for smooth gameplay.