Today, I’m looking at NVIDIA’s GeForce Now, a cloud gaming service that aims to reshape how we play games and yes, it’s similar to that from Xbox. In my article about Xbox Cloud Gaming, I highlighted how it’s revolutionizing gaming for those without consoles or high-end PCs. Now, let’s see how GeForce Now compares.
What is NVIDIA’s GeForce Now?
NVIDIA’s GeForce Now is a cloud gaming platform that allows you to stream games you own from various digital storefronts, which are Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, and Xbox. Unlike traditional gaming setups that require high end hardware, GeForce Now uses NVIDIA’s powerful servers to deliver high quality gaming experiences directly to your device. Whether you’re using a Windows PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet, as long as you have a stable internet connection, you’re ready to game. I hate to take us back a little but the Xbox Cloud Gaming is now available on Amazon Fire sticks, crazy right? Anyways back to our main topic.
Game Selection and Flexibility
One of the standout features of the GeForce Now is its extensive game library. Unlike Xbox Cloud Gaming, which offers a curated selection of Xbox titles, GeForce Now allows you to access your existing game libraries from multiple platforms. This means you can play the games you already own without any additional purchases. The flexibility to connect various accounts and play your existing games in one place is a massive W.
In my Xbox Cloud Gaming article, I mentioned how Xbox’s service offers console-quality gaming without needing the actual hardware. Similarly, GeForce Now provides high-quality gaming without powerful local hardware, allowing seamless gameplay across devices.
Pricing and Accessibility
NVIDIA’s GeForce Now offers both free and paid membership options. The free tier allows you to play games with some limitations, such as shorter session lengths and access to standard servers, oh and you also watch ads while you’re in queue to play your game, but hey, it’s nothing too bad. The paid membership, GeForce Now Priority (there’s also Ultimate but we won’t talk about it for now), provides extended session lengths, priority access to premium servers, and support for RTX graphics features, which enhance the gaming experience with ray tracing and AI-powered DLSS technology. This tiered approach makes GeForce Now accessible to a broader audience, allowing gamers to choose the plan that best fits their needs and budget, and the GeForce Now Priority costs £9.99 and it’s 50% off when you purchase for the first time.
Play Anywhere, Anytime
In my Xbox Cloud Gaming article, I gave great emphasis on the flexibility of playing on various devices, from smartphones to smart TVs and now the fire stick. GeForce Now’s cloud-based nature means you can also play your favourite games anywhere, anytime, without the need for powerful local hardware. Plus, the service supports various controllers, making it easy to find a setup that works for you.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive Game Library: Access to a wide range of games from various platforms without additional purchases.
- Free and Paid Options: Flexibility to choose between a free tier or a premium experience.
- Cross-Platform Access: Play games across multiple devices, from PCs to smartphones.
- Powerful Graphics: Support for RTX graphics with ray tracing and DLSS for enhanced visuals (with paid memberships).
- Account Integration: Connect multiple accounts and have all your games in one place.
Cons:
- Internet Dependency: Requires a fast and stable internet connection for optimal performance just like the Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Limited Free Tier: Free membership comes with limitations such as shorter session lengths.
- Game Availability: Not all games are supported on GeForce Now.
- Occasional Wait Times: Free users might experience wait times during peak hours.
Conclusion
NVIDIA’s GeForce Now is an excellent option for gamers looking for flexibility and access to their existing game libraries across multiple devices. Its ability to integrate games from various platforms, paired with powerful streaming technology, makes it a compelling choice for many. However, the reliance on a stable internet connection and the cost of premium features might be a consideration for some.
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