GeForce NOW is NVIDIA’s cloud gaming service. Instead of running a game on your own PC or console, NVIDIA runs it on a powerful gaming rig in the cloud and streams the video to your device while sending your button presses back so you can play high‑end PC games on almost anything.
How Does GeForce NOW Work?
Behind the scenes, your game launches on a remote NVIDIA server. The server renders each frame, encodes it as a video stream, and sends it to your device; your inputs go the other way. It looks and feels like launching the game locally, but it’s actually running remotely. Lower network latency helps it feel snappy, NVIDIA recommends under 80 ms to their data center (under 40 ms is even better).
What Devices Can I Use?
Pretty much anything modern with a good internet connection:
- PC & Mac (native apps or a browser at play.geforcenow.com)
- Chromebooks / Chrome browsers
- iPhone & iPad (via Safari web app)
- Android phones & tablets
- Gaming handhelds (Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw)
- Smart TVs (many 2020–2025 Samsung & LG models) and NVIDIA SHIELD TV
- Immersive displays (2D Cinema Mode on Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest headsets)
Support varies slightly by platform, but if you’ve bought a device in the last few years, there’s a good chance it’s covered.
What Internet Speed Do I Need for GeForce Now?
NVIDIA’s guidance (download speeds):
- 720p/60 FPS: 15 Mbps
- 1080p/60 FPS: 25 Mbps
- 1440p/120 FPS: 35 Mbps
- 4K/60 FPS (TV/SHIELD): 40 Mbps (45 Mbps for 4K/120 on supported smart TVs)
A wired Ethernet or strong 5 GHz Wi‑Fi connection is recommended, and latency to an NVIDIA data center should be < 80 ms.
What About Memberships and Features?
There are three main options: Free, Performance, and Ultimate. Plus Day Passes if you just want to try premium features for 24 hours. Highlights:
- 4K streaming is exclusive to Ultimate.
- 1440p streaming is available on Performance and Ultimate.
- “50‑Series” Ultimate servers (RTX 5080‑class in the cloud) unlock up to 5K/120 and up to 360 FPS in supported modes.
- Day Pass grants 24 consecutive hours of the tier’s perks without a monthly commitment.
Limited Playtime
As of 2025, Performance and Ultimate members receive 100 hours of monthly playtime, with up to 15 hours rolling over month‑to‑month. You can buy additional 15‑hour blocks if you run out; Founders members don’t have a monthly cap as long as they maintain continuous paid membership.
Do I Need to Buy my Games Again?
No. GeForce NOW connects to your existing PC game libraries. Sign in to your Steam, Ubisoft Connect, Xbox/Microsoft Store (including PC Game Pass collections), and Battle.net accounts to verify ownership and sync supported titles into your GFN library. (Epic works too, Fortnite requires account linking but Epic library sync is more limited, so some titles may prompt you to log in.)
What’s “Install to Play,” And Do I Get it?
Two kinds of games are supported:
- Ready‑to‑Play: curated titles that launch instantly from NVIDIA’s library.
- Install‑to‑Play: premium members (Performance/Ultimate) can install and run 2,000+ additional Steam games to persistent cloud storage, expanding the library significantly.
How Does it Feel Compared to a Gaming PC?
That depends on your network and display, but premium members can crank up resolution and frame rate. Ultimate supports 4K, high refresh (120/240/360 FPS), DLSS and ray tracing, and even Reflex streaming modes for the lowest possible latency. If you’re close to an NVIDIA data center and meet the bandwidth targets above, it’s surprisingly close to local play without the downloads and driver updates.
Can I use Mods?
Select in‑game mod support exists for premium members (e.g., popular World of Warcraft add‑ons via CurseForge and Creation Club content for Skyrim, Starfield, and Fallout 4). It’s not a blanket “run any mod,” but it covers common use cases.
Is GeForce NOW Worth it?
Great fits: you want high‑fidelity PC gaming on a modest laptop, handheld, or TV; you hate downloading giant patches; or you travel a lot.
Watch‑outs: you’ll still need to own (or subscribe to) the games; your library must be supported; and your experience depends on the quality and stability of your connection. (If you’re on metered internet, mind the data usage.)
Tip: Try a Day Pass before committing to a plan.
How Do I Start?
- Create/Sign in to an NVIDIA account and pick Free, Performance, Ultimate, or a Day Pass.
- Install the GeForce NOW app (or use the browser).
- Connect your stores (Steam, Ubisoft, Xbox/PC Game Pass; link Epic for Fortnite).
- Run the network test in Settings and select a nearby data center.
- Launch a supported game and play. That’s it.