GeForce Now from Nvidia is probably the best cloud gaming service and platform out there. It boasts of an expansive library of video game titles that far surpasses competitors such as Xbox Cloud Gaming from Microsoft and Amazon Luna from Amazon. The service is more established with a beta testing that dated back to 2015 and an official public launch in 2020. It has about 20 million subscribers across the world which mark its sustainability. A partnership with other data centers around the world has expanded its accessibility and improved its service delivery through an expansive content delivery network. This article discusses the pros and cons or the advantages and disadvantages of GeForce now from Nvidia and its notable features and limitations.
Pros of GeForce Now: Advantages and Notable Features of this Cloud Gaming Service from Nvidia
The cloud gaming services of companies like Microsoft and Amazon are respectable in terms of overall server uptime. However, when compared, GeForce Now has advantages that stem from the fact that Nvidia has been intentional in developing and expanding further its cloud gaming service. This is a serious platform for video gaming via the cloud. The following are the specific advantages of GeForce Now and its notable features:
1. Powerful Nvidia RTX Graphics Processors
One of the main advantages of GeForce Now is that its computers run on the most latest Nvidia GeForce RTX discrete graphics processors. This results in an excellent gaming performance with high-quality graphics. These processors have built-in hardware ray tracing capabilities and other advanced graphics processing capabilities for maxed-out graphics settings.
2. Further Expanding Geographic Server Access
The service is available in different parts of the world. There is a dedicated network of servers in North America and Europe. Furthermore, to increase geographic access, Nvidia has formed the Global Distribution and Alliance Partners to serve countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, East Asia and Southeast Asia, the Pacific, South America, and the Middle East.
3. Low-Latency and High-Definition Streaming
It also supports various resolutions and definitions. The service recommends a minimum internet connection speed of 10 Mbit/s for 720p at 30 fps and 25 Mbit/s for 720p at 60 fps, 50 Mbit/s for 1080p at 60 fps, and around 100 Mbit/s for 4K or 1440p UHD at 120 fps. This is the only service that streams video games at ultra-high definition and higher frames per second.
4. More than 1500 Game Titles in the Library
Another advantage of GeForce Now is its impressive library consisting of more than 1500 video game titles. Take note that Xbox Cloud Gaming has more than 100 game titles and Amazon Luna also has around 100 game titles. Nvidia has a superior collection. It is worth mentioning that this library consists of popular video game titles for Windows and entire PC platform.
5. Wide Device and Platform Compatibility
There is a dedicated app for Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. There is also a dedicated app for the Android mobile operating system. The service is also accessible via several TV models from LG and Samsung, the Android TV and Google TV platforms, Chromecast, and browsers such as Chrome and Safari. It also supports controllers for Xbox and PlayStation.
Cons of GeForce Now: Disadvantages and Key Limitations of this Cloud Gaming Service from Nvidia
This cloud gaming service might be dominant in its specific market segment but it is not without flaws. It still suffers from the same disadvantages of cloud gaming as all of its competitors and the limitations when compared to console-based gaming or PC gaming vi Windows and even macOS. It also has inherent limitations that are unique to itself compared to its counterparts. The following are the specific disadvantages of GeForce Now:
1. High Overall Costs and Complicated Setup
One of the main disadvantages of GeForce now is the higher total costs of subscribing to the service and purchasing games. The subscription costs differ depending on the server. Users also need to build their PC game library first. This means acquiring or purchasing game titles from supported digital storefronts such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft.
2. Dependent on Internet and Server Uptime
The service is accessible and the games are playable under the most ideal circumstances. But the fact remains that the overall user experience and specific gaming experience are dependent on the internet connection of the subscribers and the quality of the particular providers of servers. Games that require quick reflexes might suffer. Loading time can also be an issue.
3. Limited Game Settings and Configurations
It is also worth mentioning that a subscriber cannot install mods or perform modifications on the game files unless the developers allow doing so on the platform. It is not possible to download the games. This means that a subscriber needs to endure waiting times for each gaming session and the duration can be either short or long depending on network quality.
4. Inconsistent Library of Video Game Titles
Another disadvantage of GeForce Now is that it has a history of discarding previously supported game titles. This happens due to licensing issues and expiration of agreements with video game developers. Not all games in the personal PC game library of a user are supported. The library of supported games is growing but it is not as extensive as a traditional library.
5. An Overall Inconvenient User Experience
Remember that games are not included in the subscription. There are free-top-lay games but a user still needs to set up his or her account access on the relevant platforms tied to these game titles. A user can end up having several accounts on various platforms and storefronts as he or she builds his or her personal PC game library for this cloud gaming service.
Verdict: Understanding the Advantages and Disadvantages of Nvidia GeForce Now in a Nutshell
The advantages of GeForce Now rest on the graphics processing capabilities of Nvidia GPU rigs used for the entire cloud gaming platform. However, considering its competitors, it is also worth mentioning that Xbox Cloud Gaming and Amazon Luna also use powerful graphics processors while taking advantage of the established cloud computing infrastructure of the cloud computing services of Microsoft and Amazon. GeForce Now banks on a more extensive list of video game titles that it supports. However, unlike its counterparts, it does not have its own library with free games. A user needs to purchase or acquire the game titles first. The entire cloud gaming service works by allowing a user to bring in his or her digitally purchased or acquired games and allow Nvidia to do the streaming. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of GeForce Now.
