GeForce Now upgrades to RTX 5080 power

Nvidia expands GeForce Now with RTX 5080 class cloud GPUs, Install-to-Play and higher streaming modes, reshaping cloud gaming.

Nvidia GeForce Now adds RTX 5080 power in the cloud

Nvidia’s GeForce Now will roll out Blackwell GPUs this September, delivering what feels like RTX 5080 level power in the cloud with 48GB of memory and DLSS 4. The upgrade includes a new Install-to-Play feature that Nvidia says will immediately surface 2,352 games through Valve’s Steam Cloud Play, dramatically expanding the library without waiting for Nvidia to curate each title. Games that opt in will be added to the service, and publishers can participate through Steam’s distribution network. In addition to higher-end GPU power, GeForce Now supports streaming at up to 5K resolution at 120fps or 360fps at 1080p, plus a Cinematic Quality Streaming mode and a higher bitrate ceiling of 100 Mbps to preserve picture quality.

Other enhancements aim to make the service more practical for living rooms and beyond: Steam Deck OLED owners will get 90Hz streaming, LG will offer a native GeForce Now app on 4K OLED TVs and 5K monitors, and Logitech racing wheels with haptic feedback will be supported. The Install-to-Play workflow means installs are not instant for every title; users must download or pay for persistent storage to keep games ready. The service now ties into Discord for a try-before-you-buy experience, though officials say this is a technology announcement rather than a full feature yet. Sony and Rockstar titles are not on GeForce Now for now, according to Nvidia executives.

The upgrade signals a shift in how cloud gaming is marketed and perceived. If publishers opt in and the cloud can reliably deliver near-PC frame rates, GeForce Now could position cloud gaming as a closer substitute for dedicated hardware. The real test will be consistency across a broad library and real-world latency, which depends on distance to Nvidia’s servers and the quality of users’ home networks. Nvidia emphasizes stability by keeping the Ultimate tier at $19.99 while rolling out a powerful 5080 option, but that approach may blur expectations about where the service ends and a local rig begins. The Discord collaboration shows Nvidia aiming to embed cloud gaming in social platforms, but it raises questions about monetization and user flow. Overall, the changes reflect both a push for breadth and a willingness to trade higher-end, variable performance for broader access and easier experimentation.

Highlights

The cloud gaming race is speeding up, and the real test will be how much power translates into reliable, everyday play.