Tag: GeForce NOW

  • Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Now Available on GeForce Now

    Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Now Available on GeForce Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is now available on Nvidia’s GeForce Now streaming platform.
    2. The game requires high system specs for the best experience, including an Nvidia 4080, 64 GB of RAM, and a fast Internet connection.
    3. GeForce Now allows the game to run at 4K 120 fps, even on lower-end systems.
    4. Players can enjoy the game without lengthy installations or the need for high-end gaming PCs.
    5. MSFS 2024 is also available for purchase for those who prefer to install it on their own devices.


    Nvidia has revealed that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is now available on its game streaming platform, GeForce Now.

    This well-known game allows aviation fans to experience realistic flights across a beautifully crafted virtual world without the hassle of lengthy installations, huge data usage, or the need to invest in a high-performing gaming PC equipped with a speedy Nvidia GPU card (like this one on Amazon). Early tests indicated that the game can stream up to 81 GB per hour.

    System Requirements

    MSFS 2024 requires substantial system specs for the best experience. Players need at least an Nvidia 4080 or better with 12 GB of VRAM, 64 GB of RAM, 50 GB of free storage space, and an Internet connection of 100 Mbps. These demands make the game less accessible for casual gamers who don’t typically invest in high-end gaming setups. If you prefer to install and play the game on your own device, you can find MSFS 2024 available for purchase on Amazon.

    Streaming Performance

    GeForce Now runs all its games on cloud servers, enabling Flight Simulator to operate at a stunning 4K 120 fps. Subscribers can enjoy the game even on systems with a mere dual-core CPU, 4 GB of RAM, a basic DirectX 11 GPU, and as little as 15 Mbps of bandwidth, as stated in its system requirements. Additionally, GeForce Now allows for gaming directly through a web browser, provided the system meets the essential requirements.

    Conclusion

    In summary, with the introduction of MSFS 2024 on GeForce Now, Nvidia is making it easier for gamers to experience this immersive flight simulation without the need for high-end hardware or extensive downloading. Check out their blog for more details on MSFS 2024!

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  • Doom: The Dark Ages Now on GeForce Now for Performance & Ultimate

    Doom: The Dark Ages Now on GeForce Now for Performance & Ultimate

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Launch and Platforms: Doom: The Dark Ages is now available on PS5, Xbox Series consoles, and PC, and can be streamed through GeForce Now.

    2. Single-Player Experience: The game focuses on a single-player storyline set before the events of Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, introducing new mechanics and weapons.

    3. GeForce Now Rewards: Premium members of GeForce Now can access the game and earn a free in-game reward, the Doom Slayer Verdant skin, through the Rewards program.

    4. Pricing Options: The Standard Edition is priced at $70 on PC, while the Premium Edition costs $100. GeForce Now memberships are available at $20 (Ultimate) and $10 (Performance) per month.

    5. Performance on Steam Deck: Doom: The Dark Ages runs well on the Steam Deck at 720p, despite not being officially supported, with specific hardware recommendations for optimal performance at higher settings.


    Doom: The Dark Ages has launched on PS5, Xbox Series consoles, and PC. In addition to these platforms, the game can also be streamed through GeForce Now, as Nvidia has revealed. This latest chapter in the franchise, developed by id Software and Bethesda, takes place before the events of the 2016 Doom and Doom Eternal. It offers a single-player experience focused on the storyline, featuring new mechanics and weapons.

    GeForce Now Benefits

    Nvidia is expanding its cloud gaming offerings with the introduction of several new games, including Doom: The Dark Ages. Members of the GeForce Now Ultimate and Performance tiers can access the game starting today, May 15, with some regions already having it available. Additionally, premium members can earn a free in-game reward—the Doom Slayer Verdant skin—by participating in the GeForce Now Rewards program.

    Pricing and Editions

    The Standard Edition of Doom: The Dark Ages is set at $70 for PC and can be found on Steam, Microsoft Store, and Battle.net. It’s also included with Game Pass. Those looking for more can opt for the Premium Edition, which costs $100. The GeForce Now Ultimate membership, offering features like 4K HDR, RTX support, and 240 FPS, is available for $20 monthly, while the Performance option (1440p, RTX) is priced at $10 a month.

    Performance on Steam Deck

    Interestingly, the game can be played on the Steam Deck, despite not being officially supported. It surprisingly performs well on the device, running at 720p with FSR Quality set to low. The developers suggest that to run the game at 1080p 60 FPS with low settings, you’ll need a Ryzen 7 3700X or Intel Core i7 10700K, along with either an RTX 2060 Super or Radeon RX 6600. For those aiming for 1440p on high settings, an RTX 3080 or Radeon RX 6800 is recommended.

    Other new titles that have either launched this week or are already available on GeForce Now include The Precinct, Blacksmith Master, Capcom Fighting Collection 2, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

    Nvidia’s recent additions to its gaming library reflect a commitment to providing diverse options for gamers across multiple platforms.

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  • Nvidia Shield TV Update Adds 120 FPS Support

    Nvidia Shield TV Update Adds 120 FPS Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia has updated Shield TV software to support 120 FPS gaming and various bug fixes, despite no hardware updates in five years.
    2. The Shield Experience Upgrade 9.2.1 allows GeForce Now Ultimate members to play games at 120 FPS up to 1080p, with 4K streaming available at 60 FPS.
    3. The update fixes issues like stuttering in Dolby Vision, USB TV Tuner problems, playback issues in PLEX, and improves third-party remote stability.
    4. The rollout of Upgrade 9.2.1 started on May 6, with users confirming receipt on Reddit.
    5. Nvidia offers free and paid membership options for GeForce Now, with Priority at $10 and Ultimate at $20 per month.


    Nvidia has recently enhanced its software for the older Shield TV, introducing support for 120 FPS gaming along with various bug fixes. Although the hardware hasn’t seen any updates in five years, Nvidia continues to roll out software improvements, indicating that a solid number of users are still engaging with the platform for game streaming. The specifics of this update were shared on the Nvidia forum.

    Upgrade Features

    Building on the Shield Experience Upgrade 9.2 released in February, Upgrade 9.2.1 enables GeForce Now Ultimate members to enjoy their favorite games at 120 FPS with a resolution that can reach up to 1080p. For those who favor a higher resolution, streaming at 4K is still available, but limited to 60 FPS. In addition to boosting FPS, this latest update addresses several issues, such as stuttering in Dolby Vision content, fixing the USB TV Tuner for the Live Channel app, resolving playback problems in PLEX with AAC 5.1, and ensuring stable connections with third-party remotes, among others.

    Update Rollout

    The Shield Experience Upgrade 9.2.1 began its rollout on May 6, and users on the streaming platform have been confirming receipt of the update on Reddit.

    The Nvidia Shield serves as a streaming device that enables users to access a variety of content, including games via GeForce Now Cloud Gaming. It’s an excellent option for those who do not possess a gaming console or a PC, as all the processing occurs “in the cloud” and is streamed directly to the user’s display. Nvidia provides two versions: the Shield TV and the Shield TV Pro. The main differences lie in the RAM (2 GB vs. 3 GB), the AI-enhanced upscaling capabilities (4K 30 FPS vs. 4K 60 FPS), and storage (8 GB for the standard model vs. 16 GB for the Pro).

    Pricing Options

    There are both free and paid tiers available, with the GeForce Now Priority membership costing $10 and the GeForce Now Ultimate membership priced at $20 per month.

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  • Fortnite Cloud Gaming Might Face Time Limits on xCloud

    Fortnite Cloud Gaming Might Face Time Limits on xCloud

    Key Takeaways

    1. xCloud may introduce gameplay time limits for Fortnite to reduce server overload and wait times for users.
    2. Data miners at Better xCloud have discovered files suggesting potential restrictions on session durations for free users.
    3. The timing and implementation of Fortnite limits on xCloud remain uncertain, with other free-to-play games possibly affected as well.
    4. Fortnite’s popularity persists, aided by its availability on various platforms and services like xCloud, which enhances accessibility.
    5. Cloud gaming platforms, including GeForce Now, face bandwidth challenges that can lead to wait times, prompting mixed reactions from players.


    Many cloud gaming platforms typically do not impose limits on gameplay time, even for popular games. This can sometimes overload servers and result in longer wait times for users. To combat these issues, xCloud might soon introduce restrictions on Fortnite cloud gaming. Resourceful data miners at Better xCloud have uncovered files suggesting that free users could face limited session durations.

    Uncertain Future for Fortnite Limits

    It remains unclear when or if these Fortnite restrictions will come into play for xCloud users. Nevertheless, Better xCloud, which enhances streaming quality, has been the source of various leaks in the past. Recently, they revealed files that refer to an Xbox Sebile controller currently under development. This time, the code mentions aspects like priority queue access, session duration, and session minutes. Other free-to-play games could also be impacted by these upcoming rules.

    Fortnite’s Ongoing Popularity

    Since its launch in 2017, Fortnite has continued to capture the attention of both professional and casual gamers. Part of what keeps the game thriving is its broad availability across different platforms. Cloud gaming services like xCloud further enhance Fortnite’s accessibility. Nonetheless, some players quickly point fingers at the game when wait times in other titles increase.

    A subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is required to stream many games on xCloud. However, there are exceptions for some free-to-play games like Fortnite, allowing gamers to experience the battle royale sensation on devices with compatible browsers.

    Bandwidth Challenges

    Even the best cloud gaming options face challenges with limited bandwidth and server capabilities. Despite having expensive subscription plans, GeForce Now users might still run into wait times. Nvidia faced criticism when it announced a monthly cap of 100 hours of gameplay. Existing subscribers received a temporary relief when these restrictions were postponed until 2026. Fortnite can also be played on smartphones and Smart TVs with GeForce Now.

    Players who are streaming Fortnite across several devices are not happy about this news. On the flip side, some Reddit users view the playtime limitations as a beneficial change for xCloud.

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  • Avowed Not Available on Xbox Cloud Gaming for Early Access Players

    Avowed Not Available on Xbox Cloud Gaming for Early Access Players

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers cloud gaming, allowing subscribers to play Game Pass games on various devices but has restrictions for expensive early-access games like Avowed.
    2. The Avowed Premium Edition provides early access starting February 13th, while the Standard Edition will be available on Game Pass after the official release on February 18th.
    3. Cloud gaming support for Avowed is lacking, limiting play to Xbox and PC during early access, despite Microsoft’s ownership of Obsidian since 2018.
    4. Nvidia’s GeForce Now offers better cloud gaming options, allowing players to explore Avowed on compatible devices, though many tiers are currently unavailable due to payment processor changes.
    5. Initial reception of Avowed has been mixed, with some gameplay aspects criticized, but it will soon reach a larger audience on February 18th.


    One significant advantage of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is its cloud gaming capability. Subscribers have the ability to play Game Pass games on different devices and can also stream their own games. However, they often face restrictions when it comes to accessing expensive early-access games. This applies to Obsidian’s action RPG Avowed, which means that those wanting to play via the cloud will need to explore other options.

    Early Access Details

    The Avowed Premium Edition opens up an early access phase that started on February 13th. This version is available on several platforms, such as the Xbox Store, Steam, and Battle.net. The Standard Edition is included in Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate but will not be available until the official release date of Avowed, which is February 18th. Players can choose to upgrade to the Premium Edition for an additional cost, but they shouldn’t count on being able to stream the game on devices like smart TVs, browsers, or smartphones.

    Compatibility Concerns

    It’s quite odd that cloud gaming support is missing, especially since Microsoft bought Obsidian Entertainment back in 2018. Currently, the game is limited to Xbox and PC, although a release for PS5 in the future is not out of the question. Given the additional expenses involved, it’s frustrating for gamers to be stuck using their PCs or Xbox consoles during the early access time frame.

    Cloud gaming is becoming an attractive method to enjoy highly anticipated games from anywhere as streaming quality and variety get better. Nvidia’s GeForce Now leads in game streaming options, allowing users to utilize powerful gaming setups. Unlike Microsoft’s service, players of Avowed can freely explore Eora on compatible GeForce Now devices. Unfortunately, many tiers of GeForce Now are currently unavailable due to Nvidia’s changes in payment processors.

    Reception and Expectations

    In terms of its initial reception, Avowed hasn’t reached the high standards established by Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity. NBC’s review noted that some gameplay aspects feel superficial, which detracts from the engaging narrative. However, the game is set to face a much wider audience on February 18th, including those who play via Xbox Cloud.

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  • VR Headsets Vision Pro, Meta Quest, Pico 4 Support 2,000 Games

    VR Headsets Vision Pro, Meta Quest, Pico 4 Support 2,000 Games

    The Vision Pro is a high-priced set of AR glasses that showcase impressive technology, yet they haven’t been a significant market hit for Apple so far. This might also be because they lack compatibility with some software and video games.

    New Compatibility Options

    However, things have improved slightly as the GeForce Now app now supports the Apple Vision Pro along with other VR and AR headsets, offering users access to over 2,000 game titles. It’s worth noting that to play games on GeForce Now, a gamepad controller is necessary (you can find a list of recommended controllers here). Both Xbox and Sony DualShock 4 controllers are compatible. On their support page, Nvidia outlines the required internet speeds: for 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, a connection speed of 40 MBps is needed, while 25 MBps is adequate for Full HD resolution.

    Gaming Limitations

    The gesture controls on the Apple Vision Pro aren’t available for gaming, and using a mouse and keyboard is only somewhat possible – not during gameplay and only when using the app itself. The latest version of the GeForce Now app also works with Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S, Pico 4, and Pico 4 Ultra. Users should remember that not every game has been specifically modified for VR, meaning that in some cases, the VR headsets act merely as a display. While this can still create an engaging VR-like experience thanks to the large screen size, it lacks true VR features like head tracking.

    Conclusion

    Nvidia’s efforts to expand compatibility with the Apple Vision Pro and other headsets may help enhance the user experience, though the limitations regarding gesture controls and the necessity of a gamepad may hinder the overall gaming experience. As the technology continues to evolve, it’s uncertain how the gaming landscape will shift with AR and VR integration.

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  • Nvidia Introduces Hourly Caps for GeForce Now, Users Displeased

    Nvidia Introduces Hourly Caps for GeForce Now, Users Displeased

    Nvidia has revealed that it will limit the monthly gameplay on its game streaming platform, GeForce Now. The Priority membership plan has been rebranded to Performance, which offers 1440p streaming at a cost of $9.99 (€9.26 or £7.71) each month. The Ultimate plan enables streaming up to 4K resolution for $19.99 (€18.53 or £15.42) monthly.

    New Limitations on Playtime

    The most drastic change is the implementation of monthly playtime limits. Users on the Performance plan will have a maximum of 6 hours per session, while those on the Ultimate plan will be allowed 8 hours. No matter which plan you choose, there is a total cap of 100 hours of usage per month.

    Nvidia has decided that users can roll over up to 15 unused hours to the next month, but session caps will still apply. If you surpass the maximum time allowed in a session, you will need to purchase additional hours to keep playing. For the Performance plan, 15 hours of extra playtime costs $2.99 (€2.78 or £2.31), while Ultimate plan subscribers will pay $5.99 (€5.56 or £4.62) for the same amount.

    A Small Comfort for Members

    On a brighter note, anyone who is an active paid member as of December 31, 2024, will receive unlimited playtime for one full year until January 2026. Additionally, Nvidia Founders subscriptions will continue to offer unlimited playtime for life, provided that there is no gap in their membership.

    Nvidia stated, “This ample limit comfortably accommodates 94% of members, who typically enjoy the service well within this timeframe.”

    User Reactions and Gaming Habits

    As anticipated, the response from users has been largely negative, with many expressing their dissatisfaction on platforms like Reddit and X. Numerous players are urging Nvidia to rethink this decision and are willing to pay more to keep unlimited playtime available.

    A survey conducted by Statista, which questioned 10,106 individuals in the U.S., revealed that 28% reported spending about 1 to 5 hours daily on gaming, 17% said they spend between 6 to 10 hours, and 10% claimed to play for 11 to 15 hours.

    Game Lengths and Playtime Concerns

    From howlongtobeat.com, the campaign length for the newly launched Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is approximately eight hours, extending to eleven hours for those aiming to complete everything. Multiplayer modes can further increase this time.

    Silent Hill 2 requires about fifteen and a half hours to complete, while Baldur’s Gate 3 can take up to sixty-eight hours just for the main storyline. Elden Ring may take sixty hours or more to finish.

    Even disregarding the average gameplay durations, the notion of having to limit playtime per session is not appealing for any gaming service. Players should be able to immerse themselves in the game, not constantly checking the clock to monitor their remaining time.

    Nvidia, Reddit, Statista, howlongtobeat.com

  • GeForce Now Play Button Appears on Select Xbox Store Games

    GeForce Now Play Button Appears on Select Xbox Store Games

    Sharp-eyed gamers have noticed an intriguing update on the Xbox store. Foreign media outlet Gamerant has identified a “Play with GeForce Now” button appearing for specific games such as “Resident Evil 8: Village” and “Street Fighter 6.”

    Potential Microsoft and Nvidia Collaboration

    This discovery has led to speculation that Microsoft may be planning to integrate cloud gaming services directly into the Xbox ecosystem. GeForce Now, NVIDIA’s cloud gaming platform, might enable Xbox players to access these games without downloading them.

    Earlier this month, ten new titles were added to the GeForce Now library, including “Resident Evil 8: Village” and “Street Fighter 6.” The appearance of the “Play with GeForce Now” button for these games further suggests an official announcement from Microsoft might be forthcoming.

    Future Announcements

    Although the exact timeline is still unknown, it’s anticipated that Microsoft will formally announce Xbox’s support for cloud gaming services in the coming months. It remains uncertain whether this integration will include offering GeForce Now within the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (XGPU) subscription.

  • NVIDIA Cloud G-SYNC Technology Enhances Cloud Gaming Experience

    NVIDIA Cloud G-SYNC Technology Enhances Cloud Gaming Experience

    NVIDIA recently introduced its Cloud G-SYNC technology designed to enhance the gaming experience for users of GeForce NOW. This feature is exclusive to GeForce NOW RTX 4080 SuperPOD instances under the Ultimate subscription tier. Cloud G-SYNC works by synchronizing display refresh rates with cloud gaming streams to reduce screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in smoother gameplay. Moreover, it incorporates Reflex technology to minimize latency in cloud gaming environments.

    Compatibility and Usage Requirements

    To make use of Cloud G-SYNC, users need display equipment with a refresh rate exceeding 60Hz and support for variable refresh rate (VRR) technologies like Nvidia G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync, or Apple’s ProMotion. It's important to note that Cloud G-SYNC is accessible solely through native GeForce NOW applications and is not compatible with browsers, mobile devices, or TV clients.

    System Requirements

    For Windows systems, a minimum necessity is NVIDIA Turing architecture graphics cards (GTX 16 or RTX 20 series), with no support for Intel or AMD GPUs. On macOS, the application supports all Apple Silicon models and certain Intel-based Mac models, including specific MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac Pro configurations.

    It's crucial to have at least the R545 driver version installed on systems with GeForce to enable Cloud G-SYNC functionality. However, NVIDIA specifies that multiple monitors are not compatible with this feature on Windows. Alongside the launch of Cloud G-SYNC, NVIDIA has introduced the GeForce NOW cloud game day pass. This pass comes in Priority and Ultimate versions priced at $3.99 and $7.99, respectively, offering 6 or 8 hours of gaming at the corresponding tier. These passes cater to users who temporarily step away from their computers or are interested in exploring cloud gaming options.