GeForce NOW game streaming upgrade: RTX 5080 GPUs, improved image quality

NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW game streaming service is about to get a serious upgrade in September with the introduction of RTX 5080 GPUs. This means that you’ll soon be able to stream games in stunning 5K resolution at up to 120 frames per second, or crank it up to 1080p for an ultra-smooth 320fps experience. The best part? The price for the GeForce Now Ultimate tier, which unlocks access to the RTX 5080 servers, will remain at $20 a month.

According to NVIDIA, these new RTX 5080 servers will offer a whopping 2.8 times boost in performance compared to the current RTX 4080 systems thanks to the new GPU’s 4X Frame Gen capabilities, which use AI modeling to interpolate frames. Games like Doom: The Dark Ages, Cyberpunk 2077, and Flight Simulator will be among the first supported titles, with more to come.

But it’s not just about raw power. NVIDIA is also addressing a common issue with game streaming – image quality. They’re introducing Cinematic Quality Streaming (CQS), which promises more accurate colors, smoother video streaming with the AV1 codec, and AI video filtering to reduce artifacts. Plus, CQS will automatically optimize its settings for your screen’s DPI, making sure you get the best possible experience.

GeForce NOW is also expanding its game library with a new feature called Install-to-Play games, allowing automatic installation to cloud storage servers. Subscribers at the Performance and Ultimate tiers will get 100GB of storage for free, with options to upgrade for more space at a small monthly fee. This, coupled with over 2,300 pre-installed games and more titles coming, makes GeForce NOW a compelling option for gamers looking to play the latest titles without the need for a high-end gaming rig.

And it’s not just about PC gaming anymore. NVIDIA is broadening its device support, with up to 90fps on the Steam Deck, 5K streaming on newer LG OLED monitors, and even a native GeForce NOW app for LG TVs that supports up to 4K 120Hz streams. Logitech racing wheels will also be supported for those who want a more immersive experience.

With all these improvements and a variety of pricing options, from a free ad-supported version to a $20 Ultimate tier for 4K and 5K gaming, GeForce NOW is making a strong case for cloud gaming. While it might not replace local gaming entirely, it’s certainly getting closer with the introduction of RTX 5080 GPUs and a host of new features. So why not give it a try and see if it’s the right fit for your gaming needs?