The recently launched GeForce Now app for Steam Deck can be a dealbreaker for many if they don't mind spending $20 a month on a massive visual upgrade.
Steam Deck Reportedly Runs for 7–8 Hours With GeForce Now While Delivering Staggering Visuals in Intensive Titles
Cloud gaming isn't very popular despite offering a premium experience, but it looks like with the launch of the GeForce Now native app for the Steam Deck, things are seemingly turning in its favor. While we still need more data and user feedback to conclude whether cloud gaming through GeForce Now is worth paying for on Steam Deck, the initial impressions seem to be positive.
Of course, GeForce Now can't replicate everything you can achieve on your own custom high-end gaming rig, but remember that no gaming handheld can currently match a high-end GPU. The GeForce Now's Ultimate membership allows you to leverage the RTX 4080's prowess and premium features like DLSS 4.0 and Ray Tracing, which by default can't be accessed by Deck's configuration. Moreover, this helps the Deck run for up to 8 hours, which is impossible when running games on Decks' own hardware.
As tested by The Verge, the Steam Deck with GeForce Now Ultimate membership offers several times a better gaming experience than you could possibly have on the device's original hardware. One of the best examples is the striking difference in the visuals of Expedition 33. Of course, you will be seeing such differences in other titles as well. Even though the GeForce Now library doesn't include every latest title, it still has plenty if you want to try some with better graphics.
On the flip side, paying $20 a month to play your own library may not seem logical at first, but it's something that wasn't even possible previously, unless you had Windows or macOS on your device. The thing is, it's all about accessibility and if you have an excellent internet connection and an NVIDIA server nearby for low pings, the Steam Deck can be an ideal gaming device inside your home. This is especially true when we consider GeForce Now's capability of supporting streaming on a 4K display, which isn't possible via the Steam Deck Dock's native configuration.
At the end of the day, using GeForce Now for cloud gaming on Steam Deck is all about versatility and not necessarily a cost-effective solution. Cloud gaming can be done even on cheap solutions like Chromebooks, which offer much bigger displays than handheld consoles, but the native GeForce App on Steam Deck does open up the possibility to scale the gaming experience drastically.
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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