In a massive leap for cloud gaming, NVIDIA has unveiled what it calls GeForce NOW’s most important upgrade yet. The Ultimate tier is being revamped with RTX 5080-class GPU performance, powered by its new Blackwell architecture—ushering in levels of rendering, responsiveness, and versatility previously confined to high-end gaming rigs.
What’s Driving the Upgrade?
RTX 5080-Class GPU Power
The shift to RTX 5080-class GPUs delivers nearly three times the compute power compared to the older RTX 4080-based servers. Each instance now offers around 62 TFLOPS and 48 GB of frame buffer, thanks to advanced Blackwell GPU cores and beefier host systems equipped with Ryzen Zen 5 CPUs and improved networking. Expect streaming up to 5K at 120 FPS—a feat formerly only possible on premium desktops.
Smarter Graphics with AI
GeForce NOW now includes DLSS 4 with Multi-Frame Generation, enabling AI to interpolate additional frames and dramatically boost performance. Users also get Reflex streaming support, allowing ultra-low latency gameplay at 360 FPS in 1080p and sub‑30ms responsiveness.
Cinematic-Quality Streaming
A new graphical mode—Cinematic Quality Streaming (CQS)—elevates visual fidelity with enhancements like 4:4:4 chroma sampling, 10-bit HDR, AV1 encoding, AI video filters, and 100 Mb/s streaming. This ensures sharper visuals, cleaner motion, and better color—especially on text-heavy or high-detail scenes.
Game Access & Install-to-Play
NVIDIA is more than doubling its cloud library with the Install-to-Play feature. Users can now download supported Steam titles directly into cloud storage—simulating the feel of a local PC—and play over 4,500 titles instantly. The Ultimate plan includes 100 GB of per-session storage, while optional upgrades offer persistent storage up to 1 TB.
More Devices, Better Performance
Compatibility has ballooned:
- Steam Deck native app now runs at 90 FPS.
- Lenovo Legion Go S streams at 120 FPS handheld or 4K 120 Hz when docked.
- LG TVs stream 4K at 120 Hz, while LG monitors reach 5K at 120 Hz, no extra hardware needed.
- macOS users access the full RTX 5080 upgrade.
- Logitech racing wheels now supported with low latency.
Plus, integrations with companies like Comcast and Deutsche Telekom aim to reduce network latency further through technologies like L4S and packet pacing.
Smooth Launch—No Price Hike
The entire RTX 5080-powered upgrade rolls out starting September 2025, with no change in subscription fees:
- Ultimate tier stays at $19.99/month (or $199.99/year);
- Performance tier remains available at $9.99/month;
- Storage add-ons range from $2.99 to $7.99 depending on capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s new with GeForce NOW’s performance?
It now uses RTX 5080-class GPUs on Blackwell architecture hardware, offering nearly 3× more compute power and enabling cloud streaming at resolutions up to 5K and 120 FPS.
How has visual quality improved?
Features like DLSS 4, Cinematic Quality Streaming (HDR, 4:4:4 chroma, AI filters), and AV1 encoding deliver visuals rivaling local PC gaming.
What is Install-to-Play?
It allows users to install games in the cloud, doubling the game library and offering instant access to over 4,500 titles, with optional persistent storage.
Which devices see upgraded performance?
Support now spans Steam Deck (90 FPS), Lenovo Legion Go S (120 FPS handheld, 4K docked), LG TVs (4K 120 Hz), LG monitors (5K 120 Hz), and macOS—plus Logitech racing wheels with low-latency support.
How responsive is gameplay now?
With AI acceleration and network optimizations like Reflex, GeForce NOW offers click-to-photon latency as low as 30ms and up to 360 FPS in competitive modes.
Does this cost extra?
No. Ultimate and Performance tiers remain priced identically, with optional cloud storage available separately.
When is the upgrade available?
The launch begins in September 2025, with a global rollout, broader content access, and compatibility expanding through Q4 2025.
Conclusion
NVIDIA’s upgrade of GeForce NOW with RTX 5080-class GPUs represents a significant milestone in cloud gaming. By delivering desktop-level performance, enhanced visuals through AI-powered technologies, and expanded game and device support—all without raising prices—NVIDIA is making high-end gaming more accessible than ever. This evolution not only improves the gaming experience for current subscribers but also sets a new standard for what cloud gaming can achieve. As the rollout continues, gamers worldwide can look forward to faster, smoother, and more immersive gameplay on virtually any device.