Handheld Gaming Revolution: Nvidia GeForce Now on Steam Deck Delivers Exceptional AAA PC Game Performance
Let's Talk Steam Deck and GeForce Now
Despite my love for the Steam Deck as my top gaming pal, its limitations will eventually become more evident. Although it's still budget-friendly among its peers, you'll find it struggling with graphically demanding titles like Doom: The Dark Ages. This is where Nvidia's GeForce Now steps in to save the day, offering a stunning gaming experience on less-intensive titles straight from your couch.
GeForce Now Streaming on Steam Deck
Though you need a stable internet connection and a subscription, GeForce Now is an excellent option for playing graphics-heavy games on your Steam Deck. The pros of using GeForce Now include:
- Smooth framerates and low latency
- User interface that's a breeze to navigate via thumbsticks
- Games that look fantastic on the Steam Deck display
Cons include:
- Requires desktop mode to install
- Subscriptions can be pricey
- Service quality may vary based on location and internet speed
Performance is Key, But Not Everything
When it comes to portable gaming devices, performance isn't everything. While the Steam Deck shines with less-intensive titles, it still feels outdated at times. Even with games like Metaphor: Refantazio, I encountered sluggish performance in open areas.
The Arrival of GeForce Now on Steam Deck
Nvidia earlier announced that they would develop a dedicated GeForce Now app for devices like the Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro, and Steam Deck. They granted me early access to the app before its launch, and it's been a seamless experience I find hard to leave behind. Razer Cortex for Windows PC-to-handheld streaming was already impressive, but GeForce Now takes streaming simplicity to the next level on a SteamOS handheld.
However, Nvidia couldn't confirm if the app will work on the upcoming Lenovo Legion Go S running SteamOS. Given the Legion Go S's 1200p resolution, it's plausible that Nvidia will offer support for this device in the future.
Playing Steam Deck with GeForce Now: A Game-Changer
Previously, using GeForce Now on the Steam Deck required running the streaming service through a browser and setting custom controls. The SteamOS offers a console-like experience on handhelds, but installing GeForce Now required more hassle than simply searching the Steam Store.
The new app lets you download and install it on your device, with the app then appearing on the Steam Deck menu's "Non-Steam" folder. Streaming with the app significantly boosts battery life. While normally, I can barely squeeze two hours out of a 3D game on my Steam Deck, I managed to play for around four to five hours before needing a recharge.
Browser-Based Limitations vs. the Dedicated App
The browser-based app has several limitations, such as capping the display resolution to 1440p. The Steam Deck app supports 4K resolutions, a max of 60 fps for Ultimate subscribers, and HDR10 and Nvidia Reflex. Unfortunately, reaching the elusive 120 fps on the PC app is still out of reach for the handheld version due to a 60 fps ceiling.
Nvidia is considering bumping the max fps to 90 to accommodate handheld devices, but for now, the 60 fps limit means it doesn't matter even if the game uses Nvidia's DLSS 4 AI upscaling. On the latest Steam Deck's OLED display, there's no noticeable distortion while using the app compared to the browser-based version.
Why GeForce Now Matters for Steam Deck
Steam Decks are designed for playing your Steam library, but they aren't limited to it. With GeForce Now, you can access your entire gaming library across various platforms with ease. Xbox recently started enabling users to stream their games through GeForce Now rather than Microsoft's own servers, providing a stable gaming experience on the Steam Deck.
GeForce Now on the Big Screen
The app also turns your Steam Deck into a more potent handheld when combined with a 4K display. Unlike the mobile app, the Steam Deck version includes options for resolutions above 1440p, but it requires at least 45 Mbps internet speeds to maintain the max 60 fps.
While it may not match the capabilities of a PC or even an Nvidia Shield streaming box, the Steam Deck in docked mode still offers a superior experience to native SteamOS support on the Legion Go S SteamOS, which primarily focuses on improving native AAA gaming performance rather than cloud gaming services like GeForce Now.
- The new GeForce Now app, available on SteamOS devices like the Steam Deck, revolutionizes portable gaming by providing a seamless cloud gaming experience, supporting higher resolutions and offering improved performance on graphically demanding titles.
- As more gamers explore the potential of technology like the Steam Deck, the demand for services like GeForce Now increases, as it allows users to access their entire gaming library across various platforms with ease, bridging the gap between console and PC gaming.
- Reviews of the GeForce Now app on devices such as the Steam Deck highlight its superior battery life compared to the browser-based version, making it an attractive option for gamers looking to extend their playtime with less-intensive titles in the future.
