- SuperPODs with RTX 5080s begin rolling out to Ultimate subscribers in the US and Europe.
- New profiles: 5K/120, 4K/120, 1440p/240 and up to 1080p/360 with DLSS 4, AV1 and 4:4:4 10-bit color.
- Install-to-Play doubles your cloud library to ~4.500 titles with expandable storage starting at 100GB.
- Dedicated sessions of up to 8 hours, lower latency with Reflex, and continuous deployment every GFN Thursday.
Nvidia's cloud gaming platform flexes its muscles with the arrival of RTX 5080 to GeForce NOW, a hardware leap that brings with it improvements in image, response, and compatibility designed for gaming at high levels of demand on virtually any device.
The deployment introduces the Blackwell-based SuperPODs, support for DLSS 4 with Multi-Frame Generation, AV1 encoding and a new cinematic quality mode, in addition to the function Install-to-Play which significantly expands the catalog available in the cloud.
What the RTX 5080 brings to GeForce NOW
With this upgrade, Ultimate members get access to dedicated hardware per session, with performance that Nvidia equates to a notable leap compared to the previous RTX 4080, and which in marketing is compared to several new generation consoles combined. The session is still up to 8h, after which you just need to reconnect to continue playing.
The platform enables key technologies such as NVIDIA SLR to cut response time, G-Sync compatibility, and a more efficient transmission channel thanks to AV1, designed to support high resolutions and refresh rates with lower bitrates.
For gamers, the practical feeling is to bring the high-end PC experience closer to the cloud, with preferential access to resources and less waiting for games to start, install, and load, which now feel faster.
In addition, the interface offers a telemetry panel with FPS, ping, and network usage metrics to check in real time how each session performs, useful for adjusting streaming quality if necessary.
Streaming modes, resolutions and requirements
There are five quality profiles designed for different scenarios: Cinematic (maximum fidelity with 4K/5K, 10-bit and YUV 4:4:4 color), Competition (priority response and high rates), Balanced, Data saving y Personalized to adjust each parameter in detail.
Depending on your screen and connection, you can choose 5K to 120 FPS as a ceiling, 4K/120 for home theater, or competitive modes up to 1080p/360Hz y 1440p/240Hz with reduced latency. Automatic screen detection helps you choose the most suitable settings.
In terms of connectivity, the codec AV1 It allows for higher quality with lower data usage. Modest connections are sufficient for 1080p, while high-speed 4K/5K are recommended. between 75 and 100 Mbps stable, preferably wired or Wi‑Fi 6/6E.
If the priority is the response, it is advisable to prioritize light resolutions and high rates to minimize input lag, as well as checking ping to the nearest data center before playing.
Catalog and Install-to-Play
GeForce NOW features a wide native library and, with Install-to-Play, totals around 2.300 additional titles installable on servers, bringing the total to around 4.500 gamesEvery week, new additions arrive to the GFN Thursday classics.
The installation is done against your cloud storage: memberships Performance and Ultimate include 100 GB, and it is possible to expand with monthly plans (for example, 500GB for €4,99 o 1 TB for €7,99). This replicates the experience of a local PC, but from Nvidia's data centers.
To play with your library, simply link Steam, Epic, Ubisoft, Xbox PC Game Pass, GOG.com or EA. Not all games on your account will be available, but the number is growing and the list of RTX 5080-optimized games is continually updated.
The most demanding titles benefit from DLSS-4 and ray tracing, so new and future franchises are ready to take advantage of the new cloud performance ceiling.
Servers and availability
Nvidia has begun deployment in centers such as San Jose, Los Angeles, Chicago, Newark, Frankfurt, and Paris, with new regions gradually becoming available. In Europe, users often see options like “France 1” and “Germany” in the server selector.
Choose the location with lower ping This is key to a good experience, especially in competitive games. The app itself provides a network test and suggests the best available hub at that time.
As the RTX 5080 SuperPODs are expanded, session availability and waiting times tend to decrease, something that is noticeable during peak hours and weekends.
It is advisable to review the deployment map and the weekly notes of “GFN Thursday” to know what regions and games are activated every week.
Tests, latency and network consumption
In ideal environments, Nvidia aims for very low latencies in esports, with figures that can drop below 30 msIn independent tests with higher pings, we've seen values around 90ms at competitive 1080p and above 100ms at 4K, depending on the title and connection.
The step to 1440p/240 Hz or 1080p/360Hz It helps improve response, as long as the monitor supports it. A good router and wired connection make a clear difference compared to a saturated Wi-Fi connection.
Regarding bandwidth, typical measurements place 1080p around 34 Mbps, 4K/60 at ~47 Mbps and 1440p/60 at ~49 Mbps, varying by scene and game. With AV1, image stability improves without increasing the bitrate.
To fine-tune, it is advisable to aim at ping below 25-30 ms, use high-frequency displays, and adjust the streaming quality from the available profiles depending on the type of game you're going to enjoy.
Prices and subscription levels
GeForce NOW maintains three levels: Free (short sessions and basic 1080p), Priority/Performance (preferential access and up to 1440p/60) and Ultimate (RTX 5080 hardware, up to 5K/120, 4K/120 and competitive modes), with sessions of up to 8 hours.
Prices vary by region: the plan Ultimate is around €21,99 per month in Europe and the $ 19,99 In the US, with semi-annual or annual payment options to save money. Games are purchased from participating stores, just like on a traditional PC.
Occasionally, Nvidia releases associated promotions to annual subscriptions or to featured releases, so it is worth keeping an eye on current campaigns.
For users who do not want to invest in a high-end PC, the cost/performance ratio of the Ultimate plan is particularly competitive, especially if you play on multiple screens or on the go.
Compatibility and devices
El Service works on PC, Mac, Linux, Chromebooks, mobile phones and tablets, in addition to compatible LG TVs (up to 4K/120). On laptops and portable consoles such as Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go natively enable high frequencies.
Integration with Steam, Epic Games, Ubisoft Connect, GOG.com, EA and Xbox PC Game Pass simplifies access to your libraries. In free-to-play games like Fortnite or Apex, entry is instant.
With Cinematic mode, content shines thanks to the 10-bit color depth and 4:4:4 subsampling, useful for crisp interfaces and reading text at high resolutions.
For those who prioritize performance, competitive modes balance quality and latency, offering more direct control in fast-paced shooters and multiplayer titles.
With the adoption of RTX 5080GeForce NOW takes a generational leap forward in the cloud: more power, better visuals, and a larger library thanks to Install-to-Play. The final experience will depend, as always, on the connection and server ping, but the service's technical ceiling has risen significantly.
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