Nvidia’s cloud gaming service allows Mac users to play PC games. Rather than running the games on a local device, GeForce Now servers do the hard work and stream the video to players.
The service came out of a long, long beta today, and is available now for $4.99 a month. And there’s a free option.
No PC required
PC games are notorious for requiring high-end hardware, but not GeForce Now. It supports on lower-end computers and even Android phones.
And macOS computers are supported too. “That Mac, which for years has seen fewer games published for it or lost compatibility, can now play the latest games,” promises Nvidia.
Chrome support is coming too.
Nvidia GeForce Now operates in the cloud
GeForce Now offers keyboard and mouse gaming, as well as optimizations for game controllers. It connects to servers in N. America and Europe. Not coincidently, only people in those regions can sign up for this service today.
This platform operates similarly to Google Stadia and Microsoft xCloud, competing cloud-based gaming services. But there are a few notable differences. Unlike its rivals Nvidia chose to not release a client for iPhone and iPad. But GeForce Now does have a big advantage: at just $4.99 a month, it’s half the cost of Google’s offering.
Play Steam games
Nvidia promises “With GeForce Now, you can keep playing the games you already own and continue building libraries from the same stores you already use every day. “
Unlike Apple Arcade, GeForce Now doesn’t come with a large collection of games. “You must already own or purchase titles to play them,” notes Nvidia.
On the other side of the coin, it also doesn’t require users to rebuy their games. It connects to digital PC game stores — especially Steam — to supply them.
Paid or free options
A free membership provides one-hour sessions with standard access to GeForce Now servers. There’s no limit to the number of sessions someone can play.
The $4.99 gets longer sessions, priority access, and access to RTX ray tracing.
Expect a Cult of Mac review of GeForce Now in the very near future.
Source: Nvidia
