NVIDIA's GeForce NOW rolls out a native Steam Deck application, enabling 4K cloud gaming and extended battery life for Valve's portable gaming device.
NVIDIA GeForce NOW Deploys Native App on Steam Deck for Seamless Cloud Gaming
In a development announced today, NVIDIA has launched a native app for its GeForce NOW cloud gaming service on the Steam Deck, Valve's popular handheld gaming device. This integration promises a more streamlined and seamless experience for users, providing access to a extensive library of games in up to 4K resolution at 60 FPS, with features like HDR10 support and DLSS4 upscaling for select titles.
The app, announced earlier this year at CES 2025, (originally scheduled for Steam Deck) enables users to run the service directly from "gaming mode" on SteamOS. Previously, users could access the service via a web browser on the Deck, but this native app offers a smoother and less complex setup process.
According to NVIDIA, the app should deliver performance comparable to an RTX 4080 GPU with an Ultimate subscription, with predictions of lower performance for the middle-grade Performance tier. Notably, while 4K gaming at 60 FPS is possible with the Steam Deck docked, NVIDIA is exploring the possibility of 90 FPS support in future releases.
The native app supports up to 2,200 games from Steam, Epic Games, Xbox, Ubisoft, and Battle.net, with over 180 PC Game Pass titles. This means that users can access a wide array of games, even graphically demanding AAA titles, on their handheld devices without worrying about storage space, streaming textures, or game updates.
Installation and Optimization
To install the GeForce NOW app on a Steam Deck, follow these steps:
- Switch to Desktop Mode on Steam Deck
- Press the Steam button.
- Navigate to Power.
- Select Switch to Desktop.
- Download the GeForce NOW Installer
- Open the web browser available in Desktop Mode.
- Visit the official NVIDIA GeForce NOW download page: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce-now/download
- Scroll down to find the download option specifically for the Steam Deck under the "Gaming Handheld Devices" section.
- Download the installer file (e.g., ) to your Steam Deck’s Downloads folder.
- Run the Installer
- Open the file manager (Dolphin) in Desktop Mode.
- Navigate to the Downloads folder (or wherever you saved the installer).
- Double-click the file to launch the installer.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process, which typically takes 2 to 3 minutes.
- Return to Gaming Mode
- After installation is complete, close the installer window.
- Use the Desktop shortcut or the Steam button > Power > Switch to Gaming Mode to return to the Steam Deck’s gaming interface.
- Access GeForce NOW in Steam Library
- In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button.
- Navigate to your Library.
- Find the GeForce NOW app under the Non-Steam games tab.
- Launch the app and log in with your NVIDIA account to start streaming games.
For optimal performance, users may consider adjusting settings within the app and the Steam Deck to suit their preferences and improve the overall streaming quality and controls.
A New Dimension for Handheld Gaming
NVIDIA GeForce NOW has gained popularity as a powerful cloud gaming service that significantly outperforms other platforms, such as Xbox's cloud gaming service. The native app's launch on the Steam Deck gives users access to a wider range of graphically intensive games on their handheld devices, helping to extend the device’s battery life and push the boundaries of what was previously thought possible with cloud gaming on a handheld.
This development has reinvigorated the Steam Deck experience for many users, offering a solution to the frustrations of native performance limitations for demanding games. By bridging the gap between what the Deck can handle natively and what users desire to play, NVIDIA GeForce NOW has become an invaluable tool for Steam Deck owners wanting to expand their gaming horizons.
As always, quality cloud gaming experiences hinge on a stable, low-latency internet connection. If your ISP throttles speeds or you have high latency, cloud gaming may not provide a smooth experience. Users should check their internet performance before diving in to ensure the best possible gaming experience.
If you already own a Steam Deck and are eager to boost your gaming possibilities, NVIDIA GeForce NOW is a worthwhile consideration. With the current 40% off Summer Sale running, now is an ideal time to explore this new dimension for handheld gaming.
NVIDIA GeForce NOW Performance Membership (6 months):was $49.99 now $29.99 at nvidia.comNVIDIA GeForce NOW offers an alternative to expensive gaming PCs by providing users with access to high-end gaming performance for their owned games through the cloud. The service supports libraries from Steam, Epic Games, Ubisoft, and Xbox, including Game Pass titles.
Perfect for: Gamers seeking high-end performance without investing in a gaming PC, with a collection of games already obtained from Steam, Xbox, and other compatible services.
Avoid if: Your ISP throttles speeds or you have high latency, cloud gaming may not offer a smooth experience for you.
👉See at: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce-now/
Return period: If you are dissatisfied with the service, you can cancel your subscription at any time. However, the cancellation will take effect at the end of your current billing cycle, and no refunds will be issued for the remaining period.
- For a seamless experience on desktop devices, consider updating your Windows, laptops, or PC operating systems to support the latest features for optimized performance with NVIDIA's GeForce NOW.
- With the introduction of the native app, Microsoft might consider integrating GeForce NOW into the Xbox platform, providing a direct link for users to access games on their Xbox consoles, as well as taking advantage of the service's DLSS upscaling on supported titles.
- As more innovative partnerships and technological advancements arise, gadget enthusiasts can look forward to broader implementation of NVIDIA's GeForce NOW, allowing cloud gaming to seamlessly extend across various platforms, including desktop computers, laptops, gaming consoles, and even mobile devices.
- For those who are ardent supporters of open-source hardware and software, a potential collaboration between Valve and NVIDIA on the Steam Deck may bring about the development of a port of the GeForce NOW app for Linux-based hardware, creating an alternative solution for cloud gaming that caters to the lower-end specifications of various Linux distributions.
- In addition, the implementation of GeForce NOW on the Steam Deck could serve as a stepping stone for the integration of the service with other popular handheld gaming devices, further expanding the reach of cloud gaming and enabling gamers to play games from diverse platforms, such as Nintendo Switch, Sony PSP, and even older retro consoles.
