GeForce Now Cloud Gaming Service Begins Beta Tests on PC

Nvidia’s cloud gaming service, GeForce Now, is ready for open beta testing, and PC users can download the free software now to try it out. The software targets running applications up to 120 FPS, and currently supports more than 160 games at the maximum visual settings.

Design to run on systems running at least an Intel Core i3 CPU at 3.1GHz, with 4GB of RAM, and a DX9 GPU, GeForce Now will allow players to stream high-end games on their low-end computers, so long as they have a stable internet connection with at least 25Mbps down. However, Nvidia does recommend having at least a 50Mbps or higher connect, and you’ll need to have either a hardwired connection, or a 5GHz wireless router.

On top of offering PC support, Mac users can also dive into their PC libraries thanks to Nvidia’s unique cloud gaming service, offering Mac users a chance to finally play some of the PC’s greatest and most demanding titles.

According to Nvidia, “All patching, game configuring and driver updating is handled automatically by the GeForce Now infrastructure, and the games take just 30 seconds to install. In addition, save games achievements, and other settings are automatically synchronized with digital game platforms, enabling you to instantly pick up from where you left off.”

Right now the cloud gaming service supports games from both Steam and Uplay with titles like Call of Duty: WWII, Hearthstone, Middle-earth: Shadow of War, PUBG, Rainbow Six Siege, Stardew Valley, and Wolfenstein 2 taking center stage. You can check out the full list of every game on GeForce Now to find out what’s available. Also, as a note, keyboards, mice, and controllers should all work as they normally would, so just plug and play.

The industry has seen quite a few cloud gaming giants fall in the past—services like Gaikai and OnLive—and Nvidia has a lot of challenges ahead if they really want to make GeForce Now the go-to streaming service for PC gaming. It will be interesting to see how they face these challenges, and we’re excited to see what kind of improvements their access to high-end tech will bring to this side of the industry. To sign up for the beta, head over to the Nvidia website and put your name on the list.