--------------------------------------------------------

Fitness app development is revolutionizing the way we approach cloud gaming. With the rise of GeForce NOW native on Steam Deck and Linux, gamers can now enjoy seamless PC gaming experiences without the need for high-end hardware. In this article, we'll explore how to install, optimize performance, and unlock the full potential of GeForce NOW on Steam Deck.

--------------------------------------------------------

GeForce NOW: The Future of Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming wasn't much of a thing when I first had a private meeting with an Nvidia rep. Fast forward to today, and I can say that I haven't touched a high-end gaming PC for over a year, and I don't miss it. Sure, I'm lucky to have a PlayStation 5, a Steam Deck, and a few other handhelds, but the fact that I can enjoy PC gaming at 4K 120 FPS with the press of a button, assuming the internet is fast enough, still amazes me.

The new native GeForce NOW app has changed everything. With its "Adaptive Sync" feature, you can enjoy games capped at 90 FPS on the OLED's native 90 Hz screen. What's more, Nvidia avoids overhyping its service on Valve's handheld: Official marketing only mentions battery savings of around 50 percent. In reality, I experienced playtimes reaching close to six or seven hours while gaming in the cloud.

Setup and Optimization

To get started with GeForce NOW on Steam Deck, follow these steps:

  1. In Game Mode, press the STEAM button, choose Power, and Switch to Desktop.
  2. Open a web browser (which in most cases will be Firefox) and head to: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce-now/download
  3. Once downloaded, close the web browser, open Dolphin, and head into the Downloads directory.
  4. Copy “GeForceNOWSetup” to your Steam Deck's Desktop, then run it from there by double-clicking on it.
  5. Once the automated setup process finishes, you can Return to Gaming Mode via the Desktop's shortcut.

To get the most out of GFN on Deck, we need to apply a handful of tweaks:

  1. Decide on a target framerate. While pushing past 60 FPS is possible, it's not exactly set-and-forget, especially on a handheld that's constantly at the mercy of varying internet speeds and connection stability.
  2. Set the Resolution to either 1280x800 (16:10) or 1920x1200 (16:10), with the latter offering a sharper overall image.
  3. As for the Frame rate, either pick 60 or 120 FPS, depending on your connection. Keep in mind: 60FPS tends to be more stable.
  4. Change Max bit rate from Auto to Custom and add 5 Mbps to the pre-applied baseline, so at e.g. 800p at 60 FPS, I suggest 25 Mbps.
  5. Leave VSync at Adaptive and enable HDR, if you like. Important: The stream tends to end up a bit darker with HDR enabled.
  6. For Color precision on an OLED Deck, pick 10-bit and leave Adjust for poor network conditions off, if your bandwidth permits.

By following these steps and tweaks, you'll be able to unlock the full potential of GeForce NOW on Steam Deck and enjoy seamless cloud gaming experiences.