NVIDIA’s RTX 5080‑Powered GeForce Now Sets New Cloud‑Gaming Benchmark
Key Points
- GeForce Now now runs on RTX 5080‑class GPUs with 48 GB VRAM.
- Tested titles achieved 4K at 170 fps (Cyberpunk 2077) and 360 fps (Overwatch 2).
- Subscription tiers: $10 Performance plan (1440p/60 fps) and $20 Ultimate plan (full RTX 5080 power).
- New features include 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, AI video filters, and AV1 encoding.
- Maximum bitrate of 100 Mbps can use up to 45 GB per hour of streaming.
- Library exceeds 4,000 recent games but does not cover every PC title.
- High bandwidth demand requires robust, uncapped internet connections.
NVIDIA’s GeForce Now service now runs on RTX 5080‑class GPUs, delivering 4K gaming at high frame rates with DLSS and AI‑enhanced video quality. Testers reported performance comparable to high‑end desktop rigs, while subscription plans range from a $10 Performance tier to a $20 Ultimate tier that unlocks the top‑end hardware. The service offers advanced features such as 5K/120 fps support, 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, AI video filters, and AV1 encoding. However, the high bandwidth demand—up to 100 Mbps—poses a challenge for users with limited internet capacity.
Performance Breakthrough
NVIDIA’s latest GeForce Now servers are equipped with RTX 5080‑class GPUs, which the reviewer described as delivering a gaming experience that was “indistinguishable from using a powerful rig.” In testing, titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 ran in 4K at 170 fps with DLSS 4‑frame generation, while Overwatch 2 reached 360 fps at 1080p. The service’s “Blackwell” hardware includes 48 GB of VRAM, a substantial increase over the 16 GB found in consumer RTX 5080 cards, allowing the cloud platform to sometimes outperform a local RTX 5080 system.
The upgraded hardware also expands resolution and frame‑rate limits, supporting up to 5K/120 fps, 4K/240 fps, and 1080p/320 fps, catering to both visual‑quality enthusiasts and competitive players seeking ultra‑high frame rates.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
GeForce Now offers a $10 Performance plan that caps streaming at 1440p/60 fps, while the $20 Ultimate plan unlocks the RTX 5080 servers and higher performance tiers. The reviewer noted that for users with aging PCs, the Ultimate subscription could be a more cost‑effective way to access top‑tier performance compared to purchasing a high‑end desktop.
Technical Enhancements
Beyond raw power, NVIDIA introduced “Cinematic Quality Streaming,” featuring 4:4:4 chroma subsampling for richer color depth, AI‑powered video filters that improve text clarity, and AV1 encoding for efficient bandwidth usage. These enhancements aim to make cloud gaming feel less like traditional video streaming.
Bandwidth Demands and Limitations
The service’s maximum video bitrate has risen to 100 Mbps, which can consume up to 45 GB of data per hour. In practice, a 4K Cyberpunk 2077 session used roughly 30 GB in an hour, with bitrate fluctuating between 60 Mbps and 80 Mbps, occasionally peaking at 100 Mbps. Such demands require robust, uncapped internet connections, and users on limited or shared networks may experience performance degradation.
Additionally, while GeForce Now’s library exceeds 4,000 recent titles, it does not cover every PC game, and some older or niche titles may be unavailable.
Overall Assessment
The reviewer concluded that NVIDIA’s RTX 5080‑powered GeForce Now represents a significant step forward for cloud gaming, delivering desktop‑level performance and advanced visual features. However, the high bandwidth requirements and occasional library gaps remain obstacles for broader adoption. For gamers seeking flexibility and who have reliable high‑speed internet, the service offers a compelling alternative to traditional hardware upgrades.