Latest news with #GeForceNow
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Hurry! Nvidia GeForce Now is 40% off right now — here's why it's a no-brainer
I've tested every cloud gaming service, and in terms of visual quality, low latency times and game selection, nothing comes close to Nvidia GeForce Now in my books. And now, you can get a subscription of your own for dirt cheap. Right now, Nvidia GeForce Now Performance is 40% off for 6 months — bringing the price down to just $29. And if you're still on the fence and want to try before you buy, you can get a day pass for just over two bucks! So while you're going to see a lot of Prime Day deals around gaming, this may low-key be the most valuable. With GeForce Now Performance tier, you get 1440p gaming at 60 FPS, all of the Nvidia RTX features you'd expect, support for ultrawide monitors and up to 6 hours of gaming every day. Just the right balance of everything you need with a massive $20 saving to boot. If you just want to sample what you can get with GeForce Now, you can also get 40% off a day pass, but this deal ends tomorrow (June 27). Looking to get a quick taste of GeForce Now before committing fully — perhaps to see how it performs on your internet connection and experience the short queueing times before jumping into a game — this is a great way to demo it. And to my fellow Brits, this 40% saving is also accessible to you on both day passes and the full 6-month package. Yes, I know that with Xbox Cloud Gaming, you have Game Pass at your fingertips, but here we're talking about any game you own across Steam, Epic Games, Ubisoft, Xbox, EA and GOG. If you've bought it at some point, chances are it's in here with the over 2,000 titles already available. Nvidia has worked to optimize this service to a point that you won't feel any latency in the controls, the visuals are crisp without any of that bandwidth-related glitching (provided you're on at least a 35 Mbps internet connection), and the versatility of where you can play this is immense. For example, my three main use cases are either on my M3 Pro MacBook Pro, Meta Quest 3S or my Steam Deck. Taking these one by one, being able to get my PC gaming (with game saves up in the cloud so you don't lose your progress) on my MacBook means I no longer have to take both my Apple laptop and my gaming system with me on trips — a massive space saver! Second, as I wrote about, GeForce Now has been a breath of fresh air for my Steam Deck. Not only can I essentially use it almost like a Switch 2 with gameplay in docked and portable mode, but easing the pressure on the internals means I get drastically longer battery life. And finally, for those sessions where I want to kick back in bed, being able to lie back in my Meta Quest and pin a giant cinema screen on the ceiling to tuck into a session of Forza Horizon 5 is truly an all-immersive blessing. Cloud gaming can get a bit of a bad rap, and in some situations, I get it. It's entirely reliant on an internet connection that you won't have in certain situations. But for the majority of your time, you're not far away from connectivity that's fast enough to pick up and play. Whether it's over Wi-Fi on the above, or on 5G with your iPhone and Backbone Pro (a new setup I'm testing right now), you're guaranteed a good time wherever you are.
Geeky Gadgets
3 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Backbone Pro 2025 Review 2025 : Transforms Your Phone Into a Games Console
What if your smartphone could do more than just scroll social media or stream videos? Imagine transforming it into a portable gaming powerhouse, capable of rivaling dedicated consoles in both performance and convenience. Bold claim? Perhaps. But that's exactly what the Backbone Pro promises to deliver. With its sleek design, broad compatibility, and customizable features, this device is more than just a controller—it's a redefinition of mobile gaming. Whether you're diving into fast-paced shooters or exploring expansive RPG worlds, the Backbone Pro aims to make your phone the ultimate gaming companion. But does it truly live up to the hype find out in this in-depth Backbone Pro review? In this in-depth assessment by ETA Prime explores how the Backbone Pro stacks up against its ambitious claims. From its ergonomic design that ensures comfort during marathon sessions to its seamless integration with platforms like GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, this review uncovers what makes the Backbone Pro a standout in the crowded world of mobile gaming accessories. We'll also examine its limitations, like its handling of larger devices and trigger design, to give you a full picture of its capabilities. By the end, you'll know whether this device is the upgrade your gaming setup has been waiting for—or just another gadget vying for attention. Sometimes, the smallest devices can leave the biggest impressions. Backbone Pro Overview Broad Device Compatibility The Backbone Pro is engineered for compatibility with a wide range of devices, making sure it fits seamlessly into various gaming setups. It supports: Android smartphones, including flagship models like the Galaxy S25 and Red Magic 10 Pro iPhones from the 15 series onward iPads and laptops via Bluetooth or USB-C Its magnetic phone grips securely hold most smartphones, providing stability during intense gameplay. However, larger devices like iPads require wireless connectivity due to size constraints. This adaptability ensures that the Backbone Pro integrates effortlessly into your gaming routine, regardless of your preferred device or platform. Ergonomic Design for Comfort The Backbone Pro is designed with comfort and usability at its core, making it an excellent choice for extended gaming sessions. Key design features include: A rounded back for a secure and comfortable grip Full-size ALPS analog sticks for precise and responsive control A redesigned D-pad with a raised structure for enhanced responsiveness Programmable M1 and M2 buttons for customizable inputs These thoughtful enhancements ensure that the controller feels natural in your hands, reducing fatigue and improving performance during long play sessions. The ergonomic design caters to gamers of all skill levels, providing a balance of comfort and functionality. Backbone Pro Review 2025 Watch this video on YouTube. Here is a selection of other guides from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on mobile gaming controller. Flexible Connectivity Options The Backbone Pro offers a variety of connectivity options to suit different gaming preferences, whether wired or wireless. These include: A USB-C port for zero-latency wired connections , ideal for competitive gaming , ideal for competitive gaming Bluetooth support for pairing with laptops, tablets, and other devices A 3.5mm headphone jack for private and immersive audio USB-C passthrough charging (up to 21W) to keep your phone powered during gameplay These features make the Backbone Pro a versatile tool for any gaming scenario. Whether you're engaging in casual play or high-stakes competition, the controller's connectivity options ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience. Advanced Customization with the Backbone App The Backbone app enhances your gaming experience by offering a range of advanced customization options. Through the app, you can: Remap buttons to align with your preferred playstyle Adjust analog stick dead zones for greater precision Create game-specific profiles for optimized settings Access firmware updates to stay current with new features and improvements Use built-in tools like a button tester and game launcher for convenience These capabilities allow you to tailor the controller to your preferences, making sure an optimized and personalized gaming experience. The app's intuitive interface makes it easy to fine-tune settings, giving you greater control over how you play. Performance and Game Compatibility The Backbone Pro delivers impressive performance across a wide range of gaming platforms and titles. It supports popular games like Fortnite and Genshin Impact, as well as emulators such as RetroArch. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with game streaming services, including: GeForce Now Xbox Cloud Gaming Steam Link The controller's low-latency performance ensures smooth and responsive gameplay, while passthrough charging keeps your device powered during demanding sessions. Whether you're playing locally or streaming from the cloud, the Backbone Pro maintains a high-quality gaming experience that meets the needs of modern gamers. Portability and Accessories Designed with portability in mind, the Backbone Pro includes thoughtful accessories to enhance your gaming lifestyle. These include: A hard carrying case for secure and convenient storage during travel during travel Magnetic phone grips to keep your device stable and secure during intense gameplay These additions make the Backbone Pro a practical choice for gamers who frequently move between locations. Its compact design and durable accessories ensure that you can take your gaming setup wherever you go without compromising on performance or convenience. Limitations to Keep in Mind While the Backbone Pro offers numerous advantages, it does have a few limitations worth noting: The triggers could benefit from a longer physical throw , which would improve control in certain game genres like racing or first-person shooters. , which would improve control in certain game genres like racing or first-person shooters. Its design does not physically accommodate larger devices like iPads, though they can still connect via Bluetooth. These drawbacks are relatively minor and do not significantly detract from the overall experience. For most users, the Backbone Pro's strengths far outweigh these limitations, making it a reliable and versatile choice for mobile gaming. Final Thoughts The Backbone Pro stands out as a versatile and ergonomic solution for mobile gaming enthusiasts. Its broad compatibility, advanced customization options, and seamless integration with game streaming services make it a compelling choice for gamers seeking a portable yet powerful controller. While it has a few minor limitations, its overall performance, thoughtful design, and user-friendly features solidify its position as a leader in the mobile gaming controller market. Whether you're a casual gamer or a competitive player, the Backbone Pro delivers a gaming experience that is both enjoyable and reliable. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Gaming News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Android Authority
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
Watch this person play The Witcher 3 on their Galaxy Watch Ultra
TL;DR A Redditor has shown off GeForce Now running on the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The user's uploaded video shows them playing The Witcher 3 on the smartwatch. The smartwatch isn't actually doing any of the heavy lifting, but it's still a cool showcase. We've already seen people running retro games on their smartwatches thanks to emulators, but it turns out that you can also play full-fledged PC games on your Wear OS watch. Then again, I'm not sure why you'd want to do so in the first place. Redditor BranaMitrovicFloyd posted a video online showing GeForce Now running on the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The user was specifically playing 2015's The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt with the aid of on-screen controls and a stylus. community on Reddit Posts from the galaxywatch community on Reddit It's worth stressing that this isn't actually running locally on the smartwatch, as GeForce Now is a game streaming service. That means NVIDIA's servers perform all the heavy lifting, and the gameplay is then streamed to your device via your internet connection. So, while this isn't a demonstration of the Galaxy Watch Ultra's horsepower, it does highlight the possibilities on this hardware. Of course, I'm not sure you'd actually want to play PC games on a smartwatch in the first place. The small screen makes things tough to see, while the virtual controls are simply too tiny for your fingers. On the upside, you can connect a Bluetooth controller to your watch if you're really committed to this endeavor. This also comes a few months after a Redditor got the PPSSPP emulator running on their Galaxy Watch 5. This was all running locally on the smartwatch, and the user was apparently able to play most PSP games at 60fps. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
CNET
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
I Love GeForce Now on My Steam Deck -- Until It Starts 'Waiting for the Next Available Rig'
I started chair dancing when Nvidia told me about its GeForce Now cloud-gaming app for the Steam Deck. My Deck OLED is my most frequently used nonessential device, so I was stoked that GFN provided a way to play Xbox Game Pass Ultimate games on it. And it was great, even on my pretty uneven Wi-Fi connection, until it started tossing me into queues with up to 40 people ahead of me. And that was on Ultimate, the priciest tier with the shortest wait times and longest sessions. It was a blip in my otherwise great experience during the past week -- relatively glitch-free, low-latency gameplay, including when attached to a monitor with a hub for keyboard and mouse -- and it cleared up later in the day, but it was a frustrating blip nonetheless. (I contacted Nvidia, but the company didn't have an explanation like "East Coast servers down for maintenance!" at the ready.) It's something people on the Premium and free plans might experience, though, so it merits discussion. And yet, it's still less glitchy and frustrating than Xbox Cloud Gaming. Sigh. To me, the Game Pass support is the most important feature because a lot of Xbox Cloud gameplay is really erratic for me on my mobile devices. To Nvidia, battery life is most important, I suspect partly because it's critical and quantifiable. There aren't a lot of hardware settings specific to the app. Lori Grunin/CNET And yes, the Deck can last much longer -- I'd say I get a couple more hours out of it -- because it takes a lot less power to run the game in the cloud and stream to you than it does to run locally, which requires a lot more processing to run and render the games. That said, I also tested the app on the Lenovo Go S SteamOS model (which I'm working on a review of and otherwise really like), and that, thus far, seems to have poorer battery life than the Deck, so it may become an important factor for me as well. In general, even weighty games such as Doom: The Dark Ages and Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (the first from Game Pass, the second Steam) played zippily (60-plus fps) on a monitor at Epic/Ultra/whatever quality presets, although I didn't get a chance to test HDR. Platformers like Have a Nice Death (Steam) seemed equally responsive and relatively latency-free compared with running locally. The app provides extensive, or more compact, statistics if you want, but even shrunk down, they take up a relatively large amount of (sometimes critical) real estate on the Deck's small screen. On the flip side, the icon indicating a Wi-Fi bandwidth issue is tiny and easy to miss. While GFN occasionally gave me network warnings, which I'm used to, it never seemed to result in more than the occasional stutter. The extended statistics view takes up a lot of the screen's real estate on the Steam Deck. Lori Grunin/CNET I do find that after about an hour in most games -- especially my current addiction, The Blue Prince (see above re: Game Pass) -- my connection gets wonky enough that some games become bogged down until they become pretty unresponsive and unplayable. GFN seems to provide the most consistency, although I did get dizzy once from buffered camera rotations racing around the screen to catch up with my stick movement. I have a few nitpicks about the implementation that aren't really Nvidia's fault. Installation requires switching to desktop mode, which I always forget to customize, so I can actually hit what I want in the touch interface. I have to look up how to switch every time. Installing only happens once, though, so it's not really a big deal. More long-term annoying is the app's relegation to the Non-Steam Games section of your library, combined with the absence of any content on its screen. GFN also has its own overlay and doesn't provide any statistics, such as how many hours you played a given game for, in its interface, even aggregated for GeForce Now use. All the info is in there, but not always where you expect or want it. As a whole, these make the GFN experience feel disconnected. Note that for free or even Premium plans, your mileage may vary because they run on lower-end GPUs rather than the GeForce RTX 4080-class versions. And you're still restricted to games GFN supports, which is a fraction of the games universe. But it's still a great way to play games on the Deck, especially non-Steam games, if you have one.
Tom's Guide
01-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
I abandoned my Steam Deck for a year – but Nvidia GeForce Now has made it a Nintendo Switch 2 killer
Nvidia GeForce Now is now available to download on Steam Deck. The full native app was quietly announced at CES 2025, but now it's here. To say this is one of the biggest steps forward that Nvidia has made in cloud gaming would be an understatement. I've been testing it, and not only has it renewed my dwindling love for the Steam Deck, I think this combination could be the Nintendo Switch 2's biggest threat. Of course, this comes with some conditions, which I'll go into, but for the purpose of just playing gorgeous-looking games on a handheld, getting GeForce Now on the Deck is significant. So, what does it have to do to beat the Switch 2? As a gamer that isn't necessarily that bothered by the team chat, motion controls or other fun additions to Nintendo's new console, this combo has to do two things well: Does it hit both these notes? Sort of, as there's still some way to go. But it does so in a way that makes me confident that Nvidia is on the right track here, and it's making me reconsider my past judgements of game streaming. Let's get into it. This is the model of Steam Deck I used for this testing, and in all honesty, for all the love I have for OLED, this is all you need for a great gaming experience. For a limited time, you can get 40% off a 6-month Nvidia GeForce Now Performance tier package. This gets you 1440p gaming capabilities at 60 FPS, and gives you an Nvidia RTX gaming PC in the cloud to handle all your gameplay on any device — be it a Steam Deck, smartphone, or even the Meta Quest 3. With $10 off my favorite cheap docking station for Steam Deck, this is a must-buy for anyone sporting Valve's handheld. Not only do you get the 100W power delivery and HDMI 2.0 for 60 FPS gameplay, but there's two USB ports for peripherals and even an Ethernet cable for that smoother, faster connection for GeForce Now. There's a bit of a workaround to it, so let's break down the steps: There is a plan B using Command Line if you need it, but out of everyone I've spoken to, nobody had to resort to this. If you're in the minority here, Nvidia's got you covered. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Let's address the elephant in the room: I loved the Steam Deck when I first got it — I even reviewed it for Laptop Mag and was smitten. So, what changed over the past three years? Honestly, my uses have always come in waves. It was perfect for travel — playing AAA games on a flight is still awesome, even if it's a little rough. But over the last 12 months, three things happened that pushed it into the dreaded 'man drawer' (you know the one). But that really good reason has arrived. Let me tell you about GeForce Now, and how it's completely revived my love for the Steam Deck. Dramatic, I know, but let me explain. For those uninitiated, GeForce Now is Nvidia's cloud gaming service that links to your existing Steam, Epic, Ubisoft and Xbox libraries, and gives you streaming access to the games that you already own. Once the best server is selected upon opening a game, you are taken straight into the game. And, if you're on GeForce Now Ultimate, you have an entire RTX 4080 gaming rig to play on. As you can see from the screenshots, the difference is night and day if you're playing with a good internet connection for two key reasons. First, you're not relying on the AMD silicon to power the games. That means no more hardware limitations, and it means you can play the likes of Cyberpunk 2077 at maxed out settings for beautiful visuals at a locked 60 FPS (the only constraint of my OG Steam Deck's refresh rate). In fact, if something becomes a little more demanding (like Indiana Jones and The Great Circle), you can make the most of DLSS (provided you're on Ultimate) to make it even smoother. Whether I was on my home network or at the pub, I could play to my heart's content. And speaking of that, this leads me to the second part — the battery life boosts. Currently, the 40Wh cell in my old Steam Deck is showing its age. Firing up a Balatro session can see that life draining in around 90 minutes, and don't even get me started on the roughly 45 minutes I get on Hitman: World of Assassination. But by putting the computational demands on a cloud server rather than spinning up the AMD chip on the device, I've seen longevity go up dramatically. For context, playing the same level on Hitman, I'm able to get roughly 6 hours of longevity in one sitting. Did I come out of the pub rather tipsy for playing that long? Yes. But it's purely revelatory watching the power demands on my Steam Deck reduce from 15 watts down to 7 watts for GeForce Now and getting so much more stamina for it. Also, shoutout to the low latency on offer here. Cloud gaming has a bit of a reputation for lagging controls — something I still feel in Xbox Cloud Gaming for sure. But there is one more thing that the Steam Deck with GeForce Now has to do to truly put Nintendo on blast: docked mode. I wired it up to my TV to see what I could squeeze out of it. And the end result is incredible. It's not perfect, as resolution scaling seems to be limited to the 16:10 aspect ratio of the Steam Deck's display, but the fidelity of games on here due to the fact you're streaming an entire gaming PC is oceans beyond what the Nintendo Switch 2 will be able to do. Going back to Hitman with everything turned up to Ultra and DLSS set to balanced, frame rates were smooth, details were beautifully rendered without any of those network speed glitches you may see in visuals and it scales well to a big screen. If Nvidia is reading this (hi), if you could update this to support external screens better (maybe giving us full 4K 16:9), that'd be another significant step forward. Let's start with the obvious. GeForce Now on Steam Deck has been Nvidia's Jay-Z moment, allowing the company to reintroduce itself as the best player in the cloud streaming game. Gameplay is near-latency free, connecting is rapid with very short waiting times (provided you go for Ultimate or Performance, which, based on what I see from the free mode, are the only real ways to go) and the sheer drop in power demands meant I could play all day with no worries. A little bit of work needs to be done on transitioning between handheld and docked mode to really make it sing on a TV. But as far as first steps go, this is a Herculean leap into it. Of course, there are limitations. The big one being that it requires an internet connection. But statistically, most of the time you'll be on your Deck near a Wi-Fi network, so outside of the smaller circumstances where you'll have to rely on your device's chip to run offline, there's no better way to play on Steam Deck right now.
