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Trying out GeForce Now with RTX-5080 performance

Samuel Buchmann
28.8.2025
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Pictures: Samuel Buchmann

At Gamescom, Nvidia demonstrated a new version of its cloud gaming service. It offers better performance, partly achieved by DLSS and frame generation. More games will also be available thanks to Install to Play.

Nvidia has announced the biggest upgrade to its cloud gaming service GeForce Now yet. From September, Ultimate subscribers will have access to servers with RTX 5080 performance. I tried out the new cloud gaming service at Gamescom.

According to Nvidia, up to 2.8 times higher frame rates are possible with the new servers compared to the previous RTX-4080 hardware. The small print: this figure is partly down to the fact that GeForce Now with RTX 5080 now supports DLSS4 upscaling and Multi Frame Generation (MFG). I asked how much higher the pure rasterisation performance is. The answer from an Nvidia representative: «Between 15 and 40 per cent, depending on the game.»

GeForce Now also newly supports more peripherals, such as Logitech steering wheels.
GeForce Now also newly supports more peripherals, such as Logitech steering wheels.

The old latency chestnut

Frame generation comes with the same disadvantages as on a local PC. Firstly, AI-generated frames can create visual artefacts such as ghosting. Secondly, MFG adds latency. The latter is particularly problematic with cloud gaming, since lag stacks with streaming delays.

Nvidia claims that partnerships with network operators and other optimisations will at least partially compensate for the additional delay caused by MFG. There’s also a new Competitive Mode at 360 hertz for fast games. This leads to overall latency shorter than 30 milliseconds – but only at 1080p and without DLSS or frame generation.

What does all this mean in practice? During my 45 minutes of hands-on time, I noticed three things:

  1. The ratio between graphics quality and frames per second (fps) is definitely better compared to GeForce Now with RTX 4080. I couldn’t tell how much of this was thanks to DLSS and MFG in Nvidia’s demo. Either way, the end result is better performance.
  2. Multi Frame Generation increases input lag. An exact measurement wasn’t possible. In my opinion, latency with MFG 2× was still acceptable. Especially in role-playing games, where you can take your time. However, MFG 4× clearly exceeded tolerance in Black Myth: Wukong.
  3. I’d classify the latency of the previous GeForce Now with RTX 4080 without AI magic similarly to the new version with activated DLSS, but without frame gen. RTX 5080 streaming with MFG 4× brings significantly more lag than the older cloud gaming – despite server optimisations.
  4. The new Competitive Mode feels as responsive as a local PC to me, a non-e-sports player. Nvidia’s measurements show a latency of just 23 milliseconds. Graphically less demanding shooters such as Overwatch 2 easily reach the full 360 fps at 1080p.
In the new Competitive Mode, GeForce Now achieves very short latency, but only at 1080p.
In the new Competitive Mode, GeForce Now achieves very short latency, but only at 1080p.

Cinematic Quality and Install to Play

In addition to the increased computing power, Nvidia is introducing further innovations. Cinematic Quality Streaming (CQS) promises picture quality based on local gaming PCs. This is technically implemented with YUV 4:4:4 chroma, HDR10 support, the AV1 codec and an AI-based video filter. The maximum streaming bandwidth is increasing to 100 megabits per second. In addition, 5K resolution with up to 120 fps, 1440p at 240 fps and 1080p with up to 360 fps will now be supported.

Among other things, CQS is supposed to ensure less fuzzy textures in the shadows. You can’t really see this in comparison pictures, though. I can see the difference live, but it’s subtle.
Among other things, CQS is supposed to ensure less fuzzy textures in the shadows. You can’t really see this in comparison pictures, though. I can see the difference live, but it’s subtle.
Source: Nvidia

Another new feature is Install to Play. The feature allows you to temporarily install games directly from your own Steam library on the cloud server – provided the publisher allows this. According to Nvidia, this doubles the range of games available in one fell swoop.

Over 2,200 games are available via Steam at launch with Install to Play.
Over 2,200 games are available via Steam at launch with Install to Play.
Source: Nvidia

One catch: after your session, the game’s deleted and you have to reinstall it the next time. Although this is quicker than downloading a game to your desktop PC, it can still take 15 minutes for large games. At least game saves and settings are saved in your Steam profile. Persistent storage is available for an additional charge. 200 GB costs 2.99 euros per month, 500 GB 4.99 euros and 1 TB 7.99 euros.

Speaking of price, it’s unchanged at 21.99 euros per month for the Ultimate subscription. Just like the time limit of 100 hours per month. Casual gamers are unlikely to ever reach this, and GeForce Now is still rarely an option for frequent gamers. As soon as the RTX-5080 servers are launched in September, I’ll test them extensively.

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Samuel Buchmann
Senior Editor
Samuel.Buchmann@digitecgalaxus.ch

My fingerprint often changes so drastically that my MacBook doesn't recognise it anymore. The reason? If I'm not clinging to a monitor or camera, I'm probably clinging to a rockface by the tips of my fingers.

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