As Gamescom 2025 nears, NVIDIA unveiled unprecedented upgrades to its GeForce NOW streaming platform, anchored by the Blackwell architecture powering its RTX 50 lineup. The Ultimate tier now integrates server-grade RTX 5080 GPUs and AMD’s Zen 5 processors, delivering 62 teraflops of power and 48GB VRAM for up to triple the performance of prior systems, enhanced by DLSS 4’s advanced frame-generation tech.
Beyond silicon, NVIDIA showcased Cinematic Quality Streaming (CQS), a suite of visual improvements including 4:4:4 chroma sampling, 10-bit HDR, and AI-enhanced clarity filters to sharpen in-game interfaces. Adaptive resolution detection ensures optimal image sharpness across devices, combating the blurry visuals that previously plagued streaming. Side-by-side demos, such as Black Myth: Wukong’s path-traced environments, revealed crisper details in foliage and textures, narrowing the gap between cloud and local gaming, particularly on 4K screens. Select CQS features will also reach older server hardware.
Highlighting Blackwell’s muscle, NVIDIA pitted GeForce NOW against Sony’s PS5 Pro in Cyberpunk 2077. The service streamed path-traced visuals at 4K/120FPS, dwarfing the console’s 40FPS ray-traced mode. NVIDIA claims its servers triple the PS5 Pro’s capabilities, positioning cloud gaming as a superior alternative for high-fidelity experiences.
Tackling latency, NVIDIA introduced Rivermax hardware acceleration for GPU-direct data transfers, minimizing delay and CPU strain. The company also pushed ISPs to adopt L4S protocols for smoother network traffic, with Comcast, T-Mobile, and BT Group already onboard. However, users may need modern routers to leverage L4S, complicating widespread adoption.
Expanded device support includes 90FPS streaming on Steam Deck, 120FPS on Lenovo’s Legion Go S, 4K/120FPS via LG TVs, and blistering 360FPS/1080p outputs with sub-30ms latency—ideal for competitive titles. NVIDIA teased potential wireless controller optimizations akin to Stadia’s approach, pending partner collaborations.
Additional upgrades span racing wheel compatibility, 2,200+ Steam titles via Install-to-Play, and a Discord-based Fortnite trial. NVIDIA’s relentless cloud advancements aim to blur the line between streaming and local play, with Blackwell servers rolling out next month for a curated selection of games.