GeForce NOW: 90 FPS VR & Crimson Desert Streaming Now Available
GeForce NOW users can look forward to a smoother virtual reality experience this week, thanks to a new update that boosts streaming performance to 90 frames per second (fps) on supported headsets. The update, announced as part of GFN Thursday, as well brings the highly anticipated open-world action adventure Crimson Desert to the cloud gaming service, powered by GeForce RTX 5080-class hardware.
Enhanced VR Performance for Immersive Gameplay
The performance increase to 90 fps is available for Ultimate members using Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest devices, and Pico headsets. NVIDIA notes that the update is rolling out to members starting today, and aims to deliver crisper motion and more responsive gameplay directly from the cloud. Which means a more comfortable and natural feeling experience, whether users are enjoying a relaxed virtual theater or engaging in speedy-paced action. All GeForce NOW premium members will continue to benefit from NVIDIA RTX and DLSS technologies in supported titles, further enhancing visual fidelity.
GeForce NOW allows users to stream games to supported VR platforms, effectively turning any compatible space into a personal gaming theater. The cloud-based processing handles the demanding graphics, allowing players to enjoy high-fidelity VR experiences without needing a high-conclude gaming PC. This is particularly appealing given the hardware requirements for running VR games at high frame rates.
Crimson Desert Arrives on GeForce NOW
Alongside the VR performance boost, Pearl Abyss’ Crimson Desert has made its debut on GeForce NOW. The game, which has already garnered over 3 million wishlist additions on Steam, is a sprawling open-world action adventure set in a war-torn fantasy land. Players capture on the role of Kliff, a mercenary whose group is ambushed, and embark on a journey to reunite his scattered companions.
Crimson Desert promises a blend of large-scale exploration, cinematic storytelling, and combo-focused combat. The game leverages the power of GeForce RTX 5080-class hardware on GeForce NOW, delivering high settings, smooth action, and lush visuals without requiring users to worry about their local system specifications. This allows players to experience the game’s sweeping landscapes and intense battles on a variety of devices, from laptops to compatible TVs and mobile devices.
Expanding the GeForce NOW Library
Beyond Crimson Desert, GeForce NOW is adding several other titles this week, including Everwind, Retro Rewind – Video Store Simulator, and Fallout 3. World of Tanks is also launching a special event, “Battle Pass Special: Mafia,” bringing characters and aesthetics from the classic Mafia game series into the tank battles.
However, some titles will be leaving the GeForce NOW free tier on April 1st. Cyberpunk 2077, Forza Motor Sport, Icarus, and Ark Survival Ascended will require a premium membership to access, as the basic rig type no longer meets their minimum system requirements. This highlights the increasing demands of modern games and the benefits of a premium GeForce NOW subscription.
System Requirements and RTX 5080 Power
The availability of GeForce RTX 5080-class power for Crimson Desert is a significant draw. Although NVIDIA hasn’t released detailed specifications for the RTX 5080, it represents a substantial leap in performance over previous generations. This allows for higher frame rates, more detailed graphics, and advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS. NVIDIA RTX technology enables realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections, while DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) uses artificial intelligence to boost performance without sacrificing visual quality.
Community Engagement and Giveaways
NVIDIA is actively engaging with the GeForce NOW community through giveaways and promotions. The GeForce NOW Reddit community is hosting a VR headset giveaway, and content creator Airie Summer is running a separate gaming giveaway on X (formerly Twitter). These initiatives aim to foster a strong community around the GeForce NOW service and reward loyal players.
The move to a monthly announcement cadence for new instant access games is intended to provide members and readers with a clearer picture of upcoming releases. While new games will continue to be released weekly, the monthly announcements will offer a broader overview of the content pipeline. This shift reflects NVIDIA’s commitment to transparency and communication with its user base.
As GeForce NOW continues to expand its library and enhance its features, it solidifies its position as a leading cloud gaming service. The combination of high-performance hardware, innovative technologies, and a growing community makes it an attractive option for gamers looking for a convenient and accessible way to enjoy their favorite titles. The ongoing development and refinement of the service, including the recent VR performance improvements, demonstrate NVIDIA’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of cloud gaming.
