NVIDIA has revealed that its next-generation Blackwell architecture, including the powerful GeForce RTX 5080-class GPUs, will be integrated into the GeForce NOW Ultimate tier.
NVIDIA’s founder and CEO, Jensen Huang, described the move as a transformative moment for the industry. “Bringing the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture… to GeForce NOW represents the biggest leap in cloud gaming ever,” he stated. “With Blackwell, GeForce NOW offers even more stunning graphics, the fastest frame rates, and negligible latency to turn any device into a high-quality gaming rig that rivals nearly every other product on the market today.”
This upgrade isn’t just about a new name; it’s about a massive boost in raw power. The new hardware delivers a staggering 62 teraflops of compute performance and a huge 48GB frame buffer. This significant horsepower is designed not only to run the most demanding games but also to prepare the platform for the coming wave of AI-enhanced gaming experiences.
The performance gains are dramatic. NVIDIA’s latest servers are capable of pushing out frame rates up to 2.8 times faster than the previous generation. In a direct comparison, the new hardware outpaces the PlayStation 5ƒ Pro by more than three times. This incredible power is bolstered by the latest AMD “Zen 5” CPUs and NVIDIA ConnectX®-7 SmartNICs, ensuring GeForce NOW remains at the cutting edge of cloud gaming technology.
Beyond just speed, the update introduces a new suite of visual enhancements called Cinematic-Quality Streaming. Powered by the Blackwell architecture, this feature provides a noticeable leap in graphical fidelity:
- Richer Colors and Deeper Contrast: Gamers will see true-to-life visuals thanks to support for the YUV color model with 4:4:4 chroma sampling and 10-bit high dynamic range. This is especially noticeable in games with intricate details like detailed landscapes and complex textures.
- Smooth and Uninterrupted Play: The service now uses advanced AV1 encoders that intelligently adapt to changing network conditions, ensuring a seamless stream without interruption.
- Sharper Graphics: AI-powered video filters and an improved heads-up display maintain crisp text and clear action scenes, eliminating blur and noise even in the most intense moments.
- Universal Optimization: The platform will now automatically detect a laptop’s native display resolution, ensuring the highest possible streaming quality is delivered to every screen.
- Blazing-Fast Bitrates: With support for up to 100 Mbps streaming, the service can take full advantage of today’s fastest home internet connections to deliver every detail with exceptional clarity.
Starting in September, GeForce NOW Ultimate members will gain access to these cutting-edge RTX 5080 servers, which are designed to deliver a new level of performance.
The GeForce NOW Ultimate membership is available for $19.99 per month or $99.99 for a six-month subscription. With the addition of the RTX 5080 GPUs, this tier is set to provide an even greater value for gamers who want the best possible performance without the need for expensive hardware.
