Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Yes—NVIDIA officially released a native GeForce NOW app for Steam Deck on May 29, 2025. To install it, switch the Deck to Desktop Mode, use NVIDIA’s Steam Deck download flow, then launch the app from the Steam Library in Gaming Mode.
How to install GeForce NOW on Steam Deck
- Switch to Desktop Mode. Open the Steam Deck’s power menu and choose “Switch to Desktop.”
- Open NVIDIA’s official download page. In Desktop Mode, visit NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW download page and select the Steam Deck download flow.
- Follow NVIDIA’s instructions for the downloaded installer script. NVIDIA says the script installs GeForce NOW into the Steam Library so it is available in Gaming Mode.
- Return to Gaming Mode and launch GeForce NOW from the Steam Library.
NVIDIA’s page describes the official installation route; a third-party launcher or unofficial script is not required by the instructions provided there.
What the Steam Deck app does—and what it does not
GeForce NOW streams supported PC games from NVIDIA’s cloud to the Deck; it does not install the full PC game locally on the handheld. You need an internet connection, a GeForce NOW account and access to a supported game through a connected PC game library. The app does not grant ownership of paid games.
When NVIDIA announced the app on May 29, 2025, it cited more than 2,200 supported games and more than 180 supported PC Game Pass titles. Those are launch-date figures, not a current catalog count; check NVIDIA’s supported games listing for the game you want to play.
#1 Best Overall
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
Connection requirements and stream quality
NVIDIA’s current handheld requirements give these minimum bandwidth examples and connection guidance:
- HD at up to 60 FPS: 15 Mbps.
- FHD at 60 FPS: 25 Mbps.
- Network: NVIDIA recommends wired Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi and specifies latency below 80 ms to an NVIDIA data center.
These are NVIDIA’s stated requirements, not a guarantee that every connection meeting them will deliver the same image quality or consistency. Available bandwidth, latency and network stability all affect streaming.
Frame rate, resolution and membership tier
NVIDIA’s August 18, 2025 Blackwell announcement listed up to 90 FPS on Steam Deck. That is a stated capability, not a promise of sustained performance in every game or network condition. NVIDIA’s handheld requirements specify that 1440p and 90/120 FPS features on supported handhelds require the Ultimate membership tier. Check NVIDIA’s current system requirements for applicable device and tier details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Handheld play or a TV
You can use the app in handheld mode without a dock. NVIDIA also describes docking the Deck to a TV; for that setup, a compatible USB-C dock may be useful, but it is optional and is not needed to install or play GeForce NOW on the handheld.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
Rank #4
- 512 GB NVMe SSD: Fast storage for quicker game load times and space for larger game libraries.
- OLED Display: 1200x800 resolution with deep contrasts and vibrant colors for a captivating visual experience.
- Custom AMD APU: Power-efficient Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU for desktop-level gaming performance.
- Expandable Storage: Add more space with a microSD card slot, ensuring you can bring even more games with you.
- Versatile Controls: With built-in thumbsticks, trackpads, and touchscreen controls, you have full control over your gaming experience.
Rank #3
- 【Upgraded】We sells product with professionally upgraded to 2TB SSD. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY.
- 【Stunning 7.4" HDR OLED & 90Hz Motion】 Experience striking contrast and brilliant clarity with the all-new 7.4-inch HDR OLED display. Designed from the ground up for gaming, it features a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and pure blacks. This handheld is capable of delivering an immersive visual experience, ensuring your Steam library looks better than ever with vibrant colors and amazing motion rendition.
- 【30-50% More Battery & Efficient Performance】 Play your favorites longer with up to 50% more battery life. By fitting a larger battery and a power-efficient OLED panel, this device provides extended gameplay sessions. It’s the perfect travel companion for long flights or commutes. The updated AMD APU ensures high-speed performance for AAA titles while maintaining incredible energy efficiency.
- 【3X Faster Downloads with Wi-Fi 6E】 Never wait for a game again. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, this Steam Deck OLED offers increased bandwidth and lower latency, delivering downloads up to 3 times faster than previous models. This ensures stable online play and rapid updates, making it the most reliable wireless gaming handheld for modern high-speed home networks.
- 【Responsive Touch & Enhanced Connectivity】 Enjoy a vastly improved touchscreen with higher fidelity and faster haptics. We’ve added a dedicated Bluetooth antenna to improve connections for multiple controllers. Whether using the built-in trackpads or the included external controller, this allows for precision play in everything from FPS to complex strategy games.
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