How to get GeForce Now on Steam Deck

How to get GeForce Now on Steam Deck
Meghan Coon Updated on by

Posted in Tech

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Don’t know how to get GeForce Now on Steam Deck? We’ve got you. While technically GeForce Now is not supported on Steam Deck, that doesn’t mean you can’t access it. 

Nvidia GeForce Now is a cloud-based streaming system that allows you to access the games you own across multiple devices, while using GeForce RTX rigs for higher quality performances, regardless of the age or power of your PC or console. Not all games are accessible via GeForce Now, though over 1500 games are currently supported, but it’s worth double checking the Nvidia GeForce Now games list in 2024 to make sure your favorite games are available to stream. 

Officially, GeForce Now is supported on laptops, desktops, Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Android devices, which notably does not include the Steam Deck (yet). However, there is a way to conveniently access GeForce Now using your Steam Deck’s browser, so that you can stream your games with better graphics without needing to download them onto your handheld device. 

Step by step

  1. Change to Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck 
  2. Open Discover Centre at the bottom left corner
  3. Search for Microsoft Edge (Google Chrome can also work, though Steam Deck Community recommends Microsoft Edge) then select the Install option
  4. Close that window and navigate to the Application Launcher, and open it. 
  5. Go to the Internet section where you should see Microsoft Edge. 
  6. Right-Click on Microsoft Edge and select Add to Steam. 
  7. Close all open windows and return to the desktop
  8. Open the Application Launcher again
  9. Go to the System section 
  10.  Find and open Konsole 
  11.  In Konsole type the following command to enable additional Microsoft Edge permissions: 

flatpak –user override –filesystem=/run/udev:ro com.microsoft.Edge

  1.  To modify the shortcut, open the Steam shortcut at the top of the desktop. 
  2. Go to the Library section
  3.  Find and Right-Click on Microsoft Edge
  4.  Select the Properties option from the drop-down menu
  5. Rename the shortcut GeForce Now
  6.  In Launch Options add the following to the existing command: 

–window-size=1024,640 –force-device-scale-factor=1.25 –device-scale-factor=1.25 –kiosk “https://www.play.geforcenow.com“

  1. Return to the desktop 
  2. Locate and select Return to Gaming Mode to change the current interface
  3.  Go to your Steam Library and navigate to the GeForce Now shortcut you just made
  4.  There should be a controller icon beside the shortcut, click on this to take you to controller configuration settings. 
  5. If you are using a keyboard and trackpad or mouse, you can enable these via the Templates section, where you can also toggle back grip buttons. 

Why you should use GeForce Now on Steam Deck

Setting up GeForce Now on Steam Deck is a little arduous than just launching an app, but it has pros that will likely make the process worth it. As well as the access to GeForce RTX rigs, which enables better graphics for your games regardless of the AMD APU’s functionality, using GeForce Now servers also allows you to run more demanding games without performance issues or sacrifices in quality. Streaming games rather than running them natively can actually extend battery life, so your gameplay can last longer without the dreaded interruption of needing to stop and charge. Additionally, GeForce Now can give you access to games that would otherwise not be available on your handheld PC, so long as they are supported by the streaming service.

Haven’t got a Steam Deck yet? If you are looking to buy a Steam Deck in 2024, check out the Steam store.

Steam Deck LCD

Steam Deck

CPU

AMD Zen 2 4c/8t

GPU

8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.6GHz (1.6 TFlops FP32)

Display

1280 x 800 IPS LCD

Storage

64 GB – 256 GB

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Does Steam Support Nvidia GeForce Now?

Officially no, GeForce Now is not technically supported on Steak Deck. However, it is accessible using your browser.

Is Nvidia GeForce Now worth it on Steam Deck?

While the process of setting up GeForce Now on Steam Deck may take a bit of fiddling, the quality available using GeForce RTX rigs enhances the graphics of your Steam Deck for a better gaming experience.

(Image Credit: Valve / Nvidia – edited in house)