GeForce NOW Ultimate is ideal for users who prioritize high-end graphics and don't want to invest in expensive hardware, provided they have a reliable internet connection. Steam Deck 2, on the other hand, caters to gamers who prefer local gameplay and the flexibility of a handheld device, though its final specifications and performance remain to be seen.
| Attribute | GeForce NOW Ultimate Subscription | Steam Deck 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription Cost | Typically around $19.99 per month, sometimes discounted to $9.99 per month. Six-month plans are available, also subject to discounts. Day passes are available for temporary access. | Not applicable, as Steam Deck 2 is a hardware purchase, not a subscription service. |
| Processing Power/Chipset | Powered by RTX 4080 servers, graphics cards based on NVIDIA's Ada Lovelace architecture, more than 60 teraflops of graphics performance, cloud hardware may differ from consumer desktop models, equipped with 24GB of GDDR6 memory and 18,176 CUDA cores, uses an AMD Ryzen chip with 16 cores. | Rumors suggest an AMD Zen 4 "Hawk Point" APU. Some speculate a 6-core CPU based on Zen 4 architecture. There's also mention of a potential AMD "Magnus" APU with Zen 6 architecture. The original Steam Deck uses a custom AMD APU with a Zen 2 CPU (4 cores/8 threads, 2.4-3.5GHz) and an RDNA 2 GPU (8 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz). |
| Display Resolution and Refresh Rate | Supports up to 4K resolution at 120 FPS. Ultrawide resolutions are supported (e.g., 3840x1600, 3440x1440, 2560x1080). Can stream at up to 240 FPS in certain competitive games. | Rumors suggest a 900p (1600 x 900) OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Some also speculate a 1440 x 900 resolution. The original Steam Deck has a 1280 x 800 display (LCD or OLED) with up to a 60Hz (LCD) or 90Hz (OLED) refresh rate. |
| RAM | Minimum 4GB system memory required. | Likely LPDDR5X @ 8533 MT/s. Some users are hoping for 24GB or 32GB for better longevity. The original Steam Deck has 16 GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (6400 MT/s quad 32-bit channels). |
| Storage Capacity | Not applicable as games are streamed, so no local storage is needed. | The base model will likely have 512GB, with other options being 1TB. Both should include a high-speed microSD card slot for expandable storage. |
| Battery Life | N/A. GeForce Now is a streaming service and doesn't have its own battery. | Valve aims to improve battery life. The Steam Deck OLED has a 50Whr battery, offering 3-12 hours of gameplay. The original Steam Deck's battery life ranges from roughly 83 minutes to over 7 hours, depending on the game and settings. |
| Game Compatibility | Compatible with many games from Steam, Epic Games, Ubisoft Connect, and Xbox. Requires users to own or purchase the games they want to play. Not all games are supported due to rights or technical issues. | The Steam Deck 2 should have a similar compatible games list to the older device, assuming it uses AMD hardware. Valve aims for all Steam Decks to play the same games. |
| Portability/Form Factor | Accessible on various devices like laptops, desktops, Macs, phones, smart TVs, and Steam Deck. | The Steam Deck 2 is expected to have a similar form factor to the original Steam Deck. |
| Connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) | Requires a fast and stable internet connection. Ethernet connection is recommended for optimal performance. Wi-Fi requires a router with at least a 5 GHz connection. | It is expected to have Bluetooth 5.3 and Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E. |
| Ergonomics and Comfort | N/A. GeForce Now is a streaming service, so ergonomics depend on the device used to access it. | The Steam Deck was built for extended play sessions with full-size controls and a sculpted rear to fit various hand sizes. |
| Operating System | Requires a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or later. Compatible with macOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS. | SteamOS, based on Arch Linux. |
| Expandability (Storage, Accessories) | Not applicable as it is a cloud gaming service. | microSD card slot for storage expansion. Some users are hoping for two USB4 ports and eGPU support. |
| Price | Typically around $19.99 per month, sometimes discounted to $9.99 | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |
| Pros | Play games on less powerful hardware, Access to higher graphics settings and performance, No need to download or update games, Local device generates less heat and fan noise | Designed for comfortable extended play, Full-size controls, Sculpted rear to fit various hand sizes, Displays entire Steam Library, Can filter games by compatibility rating, Updated thermal design and a bigger fan (Steam Deck OLED), Includes gamepad controls, thumbsticks, trackpads, and a responsive touchscreen for input |
| Cons | Requires a stable and fast internet connection, Streaming quality can be affected by network conditions, Not all games are supported. | Not available |