GeForce NOW Ultimate is a strong choice for users prioritizing high streaming quality, a vast game library, and the convenience of no downloads, provided they have a stable internet connection and don't mind the subscription model. Xbox Series X Gen 2 is better for those who value low latency, fast loading times, backward compatibility, physical game ownership, and exclusive titles, even if it means dealing with downloads and installations.
| Attribute | GeForce NOW Ultimate Subscription | Xbox Series X Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Quality (Resolution and FPS) | Supports up to 4K resolution and up to 240 FPS on game monitors. The Ultimate tier can stream at 240Hz at 1080p and 120Hz at 4K. | Supports streaming and recording at up to 4K resolution at 60 FPS |
| Game Library Size and Variety | Offers access to a library of up to 1,500 games. Users can play games they already own by connecting their GeForce Now library to Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, EA Play, or GOG accounts. | Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers access to over 350 games, including titles from Forza, Halo, and indie games. The library is constantly changing. |
| Subscription Cost and Tiers | Ultimate: Around $19.99/month. Performance: Around $9.99/month. A new pricing model has been introduced that includes a limited number of hours per month. | Not applicable as the Xbox Series X Gen 2 is a console, not a subscription service. However, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $12.99/month. |
| Device Compatibility | Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android (including Android TV), and select web browsers (including Safari on iPhone and iPad). Also compatible with LG TVs (2021 models and later), Apple TV 4K, Steam Deck (OLED), PS5, Switch OLED, and MacBook Pro M1 13". | Connects to TVs and monitors |
| Input Lag and Latency | The Ultimate membership allows streaming at 240 FPS with NVIDIA Reflex, which reduces latency. Nvidia recommends less than 80ms of network latency from an NVIDIA data center. | Very low and consistent |
| Download and Installation Times (vs. Streaming) | Games are streamed, so there's no need to download them onto a local device, and everything is automatically updated. | Games load significantly faster due to the custom SSD and integrated software |
| Graphics Processing Power (Teraflops) | GeForce NOW Ultimate provides access to over 64 teraflops of graphics horsepower. The RTX 4080 SuperPods pack 64 teraflops of power. | GPU with 12 Teraflops of processing power |
| Storage Capacity | Not applicable as games are streamed. | 1TB or 2TB Custom NVME SSD |
| Backward Compatibility | Not directly mentioned, but users can play games they own from various stores if the games are supported on GeForce Now. | Backward compatible with select Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games |
| Exclusive Titles | Not applicable, as GeForce NOW streams games you already own or have access to through subscriptions. | Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, Avowed, Forza Motorsport, and Microsoft Flight Simulator |
| Controller Compatibility | Compatible with GeForce NOW Recommended Gamepad, Microsoft Xbox controllers, and Sony PS5 DualSense/DualShock 4 controllers. | Compatible with Xbox One controllers and accessories |
| Physical Game Ownership (vs. Subscription) | Customers must purchase games on Steam, Epic Games Store, or other digital retailers; once purchased, these titles are theirs to keep even if they cancel their service. | Has a UHD Blu-ray disc player, allowing for physical game ownership |
| Price | $19.99/month (Ultimate), $9.99/month (Performance) | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |