NVIDIA has shaken things up with GeForce Now, introducing a new Performance plan that’s set to replace the Priority subscription. This upgrade comes with some exciting features, like 1440p resolution support and the ability to save your in-game graphics settings directly in the cloud. However, this upgrade comes with a catch – a monthly play time limit that has ignited a firestorm of controversy among gamers.
The new Performance plan, which sits between the free tier and the premium Ultimate subscription, will now allow users to stream at 1440p resolution, a significant upgrade from the previous 1080p limit. Ultra-wide support is also now available, adding to the enhanced visual experience. Additionally, users can now permanently save their in-game graphics settings in the cloud, eliminating the need for constant adjustments.
While these features are undeniably positive, the introduction of a 100-hour monthly playtime limit has angered many gamers. This limit applies to both the Performance and Ultimate subscriptions, though the free tier remains unaffected. This means that gamers who enjoy extensive sessions on GeForce Now will need to pay extra for additional play time, or revert to the free plan with its potentially longer queue times and lower resolution.
NVIDIA defends this decision, claiming that the 100-hour limit will be sufficient for 94% of their users. The company suggests that this is based on average play times among current GeForce Now subscribers. However, this logic doesn’t resonate with hardcore gamers who spend significantly more time in the virtual world. For them, the 100-hour limit could feel restrictive and unfair.
The extra play time doesn’t come cheap. NVIDIA charges $2.99 for an additional 15 hours on the Performance plan, while Ultimate subscribers will pay a hefty $5.99 for the same amount of time. Adding insult to injury, the company has stated that some unused play time will rollover into the following month, but this only applies to up to 15 hours.
Many gamers are expressing their displeasure online, speculating that this play time limit is a precursor to future price hikes for GeForce Now. The community worries that they will end up paying more for a limited service, and that the promise of shorter queue times won’t be enough to compensate for the restricted playtime. While some subscribers are reportedly receiving messages from NVIDIA assuring them of unlimited playtime until 2026, the general sentiment is one of uncertainty and dissatisfaction. It remains to be seen whether NVIDIA’s gamble with the play time limit will pay off, or if the backlash from the gaming community will force the company to reconsider its decision.
This situation highlights the evolving landscape of cloud gaming and the challenges faced by companies as they try to balance user experience with financial considerations. The GeForce Now controversy serves as a reminder that even the most popular services can face backlash when their pricing and feature decisions don’t align with the expectations of their user base.