Short answer: NVIDIA makes a native GeForce NOW app for the Steam Deck. Download the Steam Deck installer from NVIDIA’s site in Desktop Mode, run it, and GeForce NOW appears in your Steam library. It streams games you already own from NVIDIA’s servers.
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What GeForce NOW does
GeForce NOW runs games on NVIDIA’s servers and streams them to your Deck. It doesn’t sell games. Instead, you link your Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft and other accounts, and stream the supported games you already own, plus free-to-play games such as Fortnite.
That makes it useful for two things on the Deck: playing demanding games with better graphics than the Deck can manage, and playing games whose anti-cheat blocks SteamOS, such as Battlefield 6 and Fortnite.
The native app
NVIDIA released its GeForce NOW app for the Steam Deck in May 2025, GamingOnLinux reported. Before that, Deck owners had to stream GeForce NOW through a web browser. NVIDIA says the app can stream at up to 4K when the Deck is connected to a TV and uses less battery than a browser stream.
How to install GeForce NOW on Steam Deck
- Press the Steam button, choose Power, then Switch to Desktop. Our Desktop Mode guide covers the basics.
- Open a browser and go to NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW download page.
- Choose the Steam Deck download and save the installer.
- Run the installer and follow NVIDIA’s on-screen steps. It installs the app and adds it to your Steam library.
- Double-click Return to Gaming Mode and open GeForce NOW from your library.
- Sign in to your NVIDIA account, then link your game store accounts so your games show up.
How much it costs
GeForce NOW has a free tier with shorter sessions and waiting times, and paid tiers with better graphics, higher frame rates and longer sessions. NVIDIA has changed its tiers and play-time limits over time, so check the GeForce NOW membership page for current prices in your country.
Try the free tier first. It’s enough to see whether streaming works well on your internet connection.
Tips for the best stream
- Use 5 GHz or 6 GHz Wi-Fi, close to your router.
- Check your connection. The app has a network test that tells you whether your connection is good enough.
- Match the Deck’s screen. Streaming at the Deck’s own resolution looks cleaner and uses less data than streaming a higher resolution.
- Use a wired connection when docked. A USB-C hub with Ethernet makes a big difference on a TV.
GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming?
GeForce NOW streams games you’ve bought on PC stores. Xbox Cloud Gaming streams games from the Game Pass library with a subscription. If you already own a big Steam library, GeForce NOW makes more sense. If you’d rather pay monthly for a rotating library, see our Game Pass on Steam Deck guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is GeForce NOW free?
There’s a free tier with limits on session length and image quality. Paid tiers remove most limits.
Can I play my Steam games on GeForce NOW?
Yes, if the game is supported. Not every Steam game is on GeForce NOW, because publishers choose whether to take part. You can search the supported list in the app.
Do I need to install games on the Deck?
No. Games run on NVIDIA’s servers, so they don’t use the Deck’s storage.
Can I play Fortnite on Steam Deck with GeForce NOW?
Yes. Fortnite is free to stream on GeForce NOW, even on the free tier.
Want to see it in action? Watch on the NP Handhelds YouTube channel.
