Chromebook owners now can game like a PC user with Nvidia’s free cloud-gaming service GeForce Now.
The service has already been available for Windows, Mac, and Android devices as a way to enjoy PC gaming without buying extra hardware. Instead, Nvidia’s GeForce Now streams games to your laptop or smartphone via the internet.
On Tuesday, Nvidia expanded its cloud-gaming service to cover Chrome OS with a beta launch. The goal is to target kids, given that Chromebooks usually end up in the hands of students. “Now, those same Chromebooks transform, instantly, into GeForce-powered distance gaming rigs, thanks to GeForce Now,” the company wrote in today’s announcement.
Parents and teachers may not welcome the idea. But GeForce Now is designed to help gamers save on costs, and pave the way for remote gaming anywhere. It'll also offer an alternative to Google's pricier cloud gaming service, Stadia, which also supports Chromebooks.
To run GeForce Now, the user needs a 15Mbps or higher internet connection. The Chromebook will then get remote access to an Nvidia server, allowing the owner to log into their Steam, UPlay, or Epic Games account to run titles they've already purchased.
Unfortunately, not every gaming developer has been on board with GeForce Now. So certain titles from Activision Blizzard and Bethesda won’t be available. But the service still offers access to 650 games, according to Nvidia.
For Chromebook users, Nvidia says your hardware will need to meet these requirements:
- Intel Core M3 (7th gen and later), Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, or Intel Core i7
- Intel HD graphics 600 or later
- 4GB of system memory or higher
To try it out, Nvidia created a dedicated link to the service for Chromebook owners. Interested gamers will also need to create a user account. If you sign up as a free member, your playthroughs will be capped to one-hour sessions. Once the session is over you’ll need to log back in, and wait in line for an available GeForce Now server.
If you pay $4.99 a month, you can enjoy six-hour playthroughs. Nvidia will also give your priority access to GeForce Now servers, putting you in front of the line.