Why GeForce NOW was the best game service I used in 2025

I’ve been using gaming streaming services since the advent of OnLive in 2011. The concept was, and is, simple; you load up an app, sync with the games you own on various storefronts, and as long as you have a stable internet connection, you can play them. However, it’s Nvidia’s GeForce NOW service that has taken the concept to new levels.

It’s no secret that gaming on an Apple Mac is small compared to what many can play on their PCs and Steam Deck devices. However, it’s thanks to GeForce NOW that I’ve been able to play games like Fortnite, Resident Evil 4, Half-Life 2 RTX, and others on my Mac at full speed. With this in mind, here’s why it’s the best app/gaming service I’ve used in 2025.

The Escapist recaps

• Nvidia released its GeForce NOW streaming service in 2020.
• There are three tiers: free with ads, Performance for $4.99, and the Ultimate tier for $9.99, each with specific resolutions and graphical features supported.
• It’s a cloud gaming service that allows players to access games they already own from various storefronts, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, and others.
• GeForce NOW can be used on numerous devices, including TVs, iPhones, Android smartphones, Steam Deck, Macs, and more.

Playing Fortnite on a TV feels like being in the future

I’ve been a subscriber to GeForce NOW for several years, but it wasn’t until 2025 that I decided to fully commit to the service, partly thanks to the TV I owned that had the service pre-installed. This meant, once I paired up an 8BitDo controller to the TV, I could load up a bunch of games and play them as if they were being loaded from my Nintendo Switch 2.

GeForce NOW allows you to sign in to multiple storefronts, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft, and, more recently, Xbox and Game Pass. This means that, once everything is checked, the majority of your gaming libraries will be displayed on your GeForce NOW account, ready to play.

It essentially loads the game you own on a PC thousands of miles away, loaded with the best GPUs like the GeForce RTX 4080, and more recently, the RTX 5080. You can toggle graphical settings just like you’re on a PC, meaning ray-tracing and higher options can be enabled if you wish. But it all depends on the speed of your internet connection.

However, in my tests of pushing the service and my internet connection to the limit, I experienced no major lag issues. Everything felt smooth. Even games like Half-Life 2 RTX, which is essentially a tech demo showcasing ray-tracing in two locations: Ravenholm and Nova Prospekt. Playing this on my TV at full speed was very impressive, but the whole experience reached another level when I used GeForce NOW on my MacBook Pro.

GeForce NOW finally gives the Mac its gaming dues

Having been in Dubai lately to cover the Red Bull Tetris World Finals, I only brought my MacBook Pro. Not only was it there to cover the event, but I also hoped to take advantage of some downtime to play games on GeForce NOW. Imagine my delight when that was exactly what happened, playing the original Halo on my Mac.

As this was a public Wi-Fi network, with many users connected, I wasn’t expecting a smooth experience. However, it was, despite some graphical glitches from time to time. Sitting by the pool, I easily completed the second mission, The Silent Cartographer, in between events, and it was a joy.

I also played several Fortnite matches and spent an hour in Battlefield 6, all thanks to GeForce NOW. Even when I’m at home or at a coffee place, it’s something that’s part of my weekly routine when I need a short break. It’s the ease of use that Nvidia’s service offers that shines here, especially on a Mac.

I can switch between a keyboard, a mouse, or a controller on supported games when needed. Granted, I could use apps like Crossover that can translate Windows games to run on a Mac, but this would mean that the battery life would quickly drain due to the power required to do so. With GeForce NOW, the Mac simply needs to be connected to Wi-Fi.

Overall, I’m content with how I play games on my Mac. I don’t need to own a powerful PC; I just need a decent internet connection. It’s why GeForce NOW is the best service I’ve used in 2025. It’s affordable, easy to use, and it opens up devices like my Mac and TV to games that were previously inaccessible. If you’ve been thinking of trying the service out, you won’t regret it.

Ask The Escapist