GeForce Now has always been a great option for gaming on handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck. It allows players to access games that may not be available on the Linux-powered device, such as Destiny 2. Additionally, streaming games on GeForce Now can help save battery life compared to playing locally. However, the installation process for GeForce Now has not always been user-friendly, requiring a lot of tweaking to get it up and running smoothly. Many users have expressed a desire for an easy-to-use app for installing GeForce Now on devices like the Steam Deck.
Fortunately, Nvidia has listened to feedback and made improvements to the installation process. New GeForce Now installation files are now available for devices like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, and the MSI Claw. These files include a script that simplifies the installation process by setting up Google Chrome, the preferred web browser for running GeForce Now, and optimizing its launch options for each handheld device.
You may be wondering why it is necessary to install a browser-based game streaming service like GeForce Now. On devices like the Steam Deck, using Google Chrome is essential for accessing GeForce Now and playing games with different controller configurations. Without the necessary tweaks to the browser, it may not be possible to fully utilize the Steam Deck’s controller options while gaming on GeForce Now.
Having downloaded and tested the new installation script on my Steam Deck, I can attest to its effectiveness in streamlining the process. The script not only installs Google Chrome but also adjusts its settings to allow for gamepad use and adds a GeForce Now shortcut to Steam. This simplified approach makes it much easier for new users to get started with GeForce Now on their handheld gaming PCs.
While the installation script takes care of the majority of the setup process, some tweaking of the gamepad settings in Steam may still be required to ensure that GeForce Now functions as intended. Setting the controller configuration on the Steam Deck to ‘Gamepad with Joystick Trackpad’ is a popular choice that works well for many users. Additionally, users can customize the controller configuration for each game individually by accessing the Steam overlay during gameplay.
While the new installation script is a significant improvement for simplifying the process of installing GeForce Now on handheld gaming PCs, many users are still hopeful for an officially sanctioned application developed by Nvidia specifically for Steam. Such an application could further streamline the user experience and eliminate the need for manual setup steps. In the meantime, the new script serves as a welcome solution for making GeForce Now more accessible and user-friendly for all gamers.
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