After years of beta testing, Nvidia (NVDA  ) has finally launched its long-awaited cloud gaming service GeForce NOW. The service offers users the power to play games with the same quality of PC gaming from virtually any device. GeForce NOW is supported on an app for MacOS (AAPL  ), Windows (MSFT  ), Android and Nvidia Shield TV.

Unlike Google's (GOOGL  ) Stadia, Sony's (SNE  ) Playstation Now, and Microsoft's developing xCloud, all of which are trying to build a console-like experience for subscription users, GeForce NOW connects with online gaming platforms like Steam and EpicGames through an user's account, bringing cloud-streaming to user's already purchased third-party games.

Nvidia is also upgrading its cloud gaming servers to be equipped to handle ray-tracing-capable (RTX) graphics for eligible games. Ray tracing is a rendering technique that produces realistic light effects in graphic images. Essentially, it's a computer algorithm that can trace the path of light, and then simulate the way light interacts with virtual objects. This is still a developing technology that is only offered in bigger titles in limited ways.

But the service is not all too good to be true, for users have to face a few drawbacks in using GeForce NOW. First, like Stadia, the service requires an excellent internet connection, meaning either a well equipped WIFI router or an Ethernet cable. Second, the service is not available everywhere, for users need to be near a Nvidia data center. Currently, there are nine data centers in the U.S., five in Europe, one in Korea and two in Japan. Third, the service is missing top games from companies like Capcom (CCOEY  ), EA (EA  ), Konami (KNAMF  ) and Rockstar (TTWO  ) despite many participating in the service's beta period.

GeForce NOW is being offered as a monthly subscription, costing about $5 to access the 'Founder's Edition,' which lets users play whenever and for as long as they want, along with access to RTX games. However, the company has disclosed that the subscription fee will raise at some point in the future.

Unlike Stadia where users are waiting for a free version that may never come, GeForce NOW is offering a free to play version along with its subscription offering, although it comes with a few limitations: longer launch-times and waiting periods, less powerful hardware and one hour gaming sessions.

Despite the drawbacks, users do not have to invest in the hardware that is required for Stadia and rebuy games they already own, so it may be worth giving the service a try.