We have been watching NVIDIA GRID since the beginning of the year. Those looking back will remember that NVIDIA named the service during CES 2013. And while we suspect many would have hoped for this news sooner, it looks like the first beta access is now available. Sadly though, that is limited to those in Northern California area at this time. Specifically, in the San Jose area.
NVIDIA has released the GRID Beta app in the Google Play Store and also detailed the current availability on the GRID Cloud Gaming Beta site. According to what we are seeing, those looking to get in the beta will need (the obvious) an NVIDIA SHIELD system. Those looking for beta access also need to meet the following criteria;
- Internet connection with at least a 10 Mbps download speed
- Home network with 40 ms or less ping time to the GRID cloud gaming servers in San Jose, CA
- NVIDIA GameStream-Ready 5 GHz Wi-Fi router
Along with the beta access, NVIDIA has shared some other key bits about the GRID setup. For example, while the beta is limited to the San Jose area, there was mention that it is “possible that users outside of this area, with a fast enough internet connection, can meet these requirements and participate.”
There wasn’t any specific timeline as to when we can expect NVIDIA GRID access in other markets, but there was word of how the “free beta period will last for at least three months” and from that point, NVIDIA will “determine next steps based on your feedback.”
While we have yet to get hands-on with this setup, there has been at least one video shared on YouTube. This one comes courtesy of “Sea King” who has shared a near 8 minute video of Red Faction: Armageddon being played on a SHIELD. And as always, those looking for more SHIELD coverage — make sure you venture down into the Story Timeline sitting below this post.
SOURCE: NVIDIA, Google Play Store
Love you!!! GaaS
I was able to use GRID on my SHIELD here in Dallas, TX. Spent quite a bit of time playing Trine. Very little to no lag. Graphics quality wasn’t perfect but I’m obviously not near CA so it was expected. All in all I loved the experience.
I’m all the way in NJ and it runs flawlessly. At home, under “Show Details when connecting to the cloud servers, I have 0.00 frameloss, 11 ms jitter, and 30-40 ms latency, all of which is greater than what is recommended.
I also have little to no lag, maybe every 5 to 10 minutes, but the lag lasts for less than 1 second, and I have no complaints. Keep up the excellent work NVIDIA!!! Maybe NVIDIA could add a “What game should be done next” poll to give users a say in the process. This could improve their fanbase, especially if major games are covered.