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Nvidia marks GeForce 8800 GTX anniversary with free Steam demo

Nvidia has launched a free, path-traced demo on Steam celebrating the 20th anniversary of the GeForce 8800 GTX, but its demanding modern hardware requirements have drawn criticism from gamers.

A 3D rendering of an Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTX graphics card floating above its packaging inside a 2006-era gaming setup with a keyboard and CRT monitor.
Image: @VideoCardz

Nvidia has released a free nostalgia demo on Steam to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its GeForce 8800 GTX graphics card. The path-traced experience recreates a 2006 gaming room setup, rendering retro technology with modern RTX-powered graphics.[4][2]

According to tech journalist Tom Warren, the virtual demo allows players to explore a gaming bedroom from two decades ago, unbox the GeForce 8800 GTX, and install the card directly into a Windows Vista PC. Imagery accompanying the release depicts the card alongside period-accurate hardware and game cases.[1][3]

Despite its retro theme, the software has faced backlash over its steep system requirements. VideoCardz reported that the demo requires an RTX 4070 to run. Meanwhile, TechRadar reported that gamers criticized the release as a bad joke and a slap in the face after discovering that an RTX 5080 GPU is listed as recommended.[3][5]

Key facts

  • Nvidia released a free, path-traced demo on Steam celebrating the 20th anniversary of the GeForce 8800 GTX.
  • The demo lets users virtually unbox a GeForce 8800 GTX, install it in a Windows Vista PC, and explore a 2006 gaming setup.
  • VideoCardz reported that the demo requires an RTX 4070 to run.
  • TechRadar reported that gamers criticized the demo as a bad joke, with recommended settings calling for an RTX 5080 GPU.

Sources · 5 sources

  1. TW

    Tom Warren@tomwarrenPost on X ·

    Nvidia is bringing PC gamers back to unboxing a GeForce 8800 GTX in 2006. A new virtual Steam demo lets you unbox the legendary GeForce 8800 GTX, install it in a Windows Vista PC, and explore a gaming room from 20 years ago https://t.co/rysaP7Jh0f

    Open source
  2. AI

    Analytics Insight@analyticsinmePost on X ·

    𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟲 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝘁𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝟴𝟴𝟬𝟬 𝗚𝗧𝗫 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼 Remember the GeForce 8800 GTX? NVIDIA is taking PC gamers back to 2006 with a free Steam experience featuring a virtual GPU unboxing, a retro gaming setup and modern RTX-powered graphics. It's a nostalgic trip for longtime PC enthusiasts! #NVIDIA #GeForce8800GTX #PCGaming #GraphicsCards #RetroGaming #Steam #RTX #DLSS45 #GamingTechnology #UnrealEngine #AnalyticsInsight #AnalyticsInsightMagazine Read More 👇 https://t.co/G0fGH1YybO

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  3. VC

    VideoCardz.com@VideoCardzPost on X ·

    NVIDIA promotes a game about unboxing a 2006 GPU, but it requires RTX 4070 to run 🔗https://t.co/mJDZQabGA3 https://t.co/8ENijMjHxR

    Open source
  4. NE

    NeowinFeed@NeowinFeedPost on X ·

    Nvidia is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the GeForce 8800 GTX with a free, path-traced nostalgia demo on Steam set in a 2006 gaming room. #8800GTX #Steam #Demo https://t.co/AUheFVa6GU

    Open source
  5. TE

    TechRadar@techradarPost on X ·

    'It's a slap in the face to post this': Nvidia's new Steam demo is a virtual unboxing of a GeForce 8800 GTX — but with an RTX 5080 GPU recommended to run it, gamers feel like it's a bad joke https://t.co/HmyUqZTFLm

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