Nvidia just gave gamers another reason to switch to Linux — a shiny new GeForce Now app
- Nvidia released a full GeForce Now app for Linux
- It is available for Ubuntu 24.04 and later, but can also work on other distributions
- This is still in beta, so manage your expectations for now – but it’s still good news for accessing a wider range of games on Linux.
If you’re a Linux gamer, there’s a new way to play a wider range of games, with the arrival of the official GeForce Now app on the platform.
Nvidia just revealed that there is now a full native Linux app for its game streaming service, although it’s still in beta, so you might encounter a few quirks here and there.
Initial support is available for Ubuntu 24.04 and later, and the new desktop app delivers the full GeForce Now experience, including streaming games with up to 5K resolution (on the Ultimate tier) at 120 frames per second or 360 frames per second with Full HD resolution.
This also means no worries about compatibility on Linux with certain games (including online anti-cheat efforts – like Fortnite), and of course, no worries about your platform’s hardware not being good enough for smooth frame rates. Of course, you’re trading hardware specs for the quality of your internet connection; with slow broadband, you won’t do very well with streaming games.
The other point to remember here is the library of games supported on GeForce Now, as the title you want to play obviously has to be in Nvidia’s offering (and you have to own it too).
Analysis: reasons to be joyful
Look on it
Linux gamers have more and more reasons to be optimistic these days. SteamOS is progressing well and a growing number of games are now compatible with Linux, with the Steam Machine (expected to arrive shortly) likely to further drive this progress.
Gaming platform GOG (“Good Old Games”) has made positive comments, hinting that big things are coming for Linux in 2026 for the service (a job posting this week also highlights this). And the demise of Windows 10 seems to be pushing a significant number of new recruits towards certain Linux distributions, while they decide not to move to Windows 11.
On top of that, cloud gaming is another way to get the most out of a Linux PC, and GeForce Now is obviously a major player in this area – and we’ve been impressed with Nvidia’s service lately.
With the official app now available for Linux, aimed at desktops and laptops, GeForce Now is obviously a more tempting prospect than what was previously offered by Nvidia, which was focused on handhelds (Steam Deck) and therefore limited.
While this is only Ubuntu at first, as noted, it is possible that other distributions could run this application, although in those scenarios it will likely be even more erratic than the beta already is. Still, it might be worth it for enthusiasts, and you can be sure people will try it on alternative distributions.
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