- Nvidia has released a complete GeForce Now app for Linux
- It is out for Ubuntu 24.04 and above, but can also run on other distros
- This is still a beta release, so manage your expectations for now – but it’s still good news for getting access to a wider range of games on Linux
If you’re a gamer on Linux, there’s a new way to play a wider variety of games with the arrival of the official GeForce Now app on the platform.
Nvidia has just revealed that there’s now a fully native Linux app for their game streaming service, although it’s still in beta, so you might experience a little hiccups here and there.
Native support is available for Ubuntu 24.04 and later, and the new desktop app boasts the full GeForce Now experience, including streaming games at up to 5K resolution (at the Ultimate level) at 120 frames per second or 360 frames per second at Full HD resolution.
It also means no compatibility concerns on Linux with certain games (especially anti-cheat online efforts – such as Fortnite), and of course no worries about the hardware in your rig not being good enough for fluid frame rates. Of course, you trade hardware specifications for the quality of your Internet connection; with slow broadband you won’t do very well streaming games.
The other point to remember here is the supported library of games on GeForce Now, as obviously the title you want to play has to be in Nvidia’s offering (and you have to own it too).
Analysis: reasons to be cheerful
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Linux gamers are just getting more and more reasons to be optimistic these days. SteamOS is progressing nicely and an increasing number of games are now compatible with Linux as a result, with the Steam Machine (which should arrive shortly) likely to drive this progress further.
The GOG (‘Good Old Games’) gaming platform has made positive comments suggesting that big things are coming to Linux in 2026 for the service (a job ad that surfaced this week also underlines this). And the demise of Windows 10 seems to be pushing a significant number of new recruits to some Linux distros as 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 big player in that field – and we’ve been impressed with Nvidia’s service recently.
With the official app now here for Linux serving desktops and laptops, GeForce Now is obviously a more enticing prospect than what was previously offered by Nvidia, which was handheld-focused (Steam Deck) and limited as a result.
While it’s only for Ubuntu to begin with, as mentioned, it’s possible that other distros could run this app, though in those scenarios it’s likely to be even more erratic than beta software already is. Still, it might be worth a whirl for the keen, and you can bet people will be trying this out on alternative distros.
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