- Nvidia has released a full GeForce Now app for Linux
- It is available for Ubuntu 24.04 and later, but can also run on other distributions.
- This is still a beta version, so keep your expectations in check for now, but it’s still good news for accessing a wider range of games on Linux.
If you’re a gamer on Linux, 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 experience some hesitation here and there.
Initial support is available for Ubuntu 24.04 and later, and the new desktop app features the full GeForce Now experience, including game streaming at up to 5K resolution (at the Ultimate tier) at 120 frames per second or 360 frames per second at Full HD resolution.
It also means there are no compatibility concerns on Linux with certain games (particularly online anti-cheat efforts, like Fortnite) and, of course, no worries that your computer’s hardware isn’t 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 game streaming.
The other point to remember here is the library of GeForce Now-compatible games, as the title you want to play obviously needs to be in Nvidia’s offerings (and you need to own it too).
Analysis: reasons to be happy
Look
Linux gamers have more and more reasons to be optimistic these days. SteamOS is advancing nicely, and as a result, an increasing number of games now support Linux, and the Steam Machine (which should arrive soon) is likely to drive that progress even further.
Gaming platform GOG (‘Good Old Games’) has been making positive comments, hinting that there are big things coming to Linux in 2026 for the service (a job ad that emerged this week also underlines this). And the demise of Windows 10 appears to be pushing a considerable number of new recruits to some Linux distributions as they decide not to head 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 space, and we’ve been impressed with Nvidia’s service lately.
With the official app now here for Linux, for desktop PCs and laptops, GeForce Now is obviously a more tempting prospect than what Nvidia previously offered, which was focused on portable devices (Steam Deck) and was limited as a result.
While it’s Ubuntu-only to begin with, as noted, other distributions may be able to run this app, although in those scenarios it’s likely to be even more erratic than the beta software already is. Still, it might be worth a try for enthusiasts, and you can bet people will try it on alternative distributions.
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