NVIDIA’s new GeForce NOW app brings RTX gaming to Linux PCs

NVIDIA is finally giving Linux gamers something to get excited about. The company has rolled out a native GeForce NOW app for Linux PCs in beta, which allows desktop users to access GeForce RTX performance directly from the cloud. Until now, Linux users were limited to browser-based streaming or Steam Deck–focused solutions. Not to mention, it could be a big deal for Linux users.

NVIDIA’s native GeForce NOW app finally lands on Linux

The new GeForce NOW Linux app comes with support for Ubuntu 24.04 and newer, and it’s designed for desktop and laptop users. NVIDIA says the app provides a seamless native experience that fits with Linux desktop workflows. In a real-life scenario, it will turn compatible Linux systems into RTX-powered gaming machines, with all rendering handled in the cloud.

Using the app, players can now stream supported PC games at up to 5K resolution at 120 fps, or 1080p at up to 360 fps. That’s a big jump over NVIDIA’s earlier Linux experience, which was primarily built for the Steam Deck and capped at lower resolutions and frame rates.

Desktop-first experience with cloud RTX power

If you’ve used GeForce NOW on Linux before, you’d know it was designed mainly for handheld use. The new beta app moves away from that approach. It now offers a PC-focused experience, similar to what’s already available on Windows and macOS. GeForce RTX features like ray tracing, NVIDIA DLSS 4, and RTX 5080-class performance are streamed directly to your system.

With this launch, Linux joins Windows, macOS, Chromebooks, mobile devices, and smart TVs in NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW ecosystem. Besides Linux expansion, NVIDIA has also added ten new titles to GeForce NOW. Games like The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut and The Bard’s Tale Trilogy are now available. Moreover, Team Jade’s Delta Force is set to land on the cloud on February 3.