Nvidia launches beta of native GeForce NOW app for Linux

Nvidia has rolled out a native GeForce NOW app for Linux, now available in beta. The app currently supports Ubuntu 24.04 and newer versions. According to the company, this new desktop client is aimed at PC users and brings a user interface and feature set closer to what’s found on Windows and macOS versions-unlike the previous Linux experience, which was mostly tailored for Steam Deck use cases.

On supported plans and configurations, Nvidia promises game streaming at up to 5K resolution running at 120 frames per second, or 1080p at an impressive 360 fps-depending on your system capabilities and chosen settings. The company highlights that users will effectively get “GeForce RTX 5080-level performance from the cloud,” including RTX features like ray tracing and DLSS, provided those are supported by the game and the service.

The Linux beta is available directly from Nvidia’s official website as a .bin installer file. Installing it requires making the file executable with the command chmod +x, followed by running the installer. The support documentation also notes that the app is distributed as a Flatpak package, which in many cases involves downloading an additional runtime environment of about 2GB.

In its Linux setup guide, Nvidia outlines recommended internet connection specs. For streaming at 5K and 120fps, a bandwidth of roughly 65 Mbps is needed. Latency to Nvidia’s data center should be no higher than 80 ms, with under 40 ms being ideal for the best experience.

That said, the Linux beta comes with some limitations. HDR support, the AV1 codec, and Cloud G-Sync and VRR features are not yet available, along with certain other capabilities that users on Windows and macOS can currently enjoy.