Nvidia launches native GeForce NOW app for Linux in beta
Nvidia has released a native GeForce NOW app for Linux PCs in beta, starting with Ubuntu 24.04 and later. Nvidia says the desktop-focused app is meant to feel closer to the Windows and macOS clients than the earlier Linux experience, which was tuned for Steam Deck workflows.
What it changes versus browser streaming
On supported setups and plans, Nvidia is pitching streaming targets of up to 5K at 120 FPS, or 1080p at up to 360 FPS, depending on your configuration. Nvidia also frames the experience as tapping “GeForce RTX 5080 performance from the cloud,” including RTX features like ray tracing and DLSS (where supported by the service/game).
Installation is Flatpak-based, delivered via Nvidia’s installer
The Linux beta is delivered via Nvidia’s download page as a .bin installer (run chmod +x, then run the installer), and Nvidia’s support docs say the app is distributed as a Flatpak (which includes a ~2 GB runtime download in many cases).
Requirements and current limitations (beta)
Nvidia’s Linux setup guide includes bandwidth guidance, such as 65 Mbps for 5K at 120 FPS, and notes it wants latency under 80 ms to an Nvidia data center (and recommends under 40 ms). Nvidia also lists feature gaps on Linux right now, including no HDR, no AV1, and no Cloud G-Sync/VRR, among other omissions.
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