For years Linux gamers have used workarounds and browser tricks to reach GeForce NOW. Today that changes: NVIDIA has published a native Linux build of GeForce NOW as a Flatpak, available in beta from NVIDIA.com.
The release is aimed at desktop Linux users rather than handhelds — although GeForce NOW already works on Steam Deck — and it brings the same cloud-rendered RTX features many PC players expect. Rendering happens on NVIDIA servers equipped with Blackwell GPUs, so your local machine mostly needs to handle streaming and decoding rather than raw rendering.
What the beta delivers
The Flatpak supports Ubuntu 24.04 and later officially, and at launch it is distributed directly from NVIDIA rather than through Flathub. The Linux app is currently x86_64 only; there are no AArch64 builds yet. Codec support on Linux is limited to H.264 and H.265 for now — NVIDIA has not enabled Vulkan Video AV1 decoding in the Linux client.
Use cases and performance tiers mirror the broader GeForce NOW ecosystem: the free tier gives basic access and session limits, the Performance tier enables ray tracing and up to 1440p at 60 fps, and the Ultimate tier runs on RTX 5080 servers with options like 5K at 120 fps or 1080p at 360 fps and extended session lengths. Across tiers users can access a library of roughly 4,500 titles, including recent cloud-ready additions like The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut and Cairn.
If you want the official announcement and download details, NVIDIA has published the Linux beta notes and installer on their blog: GeForce NOW Linux beta on NVIDIA.
Compatibility and technical notes
NVIDIA recommends using NVIDIA R580 series GPUs or newer when running under an NVIDIA driver, and advises X.Org sessions for that stack. If you run Intel or AMD graphics, Mesa 24.2 or newer and Wayland are the recommended path. Those details matter: even though rendering is remote, your client still needs modern Vulkan video support for smooth H.264/H.265 decoding.
Because the app is packaged as a Flatpak, distributions beyond Ubuntu should be able to run it, but only Ubuntu 24.04 and later are currently officially qualified. And while Flatpak simplifies distribution, NVIDIA has decided not to put this package on Flathub at launch — you will download the Flatpak from NVIDIA.com.
Why it matters for Linux players
This is more than a checkbox for platform parity. A native client removes friction for players who previously relied on unofficial wrappers or browser-based streaming, and it brings Linux closer to feature parity with Windows and macOS GeForce NOW clients. Higher-end cloud options mean Linux users can experiment with RTX features and DLSS 4 even on modest local hardware.
For handheld fans, remember Valve and others continue to tune handheld experiences — the Steam Deck remains a popular way to access cloud gaming and local PC libraries, and recent device software improvements like the Steam Deck low-power download mode show the ecosystem is still evolving in ways that matter to gamers on Linux and portable hardware. See the recent write-up on the Steam Deck's display-off download mode for more context: Steam Deck Gains Long‑Requested ‘Display‑Off’ Low‑Power Download Mode.
Cloud streaming is also getting broader in the console and device space; streaming updates like the PlayStation Portal change how people think about remote play and cloud access, so NVIDIA's Linux client arrives into a fast-moving landscape of streaming options: PlayStation Portal Can Now Stream Your PS5 Library — Major Cloud Update Arrives.
If you still prefer buying local hardware, consoles and powerful consoles remain viable alternatives. For example, console buyers might compare cloud options with owning a dedicated machine like the PlayStation 5 Pro, which remains a strong local-play option for many players. The console is widely sold through retailers like Amazon and can be found here: PlayStation 5 Pro.
A practical take
Expect the Linux experience to improve iteratively. Early adopters should test the Flatpak on their distro of choice, especially if they rely on non-NVIDIA GPUs or Wayland sessions. Keep an eye on codec support and any forthcoming AArch64 builds if you run ARM-based devices.
NVIDIA has pushed a meaningful piece of infrastructure into the Linux desktop world: a supported, native GeForce NOW client simplifies access to high-end cloud gaming and gives Linux users another straightforward route to play modern, RTX-enabled PC titles without rebuilding their machines. If you want to try it, download the beta from NVIDIA and see how your setup handles streamed RTX performance.