Nvidia's cloud gaming service, GeForce Now, has finally received a native Linux install for Linux gamers. Announced by Nvidia, the new version is designed around a Flatpak installer and has official support for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS or newer. However, Flatpak is Linux OS agnostic, so you can run the Flatpak build of GeForce Now on Linux operating systems and distros other than Ubuntu.
GeForce Now was already accessible on Linux through web browsers, but having a native app offers better input latency, performance, and unlocks features present in the native app on other operating systems. For instance, the native app offers substantially more resolution options and 5K resolution support, frame rates of up to 360FPS (depending on resolution), and Reflex enablement within the app. With the web browser version, you are limited to 1440p as the maximum resolution and frame rates of up to 120 FPS.
Phoronix reports that the native app will require a GPU that supports H.264 or H.265 video decoding for the native Linux version. However, AV1 support is not available in the current version of the Linux app. There are some Linux quirks worth watching out for. Nvidia recommends graphics drivers R580 or newer when using an Nvidia GPU and using the X.org display driver only when running the GeForce Now native app. Intel and Radeon users are recommended to use Mesa 24.2 or newer and the Wayland protocol.
Another quirk you'll need to pay attention to if you are going to use the GeForce Now native app is that Nvidia is reportedly not distributing it through Flathub (the app store for Flatpak apps). The only way you can install it is through Nvidia's official download link on the website and by following the installation instructions.
Nvidia's new native app represents the seventh platform GeForce Now supports with native integration featuring, Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Android, iOS/iPadOS, and Linux. There is also a plethora of TVs that support GeForce Now. Unsupported platforms can access GeForce Now through the web browser. NVIDIA also announced Amazon Fire TV stick support in conjunction with the launch of the Linux native app.
GeForce Now can be accessed for free with basic gameplay functionality, but the platform is capable of outputting a flagship PC-like gaming experience with its RTX 4080/5080 Ultimate plan, with support for ultra-high refresh rate monitors and ultrawide monitors.
