NVIDIA GeForce NOW Launches Native Linux Support via Flatpak
NVIDIA has officially launched a native Linux version of its GeForce NOW game streaming service. This announcement follows their initial reveal at CES, where it was highlighted that the service would become available as a desktop application for Linux users.
NVIDIA GeForce NOW: Native Linux Support via Flatpak
The new Linux-native build of GeForce NOW is now available for download. Initially, it operates as a Flatpak, which enables compatibility across various Linux distributions. However, NVIDIA is currently providing official support exclusively for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and later versions.
Compatibility and Requirements
- NVIDIA’s Flatpak build runs mainly on x86_64 Linux systems.
- There are no AArch64 Linux builds available at this time.
- For optimal performance, an NVIDIA R580 series GPU or newer is recommended when using the X.Org session.
- If using Intel or AMD Radeon graphics, Mesa 24.2+ and the Wayland session are suggested.
Supported Video Formats
The current version supports H.264 and H.265 for video playback via Vulkan. Notably, AV1 is not yet supported for Vulkan Video on the Linux platform.
Access to Games and Pricing Tiers
With GeForce NOW on Linux, users can access a library of over 4,500 games. The service is available in several tiers:
- Free Tier: Standard access with limited session lengths.
- Performance Tier: Offers RTX ray-tracing and up to 1440p at 60 FPS.
- Ultimate Tier: Utilizes GeForce RTX 5080 GPU servers for up to 5K at 120 FPS or 1080p at 360 FPS, with extended gaming sessions of up to eight hours.
Download Information
For those eager to try out GeForce NOW on Linux, the Flatpak can be initially downloaded from NVIDIA’s official website, NVIDIA.com. However, it will not be available through Flathub at launch.
This innovative move by NVIDIA highlights their commitment to supporting Linux gamers, making it easier to access high-performance gaming experiences on various distributions.
