NVIDIA’s Native Linux GeForce NOW App Arrives Early 2026

• Key Takeaways:
• NVIDIA confirmed a native GeForce NOW Linux app will enter beta “early this year,” supporting Ubuntu 24.04 and later.
• Steam Deck support is already in place; NVIDIA also announced Amazon Fire TV stick compatibility and flight control support.
• New integrations include Gaijin.net account linking and several PC launch titles (007 First Light, Resident Evil Requiem, Crimson Desert, Active Matter).

What NVIDIA announced

NVIDIA has officially confirmed a native Linux client for GeForce NOW, joining its existing Steam Deck support and expanding desktop availability for Linux gamers. The company said the native app was “one of the top requests from the PC gaming community.”

Platform support and timing

The native Linux app is not yet available but will arrive in beta "early this year," according to NVIDIA. Initial support is confirmed for Ubuntu 24.04 and later distributions.

While NVIDIA singled out Ubuntu, Linux users are watching to see whether the company will publish broader distribution packages—Flatpak via Flathub would be the easiest route to reach many distros, but NVIDIA has not confirmed distribution channels yet.

Why this matters for Linux players

A native client simplifies cloud gaming on Linux desktops and lower-powered handhelds by avoiding workarounds and Steam Proton layers. That can make titles that block native Linux installs due to anti-cheat systems playable via GeForce NOW.

With rising hardware costs, cloud streaming remains an attractive option for players who don’t want to upgrade RAM, GPUs or storage to run demanding PC releases locally.

Other GeForce NOW updates

NVIDIA also announced expanded device and peripheral support. Amazon Fire TV stick compatibility and flight control (joystick/throttle) support are scheduled to arrive early this year, broadening the ways users can access the service.

New games and integrations

Several PC launch titles were named for GeForce NOW, including 007 First Light, Resident Evil Requiem, Crimson Desert and Active Matter. These joins a growing catalog accessible via streaming.

To streamline sign-in, NVIDIA will add Gaijin.net account linking, making it easier to launch titles like War Thunder with one-click play.

Looking ahead

The Linux app signals increased attention to Linux as a target platform from major gaming services. If NVIDIA adopts cross-distro distribution methods like Flathub, adoption and accessibility could scale rapidly across the Linux ecosystem.

For now, Linux gamers can expect a beta release in the near term and should watch for packaging and distribution details from NVIDIA.