NVIDIA GeForce NOW Arrives on Linux as Native Flatpak Application

NVIDIA has officially launched GeForce NOW for Linux as a native Flatpak application, marking a significant expansion of their cloud gaming service to the Linux desktop ecosystem. The review embargo has lifted following NVIDIA's announcement at CES 2026, and the Flatpak build is now available for download directly from NVIDIA's website.

The GeForce NOW Linux client is being distributed as a Flatpak rather than through traditional package managers or Flathub. This approach provides several advantages, including easier distribution across different Linux distributions and improved sandboxing for security. However, NVIDIA is currently only officially supporting Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and later versions, though the Flatpak format should theoretically work on other distributions as well.

System Requirements and Compatibility

For NVIDIA graphics card users, the recommended setup includes NVIDIA R580 series GPUs or newer running with the X.Org session. Intel and AMD Radeon users should have Mesa 24.2 or newer installed and are advised to use the Wayland session for optimal performance.

A critical requirement for GeForce NOW on Linux is hardware video decoding support. Users need a modern GPU with H.264 or H.265 Vulkan Video support. Currently, NVIDIA is not supporting Vulkan Video AV1 decoding with GeForce NOW on Linux, limiting users to H.264/H.265 codecs. This hardware acceleration is essential for smooth streaming performance, as the games themselves are rendered on NVIDIA's cloud servers using Blackwell GPUs.

Performance Tiers and Gaming Experience

The service offers access to over 4,500 games, providing Linux users with a massive library of titles that might otherwise be unavailable on the platform. GeForce NOW's tiered pricing structure applies to Linux users as well:

• Free Tier: Standard access to gaming servers with limited session caps, providing an introductory experience for new users
• Performance Tier: Enables RTX ray-tracing support and 1440p @ 60 FPS performance with up to six-hour gaming sessions
• Ultimate Tier: Delivers the highest performance with GeForce RTX 5080 GPU servers, supporting up to 5K @ 120 FPS or 1080p @ 360 FPS with up to eight-hour sessions

Distribution and Platform Support

While the Flatpak approach offers flexibility, there are some limitations to note. The initial release is only available for x86_64 Linux systems, with no AArch64 (ARM64) builds currently available. This means users with ARM-based systems like the Raspberry Pi 5 or Apple Silicon Macs running Linux won't be able to use the service yet.

NVIDIA's decision to distribute the Flatpak directly from their website rather than through Flathub is notable. This approach gives NVIDIA more control over the distribution and update process but may make installation slightly less convenient for some users who are accustomed to using Flathub for their Flatpak applications.

The Linux client follows NVIDIA's existing support for the Steam Deck, which has had GeForce NOW access since earlier in 2026. The Steam Deck support likely provided valuable testing and feedback that helped refine the Linux desktop experience.

Installation and Getting Started

Linux users interested in trying GeForce NOW can download the Flatpak directly from NVIDIA.com. The installation process should be straightforward for users familiar with Flatpak, though those new to the format may need to install Flatpak support first through their distribution's package manager.

The free tier availability is particularly important for Linux users, as it allows them to test the service on their specific hardware configuration before committing to a paid subscription. Given the hardware requirements and the importance of video decoding performance, this trial period could be crucial for users to determine if their system can provide a satisfactory gaming experience.

This release represents a significant milestone for Linux gaming, as it provides access to a vast library of Windows games through cloud streaming without requiring complex compatibility layers like Wine or Proton. For many Linux users, especially those with less powerful hardware, GeForce NOW could provide access to modern gaming experiences that would otherwise be unavailable on their systems.

The native Flatpak approach also demonstrates NVIDIA's commitment to the Linux platform, building on their existing work with the NVIDIA Container Toolkit and other Linux-focused initiatives. As cloud gaming continues to evolve, having native Linux support becomes increasingly important for reaching a broader audience of gamers who prefer open-source operating systems.