Nvidia launches GeForce Now apps for Linux and Fire TV, confirming CES 2026 rumors

Confirming earlier reports of native Linux support, Nvidia announced dedicated GeForce Now cloud gaming apps for Linux desktops and select Amazon Fire TV devices at CES 2026. The move expands high-performance PC gaming to open-source systems and living rooms, building on recent Xbox Game Pass integration for Fire TV and specialized controller support.

Nvidia's CES 2026 keynote unveiled native apps for GeForce Now on Linux desktops (Ubuntu 24.04+) and Amazon Fire TV Sticks, addressing prior Linux workarounds like browser-based access. The Linux beta streams from RTX 5080 servers at up to 5K/120 FPS or Full HD/360 FPS. Fire TV support launches on Stick 4K Plus (2nd gen) and 4K Max (2nd gen) without beta, competing with Amazon Luna in living-room gaming.

Enhancements include flight controllers for Elite Dangerous, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and War Thunder, plus auto sign-in for Battle.net (Gaijin.net soon). These target Linux communities (e.g., Steam Deck users) and broadens access to 3,000+ games sans high-end PCs, amid streaming tech advances and Windows 10 end-of-life.

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Nvidia GeForce Now beta app on Linux Ubuntu desktop streaming high-res 5K cloud game at 120 FPS.
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Nvidia launches beta GeForce Now app for Linux

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Nvidia has released a beta version of its native GeForce Now app for Linux PCs, enabling high-performance cloud gaming on Ubuntu 24.04 and later systems. The app supports streaming at up to 5K resolution and 120 frames per second, or 1080p at 360 fps, matching capabilities on Windows and macOS. This launch, announced at CES 2026, includes ten new games and aims to enhance accessibility for Linux gamers.

Building on Nvidia's CES 2026 launch of native GeForce Now apps for Linux (Ubuntu 24.04+) and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen)—enabling up to 4K ray-traced or 5K/120 FPS cloud gaming—the service now boasts over 25 million members. This expansion targets budget hardware and open-source users, sparking excitement and some compatibility concerns.

Reported by AI

NVIDIA announced several updates to its GeForce NOW cloud gaming service during CES 2026, including native apps for Linux and Amazon Fire TV, flight control support, and new single sign-on features. The company also revealed upcoming AAA titles joining the platform, enhancing accessibility across devices. These developments aim to broaden gaming options without requiring high-end local hardware.

Building on recent performance updates like the December 2025 SteamOS release for handhelds, Valve continues advancing SteamOS as a viable Linux-based alternative to Windows in PC gaming. Innovations such as Proton and the Steam Deck decouple gaming from Windows dependency, eroding Microsoft's dominance amid its AI focus.

Reported by AI

GOG, a key player in PC game distribution, has signaled strong plans to bring its Galaxy launcher to Linux through a recent job listing. The listing describes Linux as the platform's 'next major frontier,' aiming to enhance cross-platform gaming support. This move excites Linux users seeking better native integration for GOG's library.

Microsoft has made its Xbox app available on all Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, enabling users to download and stream games seamlessly. This update coincides with advancements in Arm compatibility, including support for over 85 percent of the Game Pass catalog. The timing aligns with rumors of upcoming Arm hardware from Nvidia and Qualcomm.

Reported by AI

A new benchmark analysis examines the performance of open-source Nouveau and Mesa drivers against NVIDIA's proprietary 580 series on Linux, focusing on aging Maxwell and Pascal GPUs as support ends. The tests highlight significant limitations in re-clocking and power management for GeForce 900 and 1000 series cards. Newer Turing and beyond GPUs fare better with GSP support.

 

 

 

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