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Nvidia Launches Native GeForce Now Beta for Linux With RTX 5080 Cloud Performance

Ubuntu users can install the desktop client today, gaining high-end cloud rendering that fills a long-standing gap for Linux gaming.

Overview

  • The beta app officially supports Ubuntu 24.04 or later and targets desktop PCs and notebooks, moving beyond the prior browser access and separate Steam Deck client.
  • Nvidia advertises streaming up to 5K at 120 fps or 1080p at 360 fps with RTX 5080-class performance, ray tracing, DLSS 4, Reflex and other RTX features.
  • Ten titles were added alongside the launch, including The Bard’s Tale IV, The Bard’s Tale Trilogy, Cairn, The Midnight Walkers, Prototype, Prototype 2 and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
  • Hands-on testing reports strong visual quality and responsiveness comparable to Windows use, though some input latency persists and non‑supported distros like Bazzite show instability.
  • Linux limitations at launch include missing AV1, HDR and Cloud G-Sync, with some anti-cheat–restricted games playable via the cloud while kernel-level titles such as Valorant remain unavailable; Flatpak installs on other distros are unofficial and broader support timing is unspecified.