According to Guru3D.com, Nvidia has confirmed it’s launching an official GeForce NOW application for Linux, with a beta version planned for early this year. The initial release will specifically support Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and newer versions, with more distributions to follow later. Simultaneously, the service is expanding to Amazon Fire TV devices, namely the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus and 4K Max, also slated for an early 2024 launch in compatible regions. The company is also adding new features like flight controller support for sticks from Thrustmaster and Logitech, and improved account integration for Battle.net and Gaijin.net. This platform expansion was announced during CES in Las Vegas.
Linux finally gets some love
This is a bigger deal than it might seem at first glance. Linux users have been stuck using the browser version of GeForce NOW, which works but isn’t ideal. A native app should mean better performance, lower latency, and just a smoother experience overall. It’s a clear signal that Nvidia sees a viable, growing audience here, especially with the Steam Deck’s success proving there’s a market for gaming on Linux. Starting with Ubuntu makes sense—it’s a major distro—but the promise of more to come is what’s really interesting. Will they go for Arch? Fedora? It feels like they’re testing the waters before a wider rollout.
The bigger picture and competition
So why now? The cloud gaming wars are heating up again. Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming is baked into many devices, and Sony is pushing PlayStation Plus Premium. By adding Linux and Fire TV support, Nvidia isn’t just chasing hardcore PC gamers anymore. They’re going after the living room and the tinkerers. The Fire TV move is a direct play for the big-screen, casual market. And look, bundling in flight sim controller support is a smart niche play to lock in the simulation crowd. It’s a classic land-grab strategy: support more platforms, add more features, make your service the most accessible. The winner in cloud gaming might just be the one with the most entry points.
What it means for gamers
For Linux users, this is basically a win. You get closer to parity with Windows and macOS for high-end gaming, just without needing the expensive local hardware. That’s huge. For Fire TV owners, it turns a cheap streaming stick into a potential gaming portal. But here’s the thing: the experience is only as good as your internet connection and proximity to Nvidia’s servers. Latency is still the eternal enemy. Still, more choice is rarely a bad thing. It puts pressure on everyone else to up their game, too. Now, if they could just work on that game library and pricing…
