NVIDIA announced major platform expansions for its GeForce NOW cloud gaming service at CES 2026, introducing native apps for Linux PCs and Amazon Fire TV devices. Both apps will enter beta and launch early in 2026, bringing RTX 5080-powered gaming to millions of new devices. The company also revealed flight controls support, new AAA game partnerships, and expanded single sign-on integrations for faster access.
What’s New at CES 2026
NVIDIA unveiled two flagship additions to the GeForce NOW ecosystem during the annual Las Vegas trade show. The native Linux PC app will support Ubuntu 24.04 and later distributions, addressing one of the most requested features from the PC gaming community. The Amazon Fire TV app targets Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (2nd Gen) and Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen), expanding living-room gaming options without requiring a console.
RTX 5080-class servers are now live globally for Ultimate members, powered by NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture. These servers deliver up to 5K resolution at 120 frames per second or 1080p at 360 fps with NVIDIA Reflex for competitive play. The Cinematic-Quality Streaming mode enhances image clarity and text sharpness for single-player games.
Flight simulation enthusiasts will gain native support for popular controllers from Thrustmaster and Logitech, launching early this year. NVIDIA also confirmed that Battle.net automatic sign-in rolled out this week, with Gaijin.net support arriving soon.
Linux PC App Details
The GeForce NOW app for Linux represents a significant milestone for the platform. Previously, Linux users relied on unofficial workarounds or browser-based streaming. The native app will deliver the full GeForce NOW experience with support for ray tracing, NVIDIA DLSS 4, and other RTX technologies without local GPU requirements.
Ubuntu 24.04 was chosen as the initial target because it is a long-term support release with stable graphics drivers and consistent system libraries. Michael McSorley, NVIDIA’s product marketing manager, confirmed that the company will expand formal support to additional Linux distributions in the weeks following the beta launch.
The app is expected to enter beta early in 2026, though no specific date has been announced. Linux gamers will be able to stream the entire GeForce NOW library, transforming older hardware into RTX-powered gaming systems.
Fire TV App Rollout
The GeForce NOW app for Amazon Fire TV addresses another frequently requested platform. The app will initially support Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (2nd Gen) and Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen), bringing cloud-based PC gaming to any TV with an HDMI port.
Users will be able to stream compatible PC game libraries from Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, and other platforms directly through the Fire TV interface. The app supports standard gamepads and will launch in all countries where both compatible Fire TV devices and GeForce NOW are available.
Previously, Fire TV owners had to sideload unofficial Android APKs to access GeForce NOW, a technical process that lacked official support. The native app simplifies setup and ensures optimal performance for the hardware. The app will launch early in 2026 alongside the Linux release.
RTX 5080 Performance Benchmarks
GeForce NOW Ultimate members now access RTX 5080-class servers running NVIDIA’s Blackwell platform globally. These servers support unprecedented resolution and frame rate combinations for cloud gaming.
The hardware delivers three performance tiers:
- 5K resolution at 120 fps for ultra-high-definition gaming
- 4K resolution at 240 fps for high-fidelity competitive play
- 1080p resolution at 360 fps with NVIDIA Reflex for esports-level latency
The servers include 48GB of VRAM, significantly more than the 16GB available in consumer RTX 5080 cards. This enables better performance in some titles compared to local hardware. NVIDIA claims total input latency as low as 30 milliseconds under optimal conditions.
The maximum video bitrate increased to 100 Mbps, requiring strong internet connections and consuming approximately 45GB of bandwidth per hour at peak quality. Users should verify their network can sustain these speeds without affecting other devices.
Flight Controls Support
NVIDIA is adding native flight stick and throttle support to GeForce NOW early this year. Popular HOTAS (hands-on throttle-and-stick) systems from Thrustmaster and Logitech will work as desktop units or custom cockpit setups.
Supported titles include Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Elite Dangerous, and War Thunder. Combined with RTX 5080 performance and NVIDIA Reflex, the integration enables high-fidelity simulation experiences streamed from the cloud.
This feature expands GeForce NOW’s peripheral ecosystem beyond standard gamepads and keyboard/mouse setups. Virtual pilots can build detailed simulation rigs at home while offloading graphics processing to cloud servers.
New AAA Games Announced
Four major upcoming titles will stream on GeForce NOW at their PC launch dates:
- 007 First Light (IO Interactive): A modern James Bond origin story featuring stealth mechanics and espionage gameplay
- Resident Evil Requiem (Capcom): The next entry in the survival-horror franchise with a new protagonist and setting
- Crimson Desert (Pearl Abyss): An open-world action RPG combining exploration, storytelling, and combat
- Active Matter (Gaijin Entertainment): A realistic military shooter with raid mechanics and PvP battles in a fractured multiverse
These titles join a library of thousands of supported games from Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, and other PC platforms. NVIDIA shares updates on new game additions every Thursday through its GFN Thursdays series.
Platform Comparison
| Feature | Linux App | Fire TV App | Existing Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Early 2026 (beta) | Early 2026 | Available now |
| Max Resolution | 5K/120fps | 1080p/60fps (estimated) | Up to 5K/120fps |
| Supported OS | Ubuntu 24.04+ | Fire TV Stick 4K series | Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, iOS |
| RTX Features | Full RTX 5080 support | Full RTX 5080 support | Full RTX 5080 support |
| Controller Support | Keyboard/mouse, gamepad | Gamepad | Varies by platform |
What This Means for Users
The Linux and Fire TV apps remove two major barriers to GeForce NOW adoption. Linux desktop users gain access to Windows-exclusive PC games without dual-booting or compatibility layers. Fire TV owners can transform any television into a cloud gaming display without purchasing dedicated hardware.
RTX 5080 servers democratize high-end PC gaming for users without expensive local hardware. The 5K and 360 fps capabilities target enthusiasts with premium displays and ultra-competitive gamers who prioritize frame rates.
Flight controls support opens simulation gaming to users who previously needed powerful local PCs to run demanding titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This expands the audience for niche simulation genres.
What’s Next
Both the Linux and Fire TV apps will enter beta or launch “early this year,” though NVIDIA has not specified exact dates. The Linux app will initially support Ubuntu 24.04, with additional distributions added based on testing feedback.
Flight controls support and Gaijin.net single sign-on will also arrive early in 2026 without confirmed timelines. NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW expansion to India has been delayed from 2025 to Q1 2026.
Users can monitor the official GFN Thursdays blog for updates on app releases, new game additions, and feature rollouts. The company typically announces availability one to two weeks before public launches.
Featured Snippet Boxes
When will the GeForce NOW Linux app be released?
The native Linux app will enter beta early in 2026, with initial support for Ubuntu 24.04 and later distributions. NVIDIA plans to expand compatibility to additional Linux versions based on beta feedback.
Which Amazon Fire TV devices support the new GeForce NOW app?
The app launches on Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (2nd Gen) and Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) early this year. It will be available in all regions where both compatible Fire TV devices and GeForce NOW service are offered.
What performance does RTX 5080 cloud gaming deliver?
RTX 5080-powered servers support up to 5K resolution at 120 fps, 4K at 240 fps, or 1080p at 360 fps with NVIDIA Reflex. The servers include 48GB VRAM and feature Cinematic-Quality Streaming mode for enhanced visual clarity.
Does GeForce NOW support flight controls now?
Flight stick and throttle support from brands like Thrustmaster and Logitech will launch early in 2026. Supported titles include Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Elite Dangerous, and War Thunder at launch.
