GeForce NOW Levels Up With RTX 5080 Class Performance
NVIDIA is pushing cloud gaming further with major upgrades to its GeForce NOW service. Announced at CES in Las Vegas, the platform now taps into GeForce RTX 5080 class performance on the new NVIDIA Blackwell RTX architecture. For PC gamers, this means you can stream high end gaming experiences from the cloud without needing a monster rig at home.
Ultimate members get access to RTX 5080 powered servers worldwide. These servers support up to 5K resolution streaming at 120 frames per second and up to 360 frames per second at 1080p with NVIDIA Reflex. Reflex helps cut system latency, which is crucial for competitive shooters and fast paced titles where every millisecond counts.
There is also a Cinematic Quality Streaming mode aimed at single player and visually rich games. This mode focuses on image clarity and text sharpness, making story driven adventures and detailed worlds look cleaner on a wide range of displays.
The big idea behind these updates is simple. Instead of spending heavily on a new GPU, gamers can stream high performance PC games from NVIDIA data centers to almost any device, while still enjoying ray tracing, DLSS and modern graphics features.
New Platforms: Linux PCs and Amazon Fire TV
GeForce NOW is also expanding to more platforms so you can play where you want.
The first big addition is a native Linux app. For years, Linux gamers have had to deal with limited native game support or rely on workarounds. NVIDIA is now offering a dedicated GeForce NOW client for Linux PCs, starting with Ubuntu 24.04 and newer.
With this app, a Linux machine can effectively become an RTX gaming rig. Rendering happens in the cloud, so even older or weaker Linux systems can stream games at up to 5K 120 frames per second or 1080p 360 frames per second. You still get access to RTX features like ray tracing and DLSS 4 without installing a high end graphics card locally.
This can breathe new life into older desktops and laptops running Linux, letting them run modern titles that would normally be out of reach. The native client is designed to fit smoothly into typical Linux desktop workflows and is planned to enter beta early this year.
The second major platform is Amazon Fire TV. A new GeForce NOW app is coming to select Fire TV sticks, starting with the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus second generation and Fire TV Stick 4K Max second generation.
This turns a small streaming stick into a cloud connected PC gaming setup. Members can stream their supported PC game libraries directly to a Fire TV connected display. With gamepad support and the familiar GeForce NOW interface, you can play without attaching a console or a gaming PC to the television.
This update builds on existing smart TV and streaming device support and makes it easier to move high performance PC gaming into the living room. The Fire TV app will roll out in regions where both GeForce NOW and compatible Fire TV sticks are available, with launch expected early this year.
Flight Controls, New AAA Games and Easier Logins
NVIDIA is also targeting simulation fans and quality of life improvements for everyday use.
One of the most requested features from the community has been proper flight control support. GeForce NOW is adding compatibility for popular flight sticks and throttle systems from brands like Thrustmaster and Logitech. These can be used either as combined desktop HOTAS units or as separate stick and throttle setups for more custom cockpits.
Combined with RTX 5080 performance, Reflex low latency and high frame rate streaming, this update lets virtual pilots enjoy more precision and immersion in flight and space sims. Games such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Elite Dangerous and War Thunder can take advantage of this, especially for players building detailed simulation setups at home while streaming all the heavy processing from the cloud. Flight control support is expected to launch early this year.
The GeForce NOW library already spans thousands of games from stores like Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox. That catalog continues to grow, with several new AAA titles announced for the cloud. When they launch on PC, they are also planned to arrive on GeForce NOW, including:
- 007 First Light from IO Interactive, a modern James Bond origin story focused on stealth, espionage and cinematic action.
- Resident Evil Requiem from Capcom, extending the iconic survival horror saga with a new protagonist and eerie environments.
- Crimson Desert from Pearl Abyss, a blend of open world exploration, cinematic narrative and intense combat in a richly detailed fantasy setting.
- Active Matter from Gaijin Entertainment, a realistic military shooter centered on risky raids for loot and intense player versus player encounters in a fractured multiverse.
NVIDIA says more new releases and fan favorites will continue to join the service, with regular updates shared through its GFN Thursday announcements.
To make getting into games faster, GeForce NOW is also improving account integration. Battle.net automatic sign in is already available, so once you link your account, supported games can launch with fewer steps. That convenience is expanding to more platforms, with Gaijin.net adding automatic sign in soon. This will make it smoother to jump into titles like War Thunder directly from the GeForce NOW interface.
Overall, these updates strengthen GeForce NOW as a serious option for PC gamers who want high performance experiences without constant hardware upgrades. With RTX 5080 class performance, Linux and Fire TV support, flight controls for sim fans and a growing lineup of major releases, NVIDIA is clearly betting big on cloud powered PC gaming.
Original article and image: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-ces-2026/
