LutrisLinux
vs
NVIDIA GeForce NOWWindows
Lutris as a Linux alternative to NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Updated
Our verdict
Lutris is not a direct replacement for NVIDIA GeForce NOW, but it serves a different purpose well. If you want to play locally installed or emulated games on Linux with better organisation and automation, Lutris excels. It doesn’t stream games from the cloud, so you need local storage and compatible versions of games. However, for users wanting to move away from Windows and manage a diverse game library—including Steam, GOG, and retro titles—Lutris is a powerful tool. It’s ideal for those who prefer ownership and offline access over streaming.
- License
- GPL-3.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.5.22 (February 24, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both allow launching games from a central interface
- Support for a wide range of PC games
- Controller input is supported in launched games
- Can integrate with Steam and other storefronts
- Enable custom launch configurations
What is different
- Lutris does not stream games; it manages local installations
- No built-in cloud infrastructure or remote servers
- Requires game files to be downloaded or owned elsewhere
- No cross-device sync of save states like GeForce NOW
- No low-latency video streaming capability
Opening your NVIDIA GeForce NOW files
Lutris does not support importing or opening GeForce NOW configuration or save files. Game progress in GeForce NOW is typically stored in the cloud and tied to the service, while Lutris relies on local save paths or platform-specific sync (e.g., Steam Cloud). If your games use Steam Cloud or a similar backend, progress may carry over when playing the same game through Lutris via Steam. Otherwise, manual save file migration is required, and compatibility depends on the game and runner used.
Switching from NVIDIA GeForce NOW to Lutris, step by step
- Install Lutris from your distribution’s repository or Flathub
- Set up Wine, Proton, or other runners for Windows game support
- Link your Steam, GOG, or Epic accounts through Lutris
- Use Lutris installers to add games you already own
- Configure controllers and graphics settings per game
Key features of Lutris
- Centralised library for Steam, GOG, Epic, and legacy games
- Supports multiple runners (Wine, Proton, native, emulators)
- Automatic installer scripts for thousands of titles
- Customisable launch options and environment variables
- Cross‑distribution package availability
- Built‑in game metadata and screenshots
How to install Lutris on Linux
flatpak install flathub net.lutris.Lutrissudo apt install lutrissudo apt install lutrissudo dnf install lutrissudo pacman -S lutrissudo zypper install lutrisFrequently asked questions
Can Lutris stream games like GeForce NOW?
No, Lutris does not have built-in game streaming. It manages local game installations using Wine, emulators, or native Linux versions. You need to own and download games separately.
Does Lutris support NVIDIA GPUs?
Yes, Lutris works on systems with NVIDIA graphics cards as long as the proprietary drivers are installed. Performance depends on your hardware and game compatibility.
Can I use my GeForce NOW game library in Lutris?
No, GeForce NOW libraries are not transferable. You must own the games on platforms like Steam or GOG for Lutris to install or launch them.
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