At CES on January 5, 2026, Nvidia announced two related but distinct updates: DLSS 4.5 for local GeForce RTX gaming, and GeForce NOW apps for Linux PCs and selected Amazon Fire TV devices. DLSS 4.5 changes how compatible RTX PCs render games; GeForce NOW streams games rendered on Nvidia’s servers. The Linux app is now available in beta, while Fire TV support is limited to specific Stick models and software versions.
What DLSS 4.5 changes
DLSS is Nvidia’s AI-assisted rendering technology. Its features do different jobs, so “DLSS 4.5” does not describe a single performance switch. The headline update combines a new Super Resolution model with frame-generation features. Nvidia describes the DLSS 4.5 technology as including a second-generation transformer model and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation.
Super Resolution
DLSS Super Resolution reconstructs a higher-resolution image from a lower-resolution render. Nvidia says the second-generation transformer model improves image quality, lighting, edge detail and motion clarity. Super Resolution became available through NVIDIA App model overrides on January 14, 2026, for all GeForce RTX GPUs across more than 400 games and applications, according to Nvidia’s rollout announcement.
Dynamic and 6X Multi Frame Generation
Multi Frame Generation inserts AI-generated frames between traditionally rendered ones. Dynamic Multi Frame Generation is intended to adjust the multiplier to the game and target frame rate; the announced 6X mode can generate multiple frames between rendered frames. Nvidia announced these features for GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs.
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Generated frames can make motion look smoother, particularly on high-refresh displays or in demanding ray-traced and path-traced games. They do not make the game simulate, sample input or render at the generated display rate. A high displayed frame rate is therefore not equivalent to the same native frame rate or responsiveness. Results depend on the base frame rate, game engine, Reflex support, display latency and the title’s implementation; fast motion, particles, interface elements and newly revealed areas can show artifacts. A low base frame rate or CPU bottleneck can also limit the benefit.
Which GPUs support which DLSS 4.5 features?
| GPU | DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution | Dynamic/6X Multi Frame Generation |
|---|---|---|
| GeForce RTX 20 Series | Yes, through supported games or NVIDIA App overrides | Not announced for this series |
| GeForce RTX 30 Series | Yes, through supported games or NVIDIA App overrides | Not announced for this series |
| GeForce RTX 40 Series | Yes, through supported games or NVIDIA App overrides | Not announced for this series |
| GeForce RTX 50 Series | Yes, through supported games or NVIDIA App overrides | Announced target for Dynamic and 6X Multi Frame Generation |
The all-RTX claim applies to Super Resolution, not every DLSS 4.5 feature. A game must support DLSS or work with the NVIDIA App override mechanism, and the exact available features depend on the title and GPU. Nvidia does not claim these features for non-RTX GeForce cards. See its DLSS 4.5 compatibility announcement for the scope of the rollout.
How to enable DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution
- Open the NVIDIA App and select either the global profile or an individual game profile.
- Find DLSS Override – Model Presets and choose Recommended.
- Launch a supported game and check its graphics settings to confirm that DLSS is enabled.
Nvidia’s CES announcement mapped the recommended presets to Model M for DLSS Performance mode, Model L for Ultra Performance mode, and Model K for the remaining modes. An override is not the same as a developer-integrated game update. Results can vary with rendering resolution, antialiasing and a game’s DLSS implementation. If an override causes artifacts or instability, restore the game’s native setting. The steps and preset mapping are in Nvidia’s CES announcement.
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GeForce NOW on Linux: official, but still beta
GeForce NOW runs games on Nvidia’s cloud hardware and streams the video to your device. It does not install or locally render Windows PC games on a Linux computer. Nvidia specifically cited Ubuntu 24.04 and later distributions at CES; its current download page labels the Linux client beta. That makes Ubuntu 24.04 or later the clearest stated compatibility target, not a guarantee that every Linux distribution is officially supported. Other distributions may work, but Nvidia has not established them as supported in the cited requirements.
Install the Linux app
- Download
GeForceNOWSetup.binfrom Nvidia’s GeForce NOW download page. - In a terminal, go to the downloaded file’s directory and run
chmod +x GeForceNOWSetup.bin. - Run
./GeForceNOWSetup.binand complete the graphical installation. - Open GeForce NOW and sign in.
If the beta client fails on your system, use the browser version linked from Nvidia’s download page as a fallback. Linux beta problems can include display-server or compositing issues, tearing, frame pacing, audio routing, controller detection or installation failures; these are possible troubleshooting areas, not proof that all Linux installations fail.
Network and troubleshooting
Nvidia recommends latency below 80 ms to a data center, and notes that high-resolution or high-refresh streaming may require a wired connection. Bandwidth alone does not determine stream quality: jitter, packet loss, Wi-Fi interference, household traffic, ISP routing and display delay also matter. If a session is unstable, confirm your Linux version, test the browser client, try Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi, check that the controller works outside the app, and lower stream resolution or frame rate. Nvidia’s system requirements provide the service’s connection guidance.
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GeForce NOW on Fire TV: check the exact Stick
The app is not supported on every Fire TV television, Cube or Stick. Nvidia’s current system requirements list these configurations:
| Supported device | Minimum Fire OS |
|---|---|
| Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, first generation | 8.1.6.0 |
| Fire TV Stick 4K Max, second generation | 8.1.6.0 |
| Fire TV Stick 4K Max, first generation | 7.7.1.1 |
| Fire TV Stick 4K, second generation | 8.1.6.0 |
Those are generation-specific requirements: verify both the model and Fire OS version before buying or troubleshooting. The initial rollout announcement described streaming up to 1080p at 60 fps, with HDR limitations, H.264 video encoding and stereo audio for that launch configuration. Those launch-era limits should not be read as a statement about every later device or service update. Details are in Nvidia’s Fire TV launch announcement.
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Fire TV gameplay is controller-oriented. Nvidia lists Xbox controllers, Sony DualSense and DualShock 4 controllers, and the Amazon Luna controller for Fire TV. A keyboard and mouse can navigate the app, but many PC games are awkward to play from a TV without suitable living-room inputs. Bluetooth pairing can also affect connection stability or latency, and some titles do not offer a good controller interface.
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Nvidia’s Fire TV targets are 15 Mbps for HD up to 60 fps and 25 Mbps for Full HD at 60 fps, with recommended latency below 80 ms to an Nvidia data center. It recommends wired Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi. TV post-processing, Wi-Fi congestion and Bluetooth connection quality can still undermine responsiveness even when a speed test meets the bandwidth target. See the current GeForce NOW system requirements.
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GeForce NOW is not an all-you-can-play catalog of every PC game. Users connect supported storefronts or subscriptions, including Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, PC Game Pass and Ubisoft Connect, but a specific game must be supported and the user must have access to it through the relevant store or subscription. Nvidia distinguishes ready-to-play titles from eligible Install-to-Play games; availability depends on the game and membership. Check the supported titles and setup details at How to play GeForce NOW and the service page.
Nvidia’s US marketplace listed these membership prices on August 18, 2026. Prices, benefits, regional availability and promotions can change, so check the live marketplace before subscribing.
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| US membership listing | Price shown August 18, 2026 | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|
| Free, ad-supported | No subscription price listed | Testing compatibility and accepting ads, queues and lower limits |
| Performance | $9.99/month or $99.99/year | Ordinary 1080p/60 cloud gaming |
| Ultimate | $19.99/month or $199.99/year | Higher-resolution or higher-frame-rate streaming and access to RTX 5080-class cloud performance |
| Performance Day Pass | $3.99/day | Short-term access |
| Ultimate Day Pass | $7.99/day | Short-term access to Ultimate |
Nvidia’s marketplace lists Ultimate capabilities up to 5K/360 fps, but that is not a promise for every client: actual resolution and frame rate depend on membership, app, game, device, display and connection. Nvidia describes Ultimate as using RTX 5080-class cloud performance; that hardware renders remotely, not inside a Fire TV Stick. Current US plan details are on the Nvidia marketplace and membership page.
Quick Recap
Which option fits your setup?
- You own an RTX PC: Try Super Resolution in supported games through the NVIDIA App. Consider frame generation only if your card and game support the specific feature, your base frame rate is adequate, and smoother displayed motion matters more than preserving native-frame responsiveness.
- You game on Linux without a Windows gaming PC: The native beta client can make supported PC games accessible without local gaming hardware. It is most practical on Ubuntu 24.04 or later with a stable, low-latency connection.
- You want couch gaming on a Fire TV Stick: First confirm the exact Stick generation and Fire OS version, then pair a supported controller. Treat it as a cloud-streaming endpoint, not a local gaming PC.
- You play competitively or offline: Cloud streaming adds network and display latency and requires a connection. A local PC or console is generally a better fit when responsiveness or offline access is essential.
- You rely on mods, custom launchers or unsupported games: GeForce NOW may not provide the unrestricted access to local files and launch configurations you need; verify the particular game and storefront before paying.
- Your Wi-Fi is unreliable: Fix the network or test a wired connection before judging the service. High bandwidth cannot compensate for severe jitter, packet loss or poor routing.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
