GitHub user creates open-source Nvidia GeForce Now client alternative — removes tracking, telemetry, and AFK limitations

A GitHub user has built their own GeForce Now client, giving gamers the option to connect to Nvidia’s cloud gaming service while also adding a few features that aren’t available on the original client. OpenNOW is available for download to anyone on GitHub, although you’d still need an Nvidia account to use it. The biggest advantage that OpenNOW has over Nvidia’s own client is that it removes AFK limitations. The original client will kick you from the connection if it detects eight minutes of inactivity, meaning you’ll have to reconnect again. While this is supposed to conserve bandwidth, ensuring that only gamers who are actually playing will only use Nvidia’s resources, gamers who want to leave their game running in the background would have no choice but to go back every five minutes or so, so that they do not get booted.

Aside from that, this open-source client does not gather tracking and telemetry data, making it perfect for more privacy-conscious gamers who do not relish the idea of a big tech company knowing about their hardware, software, and other habits. The creator also said that OpenNOW natively supports Linux, which Nvidia itself just officially supported this year. Just like the GeForce Now client, which technically supports Snapdragon X Arm processors (but still in Beta), OpenNOW is also working on Linux Arm64 support. This means that more enterprising users can use it on Arm-powered laptops and gaming handhelds.

OpenNOW can stream games up to 4K@240 FPS, giving you smooth gameplay at high resolution (provided your internet is fast enough to support it). It also gives you mouse sensitivity settings, as well as clipboard paste, which is something that you won’t find with Nvidia’s client. More importantly, since it’s open-source, you can create your own forks and apply modifications, allowing you to customize it and give it features that you want, provided you know your way around programming.

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The open-source client does have some limitations, though. This includes the lack of flight controls, no Discord integration, and no compatibility with Android, iOS, and smart TVs. The first two might be an issue for some gamers, especially those who are into flight sims and prefer communicating with their friends using a third-party platform. However, the lack of compatibility with mobile devices and smart TVs will likely not be an issue for most users, especially as OpenNOW is likely designed for enthusiasts who’d like to enjoy cloud gaming while retaining a little bit more control over their data.

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