The NVIDIA DGX Spark, the mini PC equipped with a GB10 Blackwell Superchip, has started reaching partners and early adopters… and some have already tested it with video games. Although NVIDIA designed it as a machine for AI, initial community tests suggest that it can play, provided you’re willing to work around layers of translation, Linux tweaks, and lots of patience.
What’s inside the DGX Spark
The core of the device is the GB10 Blackwell Superchip, which integrates a 20-core ARM CPU, 6,144 CUDA cores, and 128 GB of LPDDR5X. On paper, the graphics capabilities are close to that of a GeForce RTX 5070 in certain scenarios. The main hurdle today is the ARM architecture: currently, no Windows on ARM build supports this platform, so the viable pathway involves Ubuntu/DGX OS and an ecosystem of x86→ARM translation.
Cyberpunk 2077: 50 fps at 1080p (with fine print)
One of the first users to document their experience installed Steam on Linux, activated x86 binaries with systemd-binfmt, and ran PC games through Box64, the layer that translates x86_64 calls to ARM. Using this setup, Cyberpunk 2077 achieved 50 fps at 1080p with medium quality.
The caveat: the experience was unstable, without DLSS support, and with some missing or irregular elements. The conclusion from this experiment is clear: it’s possible, but not ideal and not worth it considering the DGX Spark’s price, which is around $4,000.
Emulation: good news for PS3 and classic Xbox
Meanwhile, another enthusiast tested the device with RPCS3 (PS3) and Xemu (Xbox), running titles like Skate 3. In these tests, the system maintained 60 fps stably. Emulation seems to benefit from the GB10’s muscle and the maturity of these projects on Linux, within the limits of early testing, with room for improvements in profiles and tweaks.
And what about alternatives? MSI EdgeXpert AI lowers the entry barrier
The MSI EdgeXpert AI, based on the same hardware and memory setup, has begun to emerge as a more affordable alternative ($2,990). While it doesn’t change the technical game rules (still ARM, still Linux), it reduces the barrier for those needing a mini AI PC with hints of entertainment.
Why “gaming” requires a workaround
There are three main reasons why the DGX Spark is not a traditional gaming PC:
- ARM first: without native Windows support, the most direct route to a PC library involves translation (Box64/Proton), with performance and stability costs.
- DLSS and ecosystem: usual performance shortcuts on GeForce GPUs for Windows gaming are not or do not work the same way in this setup.
- Design priority: NVIDIA has positioned it as an AI workstation, not as a console or gaming desktop. Drivers, libraries, and support are aligned with that goal.
Who makes sense of this?
- AI developers and labs wanting to occasionally game or explore emulation without building another rig.
- Linux and ARM enthusiasts eager to fine-tune translation layers and maximize every tweak.
- Companies valuing the mini format, unified memory, and NVIDIA’s AI stack over entertainment.
What’s missing to truly unlock gaming performance
- Broader OS support: an official pathway for ARM gaming with less friction (drivers, translation, optimized profiles).
- Improvements in Box64/Proton aimed at demanding titles and modern engines.
- Catalog and guided experiences: installers and profiles that eliminate the current technical hurdles.
Price, context, and expectations
At around €4,000, the DGX Spark is an AI machine that can play; not the other way around. It’s reasonable to expect that, with software refinements and increased adoption, gaming performance on Linux/ARM will improve. But today, unless you specifically need this profile — a mini AI PC with secondary gaming capabilities — dedicated gaming options are more straightforward and affordable.
The final word
The DGX Spark proves that a Blackwell chip in mini format has plenty of power for more than just AI inference and prototypes. Achieving Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p/50 fps and emulation at 60 fps are promising signs, but they come with the need for translation layers, fine tuning, and tolerating instability. It’s a technical triumph and a reminder that it’s not a gaming PC. At least, not yet.
via: professionalreview