Samsung nears completion in bringing games to smart TVs

South Korean tech giant Samsung aims to provide game support for older smart TV models.

Samsung nears completion in bringing games to smart TVs

In 2022, Samsung introduced its innovative Gaming Hub service, aiming to consolidate games from prominent streaming platforms directly onto your television screen. Initially, this service was exclusive to their 2022 smart TV lineup. However, in a span of just five months, Samsung expanded this feature to include their 2021 TV models. The recent announcement at Gamescom 2023 indicated that owners of Samsung's 2020 smart TVs would also benefit from this feature before the end of the year.

Samsung Gaming Hub has rapidly become a sought-after feature among gaming enthusiasts who own Samsung TVs. This unique service offers the convenience of streaming games straight from the cloud, eliminating the necessity for external consoles or streaming devices. Moreover, it covers a wide array of games sourced from leading streaming platforms such as Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW, and even the now-defunct Google Stadia.

Beyond gaming, the Gaming Hub also integrates platforms like Spotify and YouTube, allowing users to seamlessly transition between gaming, music, and video content. One of the standout features is its AI upscaling capability, which enhances games that don't natively support 4K or 8K to fit Samsung’s high-resolution TV models.

Samsung nears completion in bringing games to smart TVs

Compatibility isn't an issue with the Gaming Hub. It works harmoniously with about 90% of Bluetooth controllers. Additionally, for those who aren't fans of physical controllers, the service also accommodates virtual controllers, ensuring a diverse gaming experience for all.

Mike Lucero, the head of product for gaming at Samsung, shared the expansion plans for the Gaming Hub at Gamescom. He expressed the company's excitement to bring cloud gaming apps to the 2020 TV models, thereby granting access to numerous players. Although the exact release date remains undisclosed, the inclusion of this feature is highly anticipated by the end of 2023. This development indeed serves as a boon for gamers with older Samsung TV models, providing them a comprehensive gaming experience without additional investments in consoles or streaming gadgets.

Samsung