Is it OK to play video games on a smart TV?
Hey there! The short answer is yes, modern smart TVs can absolutely provide a solid gaming experience in the right circumstances. While dedicated consoles and gaming PCs offer unmatched performance and game libraries, smart TVs have become capable casual gaming devices in their own right. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into how smart TV gaming works, tips for getting the best experience, limitations to keep in mind, and everything in between. Let’s get started!
Accessing Games on Smart TV Platforms
These days most smart TVs run on either Android TV or proprietary platforms from major manufacturers like LG, Samsung, and Sony. Here are the main ways you can access games across different smart TV operating systems:
- Android TV – Natively supports 100,000+ Google Play store games designed for Android smartphones/tablets.
- Proprietary app stores – For example, LG Content Store, Samsung TV Plus store offer casual games to download.
- Cloud gaming – Stream AAA games like Fortnite and Elden Ring from Xbox Cloud Gaming or Nvidia GeForce Now.
According to IHS Markit, over 80% of smart TVs sold globally in 2022 run on Android TV. So Google‘s massive Play Store game library is readily available on most sets from Sony, TCL, Hisense and more. Cloud services give you access to high-end games, albeit requiring a fast internet connection.
Smart TV Gaming Performance and Features
Modern smart TV hardware has improved to become capable of smooth casual gameplay, thanks to advances like:
- Improved processors – Newer CPUs like the MediaTek MT9638 used in many 2022 TVs offer strong performance.
- Dedicated graphics – Many smart TV SoCs now include GPUs focused on graphics and gaming.
- More RAM – Current high-end models often pack 2-4GB RAM to power multitasking and gaming.
- New display technologies – OLED and QLED panels with 120Hz refresh rates and VRR provide a silky gaming experience.
For example, the popular LG C2 OLED TV combines a speedy α9 Gen5 AI Processor, AMD FreeSync support, and an OLED panel with 0.1ms response time. This results in an excellent showcase for casual games.
Of course, smart TV hardware still lags far behind dedicated consoles and gaming PCs in raw power. But major improvements in recent years make gaming practical where historically it was far too sluggish.
The Benefits of Smart TV Gaming
Assuming you set appropriate expectations, smart TV gaming offers some nice perks:
- Big screen immersion – Enjoying games on a giant 4K OLED TV is far more engrossing than on a phone or tablet.
- Convenience – Smart TV gaming allows instant access to games without any new equipment.
- Local multiplayer – Party games shine when you easily have 4+ players gaming on one big TV.
- Streaming – Many smart TV platforms integrate game streaming and sharing capabilities.
The convenience factor can‘t be understated. With a smart TV you can impulsively open a quick game without setting up a console or PC. It‘s right there ready to go!
The Drawbacks of Smart TV Gaming
Smart TV gaming comes with some inherent compromises. The most significant drawbacks are:
- Input lag – Display latency is often higher than dedicated gaming displays. This can impact responsiveness.
- Limited performance – Less processing power than consoles or PCs restricts graphics capabilities.
- Game library – Selection of games is more limited, focused on casual mobile titles.
- Controls – On-screen remotes are frustrating, so you‘ll want a gamepad controller.
Serious gamers will likely find smart TVs unsatisfying for immersive single-player experiences or competitive online multiplayer. But for family-friendly party games, they hit the spot.
How to Get the Best Gaming Experience on a Smart TV
Not all smart TVs are created equal when it comes to gaming prowess. Here are tips to get the smoothest performance:
- Enable game mode – Special low latency modes minimize input lag on most TVs.
- Tweak display settings – Disable post-processing effects that add lag like motion smoothing.
- Connect devices directly – Link consoles and streaming boxes straight to the TV to reduce lag.
- Check input lag – Review display latency measurements to find a responsive model (<20ms is ideal).
- Get a controller – A gamepad provides much better control than clunky smart TV remotes.
Following these best practices helps overcome some of the weaknesses of smart TV gaming.
The Best Smart TVs for Gaming in 2022
If you want a smart TV tailored for gaming, look for these key features:
- Low input lag – 15ms or less is optimal according to experts.
- HDMI 2.1 – Support for 4K/120fps gaming and variable refresh rate.
- High refresh rate – At least 120Hz enables smoother picture.
- Gaming-focused processors – Special gaming CPUs and GPUs.
Based on these criteria, the top-rated models for gaming include:
| TV | Input Lag | Key Gaming Features |
|---|---|---|
| LG C2 OLED | 5ms | OLED panel, a9 Gen5 AI Processor, HDMI 2.1, G-SYNC/FreeSync |
| Samsung QN90B Neo QLED | 10ms | Quantum Matrix Technology Pro, Neo Quantum Processor, FreeSync Premium Pro |
| Sony X90K LED | 15ms | Cognitive Processor XR, XR Motion Clarity, HDMI 2.1 |
LG‘s C2 OLED and Samsung‘s QN90B Neo QLED stand out as stellar 2022 options purpose-built for gaming.
Choosing the Right Gaming Controller
Trying to play any meaningful game using the minimal remote that comes with smart TVs is an exercise in frustration. Investing in a solid external controller dramatically improves the experience.
Most major wireless controllers from Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and more will pair with smart TVs over Bluetooth. This allows you to use familiar, comfortable gamepads. Mobile controllers from Razer and PowerA provide smartphone-sized options if you prefer.
Some titles support touch gestures on smart TVs themselves. But physical controls are vastly superior for any game requiring precise input. Make sure you budget for a controller to unlock the full potential of smart TV gaming.
Cloud Gaming Opens Up New Possibilities
Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Google Stadia allow smart TVs to stream recent AAA games that would never natively run on their underpowered hardware. All processing happens in the cloud, then video streams to your device.
With a fast low-latency internet connection, you can play hits like:
- Fortnite
- Apex Legends
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Elden Ring
Requirements like 50 Mbps+ speeds make cloud gaming impractical for some. But it unlocks experiences far beyond stand-alone smart TV gaming.
The Games Library Landscape
One limitation of smart TV gaming is the scope of games available. Here is a breakdown of what kinds of titles you can expect:
- Casual mobile games – Simple puzzle, word, trivia games. Many free-to-play with in-app purchases.
- Retro games – Lots of classic emulated titles from old systems available.
- Local multiplayer – A strong selection of family party games supporting 2-4 players on one TV.
- Android ports – Popular mobile titles like Alto‘s Odyssey, Limbo, Stardew Valley.
- Major franchises – Appearances by brands like Sonic, Tomb Raider, LEGO games.
Don‘t expect in-depth single player adventures or competitive online shooters. But enough quality games exist to satisfy casual gaming needs.
The Verdict on Smart TV Gaming
While smart TVs will never match dedicated gaming hardware, they have evolved into extremely convenient casual gaming devices. The combination of extensive mobile game catalogs, multiplayer party titles, and cloud gaming provides plenty of options for fun.
Just temper expectations in terms of game breadth and complexity. When viewed as an complement to hardcore platforms like PlayStation and Xbox, smart TV gaming shines. It opens up instant, approachable gaming on the big screen.
So yes, absolutely feel comfortable gaming on your smart TV! With the right model and accessories, it can deliver a totally satisfying casual experience. Game on!