Many modern smart TVs already sport access to gaming services such as Google Stadia and Nvidia’s GeForce Now and Microsoft is joining in with the news that its new Xbox app will soon be added to Samsung’s Gaming Hub. This means that you won’t need an Xbox gaming console in order to play smash hits such as Forza Horizon 5 or Halo on the latest Samsung smart TVs and smart monitors, you just need to sign up for the Xbox Game Pass and have a controller handy.
The Xbox app is said to begin rolling out to Samsung’s 2022 TVs and monitors this month, you’ll just need to install it and sign in to your Microsoft account to play your favorite Xbox games. The Xbox app will be available in the Samsung Gaming Hub from June 30th in 27 countries.
“We’re on a quest to bring the joy and community of gaming to everyone on the planet, and bringing the Xbox app to smart TVs is another step in making our vision a reality,” said Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming. “That’s why we’re excited to partner with Samsung, a global leader in TVs, on bringing Xbox to more players. Working with Samsung has helped us provide more access to gaming and enabled us to welcome new players into our thriving community.”
The coming of the Xbox app means that users will be able to access hundreds of games on televisions such as the Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, QLEDs, as well as the 2022 Smart Monitor Series, with the only requirements being a Game Pass subscription and a gaming controller.
Things to know
You aren’t locked into a specific gaming controller, you can use the DualSense or Stadia controller, or the Xbox controller, among others. For the moment at least, Xbox cloud gaming is limited to 1080p @60fps which, combined with a decent internet connection, should result in an excellent gaming experience.
The press release mentions that Samsung is the first to feature the Xbox app which means that other smart TV brands should gain access sooner or later, although I wouldn’t hold my breath on the app being offered on Sony’s smart TVs.
