Can a TV replace your video game console?
Samsung has been exploring this concept with its Samsung Gaming Hub for the past two years. This smart TV widget brings together various cloud streaming apps, allowing users with recent Samsung TVs to seamlessly play games from Amazon Luna, GeForce Now, and Xbox Game Pass. Samsung is even introducing exclusive games that can be played solely with a TV and phone. This setup provides a scenario where one could have access to a vast game library without owning a traditional console.
But how practical is this? Can you sustain a full gaming experience solely through your TV? After years of curiosity, I decided to test this for myself. I purchased a Samsung TV for my home office and immersed myself in the Gaming Hub ecosystem. While it may not replace my current gaming setup, I found the flexibility it offers could integrate well into my gaming routines, though it may not always be the optimal way to play.
Gaming on a TV
My experiment began when I moved into a new apartment and converted a room into a home office. I wanted to centralize my gaming consoles in that space for easier access, leaving an Xbox Series S as a streaming device in my living room. To complete my office setup, I opted for a 55-inch 2022 Samsung TV to leverage Gaming Hub.
After setting it up and exploring the app, I spent a week exclusively gaming through the Samsung ecosystem. I even used my Amazon Luna controller and focused on phone-controlled games available on the platform. One notable game, “Rivals Arena,” showcased Samsung’s attempts at offering exclusive gaming experiences through their platform.
While exploring different games, I delved into Xbox Game Pass through the TV, experiencing seamless gameplay with some occasional slowness in the interface. Streaming games like “A Little to the Left” and “Still Wakes the Deep” provided insights into the potential of cloud gaming.
While my experiment revealed that gaming solely on a TV may not be my preferred way to play, I can see the benefits of this ecosystem for households with multiple TVs. It offers added flexibility without the need to purchase additional consoles. Despite the challenges of cloud streaming, there is potential in leveraging the Samsung Gaming Hub for certain gaming scenarios.
Overall, while not a complete replacement for traditional gaming devices, the Samsung Gaming Hub presents a viable alternative for specific gaming needs and setups.
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