Microsoft wants Xbox to bring gaming to the entire planet. Although there are Xbox game consoles, PC, and mobile apps that provide access to hundreds of games, one thing that has been missing is the ability to play Xbox games directly through your TV.
However, that is changing as Xbox has partnered with Samsung to bring the Xbox game experience to their 2022 model smart TVs without having to connect a game console (however, a controller is required).
Admittedly, playing games directly through your TV isn’t new, LG and Samsung both provide access to Stadia gaming and LG includes Nividia G-Force Now on its smart TVs, but this is the first time that Xbox has offered its gaming features on a smart TV platform.
UPDATE: Google Stadia has been discontinued as of January 18, 2023.
Xbox App Now on Samsung Smart TVs
Playing Xbox games on 2022 Samsung Smart TVs gives Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members easy and instant access to over 100 high-quality games, including Xbox Game Studios titles on the same day they release. And as we recently announced, you can also play Fortnite without membership, through Cloud Gaming.
The Xbox App is coming to 2022 Samsung Smart TVs first, but the goal is to partner with other TV makers.
How to Play Xbox Games on Samsung TV
Playing Xbox games on 2022 Samsung TVs will be similar to using other streaming apps. Launch the app, connect your favorite controller, and start playing. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Make sure the Xbox App is available on your Samsung TV’s Gaming Hub, if not, check the Samsung TV app store, select it, download, and install it.
- Open the Xbox app from the Samsung Gaming Hub and log into your existing Microsoft account.
- If you’re a Game Pass Ultimate member, you’ll have access to hundreds of cloud-enabled games or you can check out Fortnite without a membership.
- If you are new to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, join or upgrade today for just $1, or you can sign up directly in the app.
- Connect your favorite Bluetooth-enabled controller (Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, Elite Series 2 Controller, or the DualSense controller)
- Select and play over 100 high-quality games from the cloud. Two examples include A Plague Tale: Innocence, Hades, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction.
This new capability makes it easy to play Xbox games on your Samsung Smart TV with the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and a controller. You can easily jump into the world of gaming and connect with your friends and Xbox communities.
For more details and what lies ahead for the Xbox platform, check out: Xbox is Building the Gaming Platform for the Next 20 Years
Samsung Gaming Hub Menu Navigation
Update 6/29/2022: Samsung has released more details about the apps and capabilities included in the Gaming Hub.
Where to buy 2022 Samsung TVs: Samsung.com | Amazon | Crutchfield