Samsung TVs just got a great new way to play Xbox games, and you don't even need a console to play them.
By downloading the Xbox app from the new Samsung Gaming Hub platform, you can now stream Xbox Series X|S games via the cloud. The only downside, as detailed on the official Xbox news blog (opens in a new tab), is that you'll need one of these 2022 Samsung TVs to access the gaming platform.
So if you own one or plan to buy one, you'll be able to play a litany of the best Xbox Game Pass games without a console, or have to wait for a long download. You want to know more ? Our handy Xbox Game Pass on Samsung TVs explainer will walk you through what the Xbox subscription service brings to Samsung's latest screens.
What do I need to play Xbox games on my Samsung TV?
If you have a 2022 Samsung TV, you'll still need a few more things to play Xbox games without a console.
First of all, a decent internet connection is required to stream games directly from the cloud. In our Xbox Cloud Gaming guide, we note that you'll need at least 20Mbps and a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection for a decent experience.
If that's not a deal breaker for you, you'll also need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. This top level is the only way to access games in the Xbox app. Ultimate will set you back $14.99 / £10.99 / AU$15.95 per month. If you're not a subscriber, you'll be prompted to do so when you open the Xbox app. Unfortunately, cloud gaming isn't available on the base tier of Xbox Game Pass.
Finally, you'll need a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller. The official Xbox wireless controller works fine. But Samsung also points out that you can use the Xbox Adaptive controller or even the PS5's DualSense.
If you have checked all of these boxes, then you are good to go. All you need to do is head over to the Samsung Gaming Hub on your TV and download the Xbox app. Next, we will show you how to do it.
How to Download the Xbox App on a Samsung TV
First, turn on your Samsung TV and access the Samsung Gaming Hub from the dashboard. In the center you should now see an icon for the Xbox app. You will then be prompted to sign in to your Microsoft account. This will be the same one you used to sign up for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Once you're there, simply connect your favorite Bluetooth controller and you're ready to go. You'll be greeted by the Xbox app's huge list of cloud-based games that you share with Xbox Game Pass.
Just select a game that suits you and you can start playing right away. There is no need to wait for a long download. The only limitations here are the 1080p resolution cap (which your Samsung TV should do a decent job of upscaling) and the quality of your internet connection.
The Xbox app is a fantastic addition to the Samsung Gaming Hub. If you own a Samsung TV, that means you won't need to shell out extra money for an Xbox console to play tons of Xbox Game Pass games. As long as you can afford the somewhat pricey monthly subscription cost, you may never need to buy a console to play many of the best Xbox Series X games.