Samsung is bringing Xbox and Nvidia cloud gaming to more of its TVs
It looks like Samsung has finally bowed to the pressure of gamers after announcing that it will bring Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) cloud services with Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now to more of its smart TVs.
Apps for the two leading gaming streaming platforms have so far only been available on the South Korean brand’s new 2022 lineup of TVs, such as the Samsung QN95B, which features in our list of the best 4K TVs.
However, after growing dissatisfaction with owners of older models, Samsung relented and the company confirmed that it would finally allow the app to be installed on a wider range of its models before the end of the year. (By Flat panelsHD)
That’s not all good news for cloud-based gamers, though, as the company has announced the launch of apps for 2021 models only, even though older Samsung smart TVs appear to be able to support apps.
“When the Samsung Gaming Hub was introduced earlier this year on 2022 TV models, the number one question we received was ‘when will game streaming come to my 2021 TV’. Today, we’re happy to announce to our passionate fans that they’ll be able to play the games they love before the end of this year,” said Mike Lucero, Head of Gaming Products at Samsung Electronics.
The list of 2021 Samsung Smart TVs that will receive the Xbox and Nvidia GeForce Now apps is as follows: QN700A, QN800A, QN850A, QN900A, WS1A, LS03A, AU7000, AU8000, AU9000, Q50A, Q60A, Q70A, Q80A, QN85A, QN90A and QN95A.
The brand also revealed that Amazon’s Utomik gaming subscription service and Luna platform will also be part of the app rollout, with Antstream and Blacknut expected to follow next year.
Samsung has also announced that it will also be bringing major performance improvements to Nvidia GeForce Now across multiple lines of its TVs, with the app being updated to allow 4K game streaming at 60fps.
“The offer, which will be rolling out in a few weeks, will enable GeForce NOW gamers to stream their PC games in up to 4K at 60fps native in 2022 and select 2021 Samsung Smart TVs without waiting for a download, install, patch or update,” said Samsung.
To take advantage of the improved frame rate and resolution, you need a premium GeForce Now membership, which also gives you access to RTX ON ray tracing, priority access to Nvidia game servers, and extended eight-hour sessions.
Analysis: Samsung’s cloud app deployment could have been so much more
In a week where cloud gaming has become a hit with news that Microsoft has unceremoniously kicked its plans for an affordable Xbox Keystone streaming console to the curb, this development by Samsung no doubt has to be welcomed by gamers.
Nevertheless, it will be a disappointment for older Samsung smart TV owners who will rightly feel a bit ignored by the current situation.
It’s also worth noting that the Samsung Gaming Hub, a handy, comprehensive menu available on the 2022 models, is rolling out.
While we understand that Samsung doesn’t want its users to have a poorer experience with TVs that aren’t up for streaming, there are so many TVs in the last few years that have promised powerful processors that one would hope could run smoothly support services, but at present it seems unlikely that they will ever be offered access to the application.
We’d love to know the reasons for the holdup, but as things stand, it’s hard to know what Samsung stands to gain by continuing to ban a huge number of its users from its built-in game streaming party.
Want to upgrade to a TV compatible with Xbox and Nvidia cloud gaming? Check out our Samsung Black Friday deals – and our guide to Black Friday TV deals.
