Samsung set to introduce cloud gaming to 2020 smart TVs

Samsung's foray into the gaming realm took a major leap in 2022 with the launch of its Gaming Hub service, which effectively brought games from various leading streaming platforms right onto users' TV screens. Initially confined to 2022 Samsung smart TVs, the service quickly expanded its reach to include 2021 TV models within a mere five months. However, the latest announcement made at Gamescom 2023 revealed Samsung's ambitious plan to extend the availability of the Gaming Hub app even to the 2020 lineup of smart TVs later this year.

Samsung set to introduce cloud gaming to 2020 smart TVs

For the uninitiated, the Samsung Gaming Hub serves as a comprehensive destination for gaming enthusiasts using Samsung TVs. By enabling direct game streaming from the cloud, the need for a traditional gaming console or streaming device is effectively eliminated. The platform boasts an impressive collection of games hailing from prominent streaming services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW, and the now-defunct Google Stadia.

The versatility of the Gaming Hub doesn't stop at gaming alone; it seamlessly integrates with popular platforms like Spotify and YouTube, facilitating seamless transitions between gaming sessions, music playback, and video entertainment. The service's utilization of AI upscaling technology further ensures compatibility with Samsung's 4K and 8K TV models, even for games that lack native support for these resolutions.

Whether one prefers the tactile feel of a physical controller or the convenience of virtual controls, Samsung Gaming Hub accommodates both camps with compatibility for 90% of Bluetooth controllers and provision for virtual ones. The imminent expansion of the cloud gaming apps to 2020 Samsung TVs was confirmed by Mike Lucero, the head of gaming product at Samsung, in his address at Gamescom. Lucero expressed his excitement, stating, "Today, we are thrilled to announce that we will expand cloud gaming apps to our 2020 model-year TVs later this year, giving tens of millions of players access to their favorite games and services."

Although the exact release date for the cloud gaming apps on the 2020 Samsung TVs remains unspecified, the expectation is that it will occur before the conclusion of 2023. This development holds significant promise for gamers in possession of older Samsung TV models, as it obviates the necessity to invest in separate gaming consoles or streaming devices to enjoy cloud-based gaming experiences.

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