How to use Game Mode on a Samsung TV for consoles
Game Mode makes a Samsung TV respond faster to your controller. It reduces the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action, which is called input lag.
Automatic Game Mode
Samsung says its TVs can detect a console such as Xbox Series X or PlayStation and switch on Game Mode by themselves. You may see a message on screen. This is controlled by Auto Game Mode on many recent models, which you can usually find under Settings > General & Privacy > Game Mode Settings. The path varies between years.
Turn Game Mode on manually
Samsung's guide says that for a PC you must switch it on yourself:
- Press the Settings button on the remote, if your remote has one.
- Open the quick settings and find Game Mode.
- Choose On.
Samsung also describes a Game Bar on newer TVs. Press and hold the Play/Pause button to see it. It shows things such as frames per second, HDR status and the picture mode. Not all models have it.
What changes in Game Mode
The TV turns off some picture processing to be quicker. The picture may look a little less smooth or polished, but the game feels more responsive.
For smoother, sharper gaming
- Use an HDMI socket that supports high frame rates on newer TVs, and a good quality HDMI cable.
- Enable Input Signal Plus for that socket if your TV has it, as explained in our 4K and HDR guide.
- On the console, make sure 4K, HDR and the highest refresh rate your TV supports are set. Higher rates need an HDMI 2.1 TV and a console to match. Check your model's manual.
Switch it off for films
Game Mode can look flat for films. Switch back to Movie or Standard when you finish playing.
If lag is still bad
If you play online, check your Wi-Fi first, as that is often the cause rather than the TV.
When to get more help
If lag is still bad with Game Mode on and a good cable, or the TV will not enter Game Mode, Vision Tech can help you check the settings.