Smart TV & Streaming Devices

Smart TV and streaming devices have become a niche for living-room gaming since the early 2010s. Early set-top boxes offered basic media playback, and manufacturers added GPU-driven upscaling and cloud-gaming apps, turning a TV into a micro-console. Today the platform includes the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro, Apple TV 4K, Samsung Gaming Hub built into recent Samsung TVs, and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Each runs its own OS but all can launch game-streaming services, support Bluetooth gamepads, and output 4K HDR video, making them convenient for casual or cloud-gaming sessions.

How to choose a Smart TV & Streaming Devices device

When picking a device consider the operating system and the services it natively supports—Android TV on Shield, tvOS on Apple TV, Samsung’s proprietary hub, or Fire OS on the Stick. Check for AI upscaling if you need sharper 4K, the presence of Bluetooth for gamepad sync, and whether the remote or a companion app fits your control preferences. Storage, port count, and any built-in voice assistant are secondary factors for most gamers.

Gear that matters

• Gaming Headset (Gaming Headsets & Audio) – low-latency wired or Bluetooth models help you hear opponents clearly
• Bluetooth Gamepad (Gaming Handhelds) – ensures responsive control for cloud titles and local games
• Speakers & Soundbars (Speakers & Soundbars) – a good sound system improves immersion without relying on TV speakers
• Gaming Chair (Gaming Chairs) – ergonomic seating is useful for longer sessions in front of the TV

Tips for players

• Use the device’s native app store to install the streaming service you plan to use most; this reduces load times compared to sideloading.
• Keep the TV’s firmware updated; manufacturers often add performance tweaks for gaming apps.
• If you have a separate AV receiver, route the HDMI through it to take advantage of its audio processing and volume control.