9 Game-Changing Smart TV Tips for Gamers You Need to Know in 2025

In the rapidly evolving world of smart TV technology, gaming has gone from a niche experience to a mainstream entertainment option. With modern smart TVs boasting impressive gaming capabilities, players can now access a wide variety of games right from the big screen. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a seasoned competitor, optimizing your TV for gaming can make a significant difference in performance.

As someone who’s constantly tweaking their setup, I've gathered 9 smart TV gaming tips that have completely transformed my gaming experience. By applying these strategies, you can take full advantage of your smart TV’s potential and ensure every gaming session is as smooth as possible.

1. Use High-Speed HDMI 2.1 Cables

Unlock Your TV’s Full Potential

To fully experience the high-end performance of modern gaming consoles or PCs on your smart TV, it’s essential to connect them using high-speed cables. An HDMI 2.1 cable is a game-changer, supporting higher resolutions and refresh rates. This means you can experience buttery smooth 4K visuals at up to 120 FPS (frames per second), which is a must for competitive gaming.

For example, the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are capable of running at 4K resolution with 60 FPS using HDMI 2.0. However, to unlock the full gaming potential, HDMI 2.1 takes it a step further, enabling higher frame rates and smoother gameplay.

Additionally, if your smart TV supports features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), be sure to enable it. This will synchronize your TV’s refresh rate with the gaming device’s frame rate, eliminating screen tearing and enhancing the overall gaming experience.

2. Opt for the Ideal Refresh Rate

120Hz for Smoother Gaming

The refresh rate of your smart TV plays a crucial role in determining the smoothness of your gameplay. A higher refresh rate means that the screen updates more frequently, which reduces lag and makes motion smoother. For casual gaming, 60Hz might suffice, but if you’re looking for fast-paced gaming with minimal delay, 120Hz is the sweet spot.

For competitive gamers, a refresh rate of 144Hz is ideal, particularly for TVs like the Samsung Neo QLED. This refresh rate is optimized for eSports and can significantly enhance your gameplay by providing ultra-smooth visuals.

When choosing a smart TV for gaming, be sure to prioritize models with a refresh rate of 120Hz or above if you’re serious about gaming performance.

3. Activate Game Mode

Lower Input Lag and Improve Response Times

Game Mode is a must-have feature for any gamer looking to reduce input lag. This setting adjusts the TV’s processing speed, making the visuals refresh faster and minimizing delays between your controller input and what’s displayed on the screen. The result? Smoother gameplay and faster response times—critical for competitive and fast-paced games.

In most smart TVs, enabling Game Mode can reduce input lag by as much as 80%, which could be the difference between victory and defeat. Be sure to check the picture settings menu for the Game Mode option and enable it for optimized performance.

4. Match Resolution with Your Gaming Console

Get the Best Picture Quality

If you're using a gaming console like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, ensuring that your TV’s resolution matches the console’s output is crucial for an immersive experience. Most modern consoles support 4K resolution at 120 FPS, and if your TV can handle it, you’ll be able to enjoy smoother motion and more detailed visuals.

When adjusting the resolution on your gaming console, ensure that you select the highest available setting. For example, on a PlayStation 5, go to the settings menu and select the best resolution under Screen and Video settings. Xbox users can do the same under Display settings.

This small step will guarantee you get the sharpest and most fluid visuals possible for the best gaming experience.

5. Fine-Tune Your Audio Settings

Enhance Sound and Immersion

In addition to optimizing the picture quality, paying attention to your TV’s audio settings is crucial for creating a fully immersive gaming experience. Properly balanced sound effects and in-game music can make your gaming environment feel more alive.

To get the best sound, use a high-quality sound system like a Dolby Atmos soundbar. This will give you clear, directional sound that enhances the spatial audio effects intended by the game developers. You can also fine-tune your TV’s audio settings to create a balanced soundscape, adjusting for surround sound modes such as 7.1 or 5.1 channels.

For the ultimate sound experience, ensure your soundbar or speaker system is connected through HDMI eARC or Optical, which provide high-quality, lossless audio transmission.

6. Adjust Your TV's Display Settings

Calibrate for the Best Visuals

A little bit of calibration can go a long way in improving your gaming visuals. Depending on your preferences, adjust settings like motion blur, brightness, contrast, and color saturation to find the best visual configuration. For a more immersive experience, consider experimenting with picture modes like Sports, Cinema, or Gaming.

Some TVs, such as Samsung’s, even provide specific guidelines for setting up gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5. For example, on a Samsung TV with a PS5, try these settings: Tint G50/R50, Contrast 85, Sharpness 0, and Game Mode turned on.

Online calibration tools can also be used to adjust settings like color temperature and hue to ensure that your smart TV’s display is as sharp and vibrant as possible.

7. Use Wired Connections for Minimal Lag

Eliminate Wireless Latency

While wireless controllers and Wi-Fi might seem convenient, they can introduce input lag, which can hurt your performance in competitive games. To ensure lightning-fast responsiveness, use wired controllers and a wired internet connection. This will eliminate the minor delays caused by wireless transmissions.

For cloud gaming, a wired connection is even more important to ensure smooth gameplay. If you must use Wi-Fi, opt for a router with strong 5GHz coverage and prioritize gaming traffic through the router settings to minimize latency.

8. Consider TV Optimization Apps

Improve Performance Across the Board

There are several smart TV optimization apps available that can improve various aspects of your gaming experience. Apps like THX Tune-Up, TV Optimization Guru, and Fast Optimizer can enhance your TV’s sound quality, internet connection, picture settings, and even help diagnose performance issues.

Before downloading any of these apps, ensure they’re compatible with your TV model. With the right optimization app, you can ensure your smart TV is running at peak performance.

9. Disable Power-Saving and Post-Processing Features

Maximize Picture Quality

Power-saving features are great for saving energy, but they can negatively affect your gaming experience. Features like Eco Mode and Ambient Light sensors can dim the screen, reducing picture clarity and vibrancy—something you don’t want during an intense gaming session.

Turn off these power-saving settings and post-processing features like black corrector and dynamic contrast. Disabling these effects will reduce latency and give you a brighter, clearer image for a superior gaming experience.