Yes. If Xbox app support ends on your Samsung TV, you can still play games from an Xbox console connected to the TV through HDMI. The reported change affects the Xbox cloud-gaming app on certain TVs, not the TV’s ability to display a console’s picture.
What is ending—and what is not
The Xbox app on a smart TV provides cloud gaming: games stream to the TV without a console connected. By contrast, an Xbox console connected over HDMI runs the games itself and sends video to the television. Losing access to the TV app does not disable HDMI inputs or prevent the TV from working as a display for a console. Xbox lists consoles among its gaming devices (Xbox gaming devices).
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Windows Central reported on October 2, 2026, that an email notice from Microsoft said the Xbox app would no longer be supported on 2020 Samsung Smart TVs beginning November 3, 2026. The report attributed the change to updates to Xbox Cloud Gaming no longer being compatible with the operating-system version on those models. This date and explanation are from a news report quoting an email, not an independently verified public Microsoft notice (Windows Central’s report).
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There is an important qualification: Xbox’s current TV compatibility page still says the app supports select Samsung 2020 and newer Smart TVs. It does not identify every eligible model, and the page and reported notice do not resolve which 2020 models are affected. Check the exact model and region rather than assuming all 2020 sets have the same status (Xbox Cloud Gaming on TVs).
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Choose the route that matches how you play
| Route | How it works | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox console over HDMI | The console runs the game and displays it on the TV. | A console, a working HDMI input, and the games you want to play. |
| Xbox app on Samsung TV | Games stream to the TV through cloud gaming, without a console. | Exact TV model and year, country, current Xbox support, account and service eligibility, compatible controller, and network. |
| Xbox app on Fire TV | A supported Fire TV device streams cloud games to the TV. | Exact device generation, regional and account eligibility, compatible controller, and network. |
| Another supported device | A supported PC, phone, tablet, or other listed device streams games. | Device and app or browser support, country, account, controller, and network. |
Keep playing through an Xbox console
If you already own a console, this is the straightforward way to use the Samsung TV for Xbox gaming without relying on the TV’s Xbox app:
- Connect the console to an available HDMI input on the TV.
- Turn on the console and TV, then select the matching HDMI input using the TV’s source or input control.
- Use the controller paired with the console to launch a game.
This route requires a console, but it does not depend on whether Xbox cloud gaming remains available as an app on the TV.
Rank #2
- Versatile compatibility: supports Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S consoles and PC Win10 and above (including the game platform Steam).
- Precise control: features Hall joysticks and Hall triggers for a comfortable feeling, long service life and improved game accuracy.
- Plug and Play Convenience: Wired USB connection (removable) for easy setup and instant play without the need for additional drivers.
- Customizable experience: Includes 2 custom backbuttons that allow users to eliminate false triggers and improve their gaming experience.
- Impressive gameplay: Provides a pulsating vibration trigger and an asymmetric vibration grip motor for intense tactile feedback.
If you want to play without a console
Cloud gaming depends on ongoing service support for the particular device, country, account, and controller. Xbox’s TV page lists select Samsung models, so check its current compatibility details and Samsung’s model-specific information before relying on the app (Xbox Cloud Gaming on TVs; Samsung Gaming Hub). Samsung says Gaming Hub and cloud gaming are available on select models, with availability varying by model and country.
If the Samsung app is unavailable, Xbox lists selected Fire TV devices as another streaming option. Its page names Fire TV Stick 4K Max (1st and 2nd Gen), Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen), and Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen). Confirm the exact generation and current regional eligibility before buying; support for one model does not mean every Fire TV device works (Xbox Cloud Gaming device list; Amazon Fire TV support information).
Rank #3
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Xbox also announced its app for supported TCL smart TVs in September 2026 and for select Hisense and V homeOS-powered TVs during 2026. Those announcements do not establish that every model is compatible or that rollout is complete in every country (Xbox announcement about TCL TVs; Xbox announcement about Hisense and VIDAA TVs).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check your TV before making a decision
- Find the TV’s full model number and model year in its settings or on the product label.
- Look up that model on Xbox’s current TV compatibility page and Samsung’s model-specific Gaming Hub information.
- If you plan to use cloud gaming, confirm the service is available in your country and that your account, controller, and network meet the requirements.
- If your goal is to play from an Xbox console, connect it by HDMI instead; TV app support is not needed for that setup.
Xbox names official Xbox controllers and other controller options for TV play. Verify the pairing method and compatibility for the specific TV or streaming device before assuming a controller will work (Xbox Cloud Gaming requirements).
Rank #4
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Should you replace the TV?
Not based on the app notice alone. First decide whether you need console-free cloud gaming or simply want to use an Xbox console with the television. HDMI console play remains a separate route. If you rely on cloud gaming, establish the exact model’s current support and regional availability before deciding whether a separate supported streaming device or another TV platform is appropriate.
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