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Yes—Game Mode can change HDR tone mapping, motion smoothing, and which picture controls are available, but the effect depends on the TV model and settings. Its main purpose is to reduce the delay between a controller input and the on-screen response. That often means limiting picture processing; it does not mean Game Mode universally turns off HDR or local dimming.
Why the picture can look different in Game Mode
TVs may process video to smooth motion or adjust contrast before displaying it. That processing can add delay. Game Mode prioritizes responsiveness by reducing or restricting some processing, so the image may look different and some controls may be unavailable. The exact changes vary by manufacturer, model, and generation. Tom’s Guide explains the low-latency goal and notes that features such as motion smoothing may be disabled: What is Game Mode on TVs and should you use it?
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Does Game Mode turn HDR off?
Not necessarily. HDR signal compatibility and HDR tone mapping are separate: a TV can receive an HDR signal while applying different rules to map its brightness and colors to the screen. The manufacturer guidance here documents changes to picture processing, not a universal loss of HDR input in Game Mode.
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On the Sony support page for the XR-75X90J, HDR tone mapping is listed among settings disabled in Game mode on 2023-or-later models. That qualification does not establish the same behavior for every Sony TV or for the XR-75X90J itself. Check the guidance for your exact model: Sony: Adjust the picture settings on your Android TV.
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HGiG and tone mapping on LG TVs
On compatible LG TVs, consoles, and games, HGiG is an HDR gaming option to compare with the TV’s other tone-mapping settings. LG warns that the screen may look darker with HGiG than with tone mapping on, and says availability depends on the TV model, console, and game. Use the console’s HDR calibration and a representative game when comparing; the available guidance does not make HGiG the best choice for every setup. See LG: How to Enable the HGIG Setting.
Does Game Mode disable motion smoothing?
It can. Motion interpolation creates smoother-looking movement by processing frames, which may conflict with a low-latency picture mode. Sony says Motionflow is disabled in Game mode on 2023-or-later models covered by its support guidance. LG says TruMotion cannot be selected when the Game picture mode is active. These are model-specific examples, not a rule for every TV: check the motion controls available on yours.
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When smoother motion matters more
If a game runs below 60 Hz and you prefer smoother motion, LG suggests disabling console ALLM and then using TruMotion on compatible equipment. This trades the automatic low-latency state for access to motion processing; whether the result is preferable depends on the game and your tolerance for input delay. LG’s instructions are at LG: Game operation stuttering when playing a particular PS5 title.
Does local dimming still work in Game Mode?
There is no universal answer in the cited manufacturer guidance. Sony describes Auto local dimming as adjusting backlight brightness in real time based on image luminance, but its support page does not say that the feature is disabled in Game mode. Do not assume it is always off—or always unchanged. Check whether the control is available on your exact TV and compare dark scenes for shadow detail and blooming with the same content and settings.
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Why are picture settings unavailable?
Game picture modes and ALLM (Automatic Low Latency Mode) can restrict adjustments to preserve low latency. LG says Game Optimizer requires a compatible model and may make some picture settings unavailable; it also notes that ALLM can prevent picture adjustment. For LG guidance, see How to enable ALLM, Game Optimizer, and Game Dashboard.
To identify what is changing on your setup, check these items while the game is running:
- TV model and firmware: Menu behavior and supported controls can differ by model and generation.
- Picture mode and ALLM: Confirm whether Game picture mode is selected and whether the console has triggered ALLM.
- HDR state and settings: Check that the source is sending HDR, then review the available Game/HGiG or tone-mapping options.
- Motion and local-dimming controls: Note which settings remain selectable in the active mode; availability is not proof of a particular picture effect.
Check the HDMI connection for your chosen mode
Connection requirements matter when you are trying to use a supported high-bandwidth mode. Samsung Canada’s guide directs users of compatible TVs seeking 4K/120 Hz to designated HDMI inputs and recommends an HDMI 2.1 cable. This is Canada-specific guidance, so confirm the instructions for your local TV model and connected equipment: Samsung Canada: Use Game Mode on your Samsung TV.
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