Cloud Gaming on TV: How to play any game on your Smart-TV [2025]

Last updated on 10. January 2025

Cloud Gaming on TV

Imagine playing your favorite games on the big screen without needing a console or gaming PC. Thanks to cloud gaming, that’s now possible on many smart TVs.

Whether you have a Samsung, LG, or Android TV, you can stream AAA titles and indie gems directly to your TV with minimal setup.

Is there cloud gaming on TV?

Yes, cloud gaming works on many modern smart TVs. Leading TV brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony have built-in support for popular cloud gaming services. Some even offer dedicated apps, making it easy to stream games directly without additional hardware.

Pro tip: For TVs without native app support, you can still use external devices like Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, or Nvidia Shield to access cloud gaming services.

What games can you play via cloud gaming on TV?

With cloud gaming on TV, you can play virtually any game, from blockbuster titles to indie favorites. Since the games are streamed from powerful remote servers, you don’t have to worry about your TV’s hardware limitations.

Here’s a quick list of popular games you can play on TV:

Want more options? Check out our complete list of cloud games for smart TVs.

What do you need to play cloud gaming on TV?

To start cloud gaming on your TV, you’ll need:

  • A cloud gaming subscription:
    Services like GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Amazon Luna support various smart TVs. Not sure which one to choose? Check out our guide to the best cloud gaming services for TVs.
  • A compatible TV:
    Modern smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and those running Android TV or Google TV are often compatible with cloud gaming apps.
  • A stable internet connection:
    Aim for at least 25 Mbps for smooth 1080p gameplay. For 4K streaming, faster speeds are recommended. Need help optimizing your connection? See our cloud gaming internet speed guide.
  • A controller:
    Most cloud gaming services support Bluetooth controllers. Some services even work with the TV’s remote, but a dedicated controller provides a better experience.

What are the best cloud gaming services for TVs?

Several cloud gaming services work great on TVs. Many offer dedicated apps or are compatible with external devices like Chromecast.

To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the best cloud gaming services for smart TVs:

  • Shadow PC

    Full-Access-Cloud-PC
    Shadow Cloud Gaming Service

    Available plans

    Show all plans


    Price monthly

    Show price details


    Games available: 5339

    Game Graphic: Up to 1080p / 144 FPS

    Session Length: unlimited


    Price monthly

    Show price details


    Games available: 5339

    Game Graphic: Up to 4K / 144 FPS

    Session Length: unlimited


    Price monthly

    Show price details


    Games available: 5339

    Game Graphic: Up to 4K / 144 FPS

    Session Length: unlimited


    Price monthly

    Show price details


    Games available: 5339

    Game Graphic: Up to / FPS

    Session Length:


    Available devices

    Show device details

    Desktop

    Tablet

    Smartphone

    TV

    Console


    Description

    Show all details

    When it comes to unrestricted gaming experiences, Shadow PC stands out. Shadow gives you full access to a powerful gaming PC in the cloud, ensuring you can play almost any game available for PCs. You can even use it for other things besides gaming, like video rendering or machine learning.

    It’s a whole new level of freedom for gaming enthusiasts. With Shadow PC, your gaming potential is no longer limited by your hardware capabilities. Our Shadow PC games list can be used as an inspiration for what you could play on this Cloud PC.

    You should buy this if…

    • you want maximum freedom to play almost any game.

    • you want to play modded games.

    • you want to use your cloud pc for more than just gaming.

    You shouldn’t buy this if…

    • you don’t want to spend the money.

    • you want a simple plug and play experience without having to manage installations and updates.

    Your perfect match?

    Shadow PC is perfect for PC gaming enthusiasts who crave flexibility and the ability to play an extensive array of games.

  • Boosteroid

    Bring-Your-Own-Games
    Boosteroid Cloud Gaming Preview

    Price monthly

    Show price details


    Games available: 1005

    Game Graphic: Up to 4K / 120 FPS

    Session Length: unlimited


    Available devices

    Show device details

    Desktop

    Tablet

    Smartphone

    TV

    Console


    Description

    Show all details

    If affordability and quality are high on your list of priorities, then Boosteroid could be the right cloud gaming service for you. At a cost of less than $15 per month, you have access to powerful cloud gaming servers that let you play your own games.

    Notably, AAA games like Elden RingRed Dead Redemption II, and GTA V can be experienced in their full glory. Such a wide range of AAA games is seldom found in this price range. You can visit the current Boosteroid games list to get a better idea of what this service has to offer.

    You should buy this if…

    • you want to play AAA games in the cloud.

    • you want an affordable cloud gaming service.

    • you already own the games you want to play or want to play f2p games.

    You shouldn’t buy this if…

    • you want a service that includes the game licenses.

    • you want to play games that aren’t available or play modded games.

    Your perfect match?

    Boosteroid is the perfect fit for gamers who love AAA games and are seeking a cost-effective cloud gaming service.

  • GeForce Now

    Bring-Your-Own-Games
    Nvidia GeForce Now Preview

    Available plans

    Show all plans


    Price monthly

    Show price details


    Games available: 2083

    Game Graphic: Up to 1080p / 60 FPS

    Session Length: 1 hour


    Price monthly

    Show price details


    Games available: 2083

    Game Graphic: Up to 1440p / 60 FPS

    Session Length: 6 hours


    Price monthly

    Show price details


    Games available: 2083

    Game Graphic: Up to 4K / 120 FPS

    Session Length: 8 hours


    Price monthly

    Show price details


    Games available: 2083

    Game Graphic: Up to / FPS

    Session Length:


    Available devices

    Show device details

    Desktop

    Tablet

    Smartphone

    TV

    Console


    Description

    Show all details

    Nvidia, a significant contributor to the growth and development of cloud gaming, offers GeForce Now. This cloud gaming service allows you to play your purchased games with impeccable quality for just $10 per month.

    In addition to its affordability, Nvidia GeForce Now also offers a free tier. This allows you to enjoy gaming sessions of up to an hour without paying a dime – a perfect opportunity to get started with cloud gaming, if you have never tried it before. To see what games you could be enjoying, browse through the current Nvidia GeForce Now games list.

    You should buy this if…

    • the games you want to play are available.

    • you want an affordable cloud gaming service.

    • you already own the games you want to play or want to play f2p games.

    You shouldn’t buy this if…

    • you want to play AAA games like GTA V or Elden Ring.

    • you want a service that includes the game licenses.

    • you want to play modded games.

    Your perfect match?

    Nvidia GeForce Now is ideally suited to gamers who already have a substantial game library and value high-quality gaming performance.

Want more options? Check out our complete list of the best cloud gaming services.

How to start cloud gaming on TVs?

Getting started with cloud gaming on a smart TV is simple. Here’s how:

  1. Pick a game
    Choose something you want to play.
  2. Select a provider
    Find a cloud gaming service compatible with your TV.
  3. Set up and play
    Download the app (if available) or connect an external device, connect a controller, log in, and start playing.

Need more detailed instructions? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to start cloud gaming on smart TVs.

Is there any cloud gaming for free on TVs?

Yes, there is a free option. GeForce Now offers a free tier, but it comes with limitations like wait times and session length caps. For a better experience, you can opt for a paid subscription.

Want to play free games? Check out our list of free cloud games available for smart TVs.

Is cloud gaming on TV worth it?

Absolutely! Cloud gaming on a TV transforms your living room into a full-fledged gaming setup without needing a console or PC. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy high-quality gaming on the big screen.

With cloud gaming, you’re not limited by your TV’s hardware. As long as you have a stable internet connection and a controller, you can access hundreds of games instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you don’t. Since all the processing happens on remote servers, your TV only needs to handle streaming. Even older smart TVs can work if you use an external device like a Chromecast or Fire Stick.

Yes, most cloud gaming services support Bluetooth controllers on TVs. You can also use wired controllers with external devices like Nvidia Shield or Amazon Fire Stick.

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