Samsung Gaming Hub, a cloud gaming interface built into the Korean company’s televisions, will get its own official video game controller, courtesy of accessories maker PDP, Samsung announced Friday in a press release ahead of CES 2024.
The controller, which most closely resembles an Xbox gamepad, will launch later this year and cost $50. It will come in “Replay Midnight Blue” and say “Designed for Samsung Gaming Hub” on the back.
This controller from PDP is the first in the Designed for Samsung Gaming Hub program, which will see more accessories released for Samsung TVs. Samsung says the Designed for Samsung Gaming Hub designation will ensure that products have been tested for quality, compatibility and security and will “ensure the best possible game streaming experience.”
Samsung Gaming Hub also works with existing Xbox and PS5 controllers.
The PDP-designed controller will allow for 40 hours of playback per charge, a 30-foot low-latency Bluetooth connection, a dedicated Samsung Gaming Hub button, and TV volume controls. The controller is currently up for pre-order at The PDP website And Amazon. A Best Buy listing should be coming soon.
Samsung and PDP did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
As gaming continues to become more mainstream, TV manufacturers are looking for ways to attract gamers. Samsung launched its Gaming Hub in 2022, an interface that connects to game streaming services such as Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass. LG markets its OLED TVs as ideal for gaming, with Dolby Vision support, 4K resolution, variable refresh rate up to 120Hz, and low latency. Sony also markets its Bravia XR line of TVs as gaming TVs. Considering gaming is a $225 billion industry, TV makers want to establish themselves as the best place to play.
Look at this: Can the Samsung Gaming Hub replace an Xbox?
Samsung Gaming Hub works like the Netflix app on your TV, but instead of streaming movies, it streams video games. Like Netflix, playback quality depends on your internet connection, with a slow stream resulting in lower image quality. Although our review of the Samsung Gaming Hub noted that streaming a game wouldn’t look as good as having a console under your TV, it was still a solid and usable experience overall.
