Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
You do not need a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series console to play effective horror games on a television. A used PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, a Nintendo Switch in its dock, or a compatible cloud-gaming device can handle the games below. The important checks are each title’s platform listing, whether your chosen cloud service includes it, and whether the service and game are offered in your country.
Choose the route that fits your equipment
There are three practical ways to get horror games onto a TV without buying a current-generation console. Older HDMI consoles run their games locally, a docked Switch outputs its installed games to the television, and cloud-capable devices stream a game from a remote server. These routes have different costs, connection requirements and limitations.
Used PlayStation 4 or Xbox One
A used PS4 or Xbox One is the simplest option if you want predictable television play. Connect the console by HDMI, install a disc or digital download, pair a controller and play without depending on streaming latency. The consoles are old enough that used-market availability is usually better than for current models, although prices, condition and included accessories vary by seller and date.
Check the exact model before buying. Storage capacity affects how many digital games you can keep installed, and some used systems are sold without a controller, HDMI cable or power lead. A console can also require a system update before a newly purchased game will launch. None of those accessories or update requirements has a universal price, so treat the seller’s listing as part of the comparison.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Docked Nintendo Switch
A Switch in its dock sends the console’s video output to a TV and supports a large selection of smaller or older horror releases. It is useful when you want a compact system that can also be used handheld, but TV play requires a dock, a power adapter and an HDMI connection. A Switch Lite cannot output video to a television, so it is not an equivalent substitute.
Digital purchases require enough internal or microSD storage, while a physical cartridge avoids a large download but still may require patches. Nintendo’s store listing for each game identifies whether TV mode is supported; do not assume that every Switch horror title can be displayed on a television.
Cloud gaming on a TV
Cloud gaming removes the need to install a game on a local console, but it replaces hardware requirements with service requirements. You need a supported smart-TV app or streaming device, a compatible controller, a stable internet connection and a subscription tier that includes the title. Catalogs and supported devices differ by country and change over time.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The Thing: Remastered is the clearest example in this group. Xbox lists it as cloud playable with Game Pass Essential, Premium or Ultimate and also lists an Xbox One version. Universal’s platform announcement lists Windows PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series, Nintendo Switch, and streaming through NVIDIA GeForce NOW to PC, Mac, SHIELD TV, Android, iOS and Chromebook. That wording does not mean every smart TV can run the game directly: you must verify the app or device support for your setup.
| Route | What you need | Main advantage | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used PS4 | Console, controller, HDMI cable, game | Local play with no streaming delay | Only games with PS4 support; used condition varies |
| Used Xbox One | Console, controller, HDMI cable, game or subscription | Local play plus access to Xbox cloud options where supported | Catalog and subscription availability vary by region |
| Docked Switch | Switch, dock, power adapter, HDMI cable, game | Small system with TV and handheld modes | Switch Lite cannot output to a TV; TV mode is title-specific |
| Cloud device | Supported app or streaming box, controller, internet, eligible subscription | No local installation or modern console required | Latency, bandwidth, regional catalogs and device support can change |
Best horror games for older consoles and TV play
The following titles are documented for at least one older-console or TV-friendly route. Their styles range from quiet atmospheric horror to cinematic choice-driven stories, so the best pick depends on whether you prefer stealth, exploration, psychological tension or group play.
Little Nightmares
Bandai Namco lists Little Nightmares for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. The Complete Edition was released for PS4 and Xbox One. That gives owners of any of the three older-hardware routes a straightforward way to play on a television.
The game is built around atmosphere, environmental puzzles, stealth and a vulnerable protagonist rather than conventional shooting. Its compact side-scrolling presentation makes it a good fit for a living-room screen because visual composition and sound carry much of the tension. You can play it alone with a standard controller.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Best route: Used PS4, Xbox One or a docked Switch.
- Best for: Players who want eerie environments, stealth and puzzle solving.
- Edition note: The Complete Edition is specifically documented for PS4 and Xbox One; verify the edition name and included content on the storefront you use.
The Thing: Remastered
The Thing: Remastered is the most flexible title in this list for people considering both local and cloud play. Xbox lists it as cloud playable with Game Pass Essential, Premium or Ultimate and available on Xbox One. Universal’s announcement lists versions for Windows PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series and Nintendo Switch, plus NVIDIA GeForce NOW streaming to PC, Mac, SHIELD TV, Android, iOS and Chromebook.
Its strongest use case is a household that already owns an Xbox One or has a supported cloud device. Local Xbox One play avoids streaming latency. Cloud play can eliminate a large download, but it depends on the subscription tier, the service catalog in your region and a sufficiently stable connection. GeForce NOW support in the announcement names specific device categories; it does not establish compatibility with every television operating system.
- Best route: Xbox One for local play, or an eligible cloud setup when your device and subscription are supported.
- Best for: Survival-horror fans who want a recognizable science-fiction setting and the option to stream.
- Check before buying: The current Xbox catalog, Game Pass tier, regional availability and whether your intended streaming device is supported.
Infliction: Extended Cut
Blowfish Studios lists Infliction: Extended Cut for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. Those listings make it suitable for a used older console or a docked Switch without requiring a current-generation system.
This is a psychological-horror choice for players who prefer investigating a domestic setting and piecing together what happened. It is designed as a solo experience, so there is no need to plan for multiple controllers or a shared-play session. On a TV, headphones can help preserve the sound cues that contribute to the tension, but the game remains playable through the television’s speakers.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11- Best route: Any of the three listed platforms, with a docked Switch as the compact option.
- Best for: Solo players who favor psychological unease and exploration over action.
- Availability note: Confirm whether your preferred store is offering a physical copy or a digital listing at the time you purchase; the platform listing alone does not guarantee stock in every region.
The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan
Bandai Namco describes The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan as a standalone cinematic horror game available on PS4, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch. Its branching decisions and shared-play modes make it one of the better choices when the television is a group screen rather than a solitary setup.
The cinematic format puts dialogue choices and survival decisions ahead of fast reflexes. A group can pass a controller locally, or use the edition’s supported shared-play features where the relevant network services and player accounts are available. Because storefront editions can differ, confirm the exact edition and its current multiplayer or shared-play description before purchase.
- Best route: PS4, Xbox One or docked Switch for a living-room group.
- Best for: Friends or family who want a decision-driven horror story.
- Check before buying: The current storefront listing for the edition, included modes and any network-account requirements.
Slender: The Arrival
Blue Isle Studios lists Slender: The Arrival on Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U and Steam. It is therefore a practical recommendation when you already own an especially old console rather than a PS4, Xbox One or Switch.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The game’s first-person structure and pursuit-based tension are easy to understand: explore, complete objectives and manage the threat rather than relying on a large arsenal. A television connected to an Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4 or Wii U can serve as the display, subject to the specific edition and the console’s working condition.
- Best route: An existing Xbox 360, PS3 or Wii U, as well as PS4 or Xbox One.
- Best for: Players who want direct first-person pursuit horror on hardware they already own.
- Practical caution: Older systems may have limited store access or require a physical copy, so verify how you will obtain the game before relying on a legacy platform.
Scary Stories Grotesque
Nintendo’s store information identifies TV mode for Scary Stories Grotesque. That makes it a Switch-specific alternative for someone who wants horror on a television without purchasing a PlayStation or Xbox.
Use the listing’s TV-mode indicator as the decisive compatibility check. If the game is offered digitally, confirm available storage and download size; if a cartridge is listed, check whether the retailer is shipping to your region. The available information establishes TV mode, but does not establish universal physical stock, pricing or identical catalog status in every country.
MOTHERED
Nintendo’s store information also identifies TV mode for MOTHERED. It is another docked-Switch route for a player who wants a television-based horror game and already owns Nintendo’s hybrid console.
As with any Switch purchase, distinguish TV mode from handheld-only compatibility and check the current regional storefront. Store pages can change, and a listing in one country does not prove that the same title is sold in another.
How to decide between the games
If you want the least technical setup
Choose a locally installed game on a PS4, Xbox One or docked Switch. Little Nightmares, Infliction: Extended Cut and Slender: The Arrival do not require you to solve a cloud-device compatibility question. You still need the correct platform edition, but gameplay does not depend on a streaming server staying available.
If you want to play with other people
Start with The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan. Its cinematic, choice-driven structure and shared-play modes are more naturally suited to a group than the solo-focused alternatives. Confirm the current edition’s mode description before buying, because availability and features can differ between storefront versions.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
If you want cloud access
Start with The Thing: Remastered, then verify all four links in the chain: your country, the subscription tier, the game’s current catalog entry and the device that will run the cloud app. A cloud listing is not a guarantee that the game can be launched directly from your particular smart TV.
If you already own very old hardware
Slender: The Arrival has the broadest documented legacy-console coverage in this selection, including Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U. Check how the game can still be purchased for that console before assuming that an old digital storefront remains fully operational.
Setting up each TV route
PS4 or Xbox One
- Place the console where it has ventilation and access to the television.
- Connect the console’s HDMI output to an open HDMI input on the TV, then connect power.
- Pair or connect the controller and complete the console’s setup or system update.
- For a disc, insert the game and allow any required installation. For a digital title, sign in to the console account, purchase or redeem the game and wait for the download.
- Open the game from the library or disc tile and set the TV input to the HDMI port you used.
If the picture is blank, select the correct TV input first, reseat both ends of the HDMI cable and test another HDMI port. If the console displays a menu but the game will not start, check that the disc is clean, the account owns the digital license and the console has completed its update.
Docked Switch
- Connect the dock to its power adapter and connect the dock to the TV with HDMI.
- Insert the Switch into the dock, or install the game from the Nintendo eShop and wait for the download.
- Wake the console and choose the game from the Home screen.
- Use the docked controller configuration shown on screen; detach Joy-Con controllers only if the game supports the arrangement you want.
A Switch Lite cannot be substituted for a standard Switch in this procedure because it does not provide TV output. If the screen remains on the console, confirm that the console is seated in the dock and that the dock has power; then select the correct HDMI input.
Cloud gaming device
- Confirm that the television, streaming box or mobile device is supported by the cloud service you plan to use.
- Install the official cloud-gaming app and sign in with the account that holds the subscription or game license.
- Pair a compatible controller and test its input before launching the horror game.
- Check the service’s current catalog for the exact title and your region.
- Use a strong home-network connection, preferably with the streaming device near the router or connected by Ethernet where supported.
- Launch the game and lower local network traffic if you see input delay, image breakup or repeated disconnections.
Cloud services can change supported devices, subscription tiers and catalogs without changing the game itself. Recheck those three items immediately before purchase or subscription renewal.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Physical, digital and subscription considerations
The platform listings establish where a game was released, not whether a physical disc or cartridge is currently in stock. Retail inventory varies by country and date. Digital storefronts can also show different editions, languages, add-ons or availability by region.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor local consoles, a physical copy can be useful when a game is no longer prominent in a digital storefront, but used discs and cartridges should be checked for damage and completeness. A digital copy avoids shipping and disc wear but consumes storage and remains tied to the purchasing account.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
For cloud play, the subscription is part of the hardware decision. The Thing: Remastered is specifically listed for cloud play with Game Pass Essential, Premium or Ultimate; do not generalize that requirement to the other games in this article. A title appearing in a service catalog can also be removed or restricted by region, so verify access on the day you intend to play.
Common problems and fixes
The game is listed for the console, but you cannot find it
Search by the exact title and edition, then check the console generation shown in the listing. A PS4 release does not automatically include a PS5 entitlement, and a Switch listing does not prove that a separate PC or Xbox version is available. If the store is region-specific, change nothing blindly; confirm that your account and payment region match the country where you live.
The cloud app launches but the game is unavailable
Check the subscription tier first, then confirm that the title is still in the catalog and that cloud play is enabled in your country. The Thing: Remastered’s documented tiers are Game Pass Essential, Premium and Ultimate. If your account meets the tier requirement but the app still cannot launch the game, verify device support and sign out and back in before troubleshooting the network.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Streaming feels delayed
Pause downloads on other devices, move the streaming device closer to the router, use a wired connection if available and avoid congested wireless channels. If delay remains, local console play is the more reliable route for timing-sensitive scenes.
The Switch version will not appear on the TV
Confirm that you own a standard Switch rather than a Switch Lite, that the dock is connected to power, that the HDMI cable is attached to the dock and that the TV is on the correct input. Then reseat the console in the dock. A game’s TV-mode support should also be visible in its Nintendo store listing.
An older console is noisy or unstable
Clear dust from external vents, leave space around the system and test another HDMI cable. Do not open a used console unless you are comfortable with electronics repair. If it repeatedly overheats or loses power, replacing the console may be safer than relying on it for long sessions.
A practical buying checklist
- Identify the hardware you already own: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, an older legacy console or a cloud-capable device.
- Match the game’s documented platform to that hardware, including the exact edition.
- For Switch, verify TV mode and remember that Switch Lite cannot output video.
- For cloud, verify country, supported device, subscription tier and current catalog entry.
- Decide whether local play or streaming is more important than avoiding a console purchase.
- Check storage, controller availability, HDMI cables and power accessories before buying used hardware.
- For group play, confirm the edition’s current shared-play or multiplayer description.
- Recheck storefront stock and cloud listings immediately before paying because they change over time.
For the broadest set of low-risk choices, a used PS4 or Xbox One covers Little Nightmares, Infliction: Extended Cut, The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan and Slender: The Arrival. A docked Switch adds those platform listings plus TV-mode options such as Scary Stories Grotesque and MOTHERED. If you specifically want to avoid local installation, The Thing: Remastered is the documented cloud option, provided your subscription, region and device all qualify.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
