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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteMicrosoft is reportedly ending Xbox app support on 2020 Samsung Smart TVs on November 3, 2026. The explanation attributed to Microsoft is that newer Xbox Cloud Gaming technology updates are no longer compatible with the operating system on those models. But Xbox’s public compatibility page still lists select 2020-and-newer Samsung TVs, and Samsung’s app listing does not announce the cutoff. That mismatch means owners should treat the date as a reported change, not one confirmed by the current public compatibility documentation.
What is changing on 2020 Samsung TVs?
Windows Central reports that Microsoft emailed people who had previously used the Xbox app on a 2020 Samsung Smart TV. The email reportedly says support for the app on those TVs will end on November 3, 2026. It says users can continue playing on newer Samsung TVs from 2021 onward and on other supported devices. Windows Central’s report is the source for both the date and the email’s explanation; the material available does not establish how many owners received the message.
According to the email quoted in the report, updates to the technology powering Xbox Cloud Gaming are no longer compatible with the operating system version available on affected 2020 models. No more detailed technical explanation is provided. The report’s author questions that rationale and speculates about cloud-gaming costs and usage, but those theories are not established as Microsoft’s reasons.
Why the cutoff is not confirmed by Xbox’s public listings
Xbox’s current cloud gaming device-availability page lists “select Samsung 2020 and newer Smart TVs.” Samsung’s Xbox app listing, updated May 27, 2026, also does not announce the reported end of support. Neither public listing resolves the conflict with the email described by Windows Central.
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- ONE UI TIZEN: Stream your favorite movies and shows and access your favorite apps and games on an intuitive smart TV platform, powered by Samsung Tizen OS.
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For now, check your exact TV model and the Xbox support page before making plans. The public materials cited here do not clarify whether every 2020 Samsung model is affected, whether the listing will be updated, or whether the reported change will apply in every region.
Does this mean Xbox Cloud Gaming is shutting down?
No broad shutdown is stated in the report. The reported change concerns Xbox app support on a particular generation of Samsung TVs, not Xbox Cloud Gaming as a whole. Xbox lists other routes to cloud play, including select Fire TV, LG, Samsung and VIDAA-powered TVs. Microsoft has also announced expansion of the app to select LG and VIDAA/V homeOS-powered TVs. Xbox’s LG TV announcement and its VIDAA announcement describe those additions.
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Microsoft reported that players streamed 140 million hours through Xbox Cloud Gaming between October and December 2024. Harrison Hoffman, Principal Product Manager, Cloud Apps and Devices, wrote in March 2025: “Our goal isn’t to replace traditional gaming setups, but to complement them by enhancing player flexibility.” That usage figure and statement provide context about the service, but do not explain the reported Samsung cutoff. Microsoft Developer’s March 21, 2025 article
Where else can you play on a TV?
Xbox currently lists the following TV and streaming-device options. Availability depends on the precise model, operating system, region and service guidance, which can change.
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| Route | Xbox-listed requirements | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Fire TV | Fire TV Stick 4K Max (1st and 2nd Gen), Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen), and Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) | Confirm the exact device generation and local availability on Xbox’s device-availability page. |
| LG TV | LG webOS 24 or later, including certain updated 2022 and 2023 models | Only select TVs are supported; check the model and software version. |
| Samsung TV | Select Samsung 2020-and-newer Smart TVs | This public listing conflicts with the reported November 3, 2026 cutoff for 2020 sets. |
| VIDAA TV | Select devices running VIDAA OS 9.6 or higher | Support is limited to select devices; verify the model and region. |
Xbox notes that available titles, features and performance vary by region, device, plan and connection. A streaming device connected to an HDMI port may be an option if the television itself loses app support, but check that the specific streaming-device generation is listed and available where you live.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What you need for TV cloud gaming
- A supported TV or streaming device and the Xbox app available for that model and region.
- A compatible controller. Xbox’s LG setup guidance lists the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, PlayStation DualSense and DualShock 4 as Bluetooth-enabled wireless examples. See Xbox’s TV setup guidance.
- A suitable internet connection. Xbox recommends 20 Mbps for consoles, PCs and tablets, and recommends 5 GHz Wi-Fi or mobile data for best performance.
- An active Game Pass subscription for most cloud-play games, although Xbox says some games are exceptions. Plan-specific monthly cloud playtime limits apply; consult the current device-availability page for the latest terms.
A compatible controller enables play on a supported device; it cannot make an app work on a TV after that app is no longer supported. Before switching devices, compare the exact model and OS version, regional app availability, your plan and its playtime limits, controller compatibility, and internet connection.
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- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- MOTION XCELERATOR: Experience clear picture and smooth motion in games and sports. Enjoy smooth motion and clear visuals with technology that estimates and adjusts frame transitions in real time. Whether gaming or watching sports, enjoy up to 4K 60Hz performance that brings every play, move and scene to life with realistic clarity and motion.
- COLOR BOOSTER: Supercharge your color. From fiery reds to sparkling blues, make every color come to life with intensity. Color Booster transforms your content into a visual masterpiece.
- 4K UPSCALING: Upgrades what you watch to crisp 4K clarity. Upgrade your favorite shows, movies and more. Experience incredible details and clarity in every frame, even from lower-quality sources, with advanced upscaling technology.
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.
