Gaming on a Smart TV has evolved dramatically over the past few years. With the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and powerful gaming PCs pushing 4K at 120 frames per second, modern TVs need to keep up with demanding gaming requirements. But navigating the sea of gaming-related specifications can be confusing - what actually matters, and what's just marketing hype?
This guide breaks down every gaming feature you need to understand when choosing or configuring a Smart TV for gaming. Whether you're a casual player or a competitive esports enthusiast, understanding these concepts will help you get the best gaming experience from your television.
Input Lag: The Most Important Gaming Specification
Input lag is the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the action appear on screen. Measured in milliseconds (ms), lower input lag means more responsive gameplay. This is arguably the single most important specification for gamers to consider.
What Input Lag Numbers Mean
- Under 10ms: Excellent - virtually undetectable, suitable for competitive gaming
- 10-20ms: Very good - suitable for most gamers including action games
- 20-35ms: Acceptable - fine for casual gaming, noticeable to serious players
- Over 35ms: Poor - may feel sluggish, affects reaction-based gameplay
Most modern gaming TVs achieve under 10ms input lag in Game Mode. Always enable Game Mode for gaming - it disables picture processing that causes delay but can slightly affect picture quality.
Always enable Game Mode when gaming. Without it, even expensive TVs can have input lag over 100ms due to picture processing. Most TVs detect consoles automatically and enable Game Mode, but verify this in settings.
Refresh Rate: 60Hz vs 120Hz
Refresh rate indicates how many times per second the TV can update the image on screen. A 60Hz TV refreshes 60 times per second, while a 120Hz TV refreshes twice as often.
Why 120Hz Matters for Gaming
The PS5 and Xbox Series X can output games at up to 120 frames per second (fps). To display all those frames, you need a 120Hz TV. With a 60Hz TV, you're limited to 60fps regardless of what your console outputs.
Note that native 120Hz is different from motion interpolation features that artificially create frames. For gaming, you want native 120Hz support - check that the TV supports 120Hz input signals, not just motion smoothing.
Which Games Support 120fps?
Many competitive and action games on PS5 and Xbox Series X support 120fps modes, including Call of Duty, Fortnite, Rocket League, Halo Infinite, and many racing games. These typically run at lower resolution (often 1080p or 1440p) when in 120fps mode.
HDMI 2.1: The New Standard
HDMI 2.1 is the latest HDMI specification that enables the bandwidth needed for high-end gaming features. Key capabilities include:
- 4K at 120Hz: Full 4K resolution at 120 frames per second
- VRR support: Variable Refresh Rate for tear-free gaming
- ALLM: Auto Low Latency Mode - automatically enables Game Mode
- eARC: Enhanced Audio Return Channel for high-quality audio
Many TVs only have one or two HDMI 2.1 ports - the others may be HDMI 2.0. Always connect your PS5 or Xbox Series X to an HDMI 2.1 port (usually labelled "4K 120Hz" or "Game"). Check your TV's specifications to identify which ports support full HDMI 2.1 features.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
VRR allows the TV to match its refresh rate to the console's frame output in real-time. If a game runs at 87fps one moment and 102fps the next, VRR ensures smooth display without tearing or stuttering.
VRR Standards
- HDMI VRR: Standard VRR over HDMI 2.1, supported by PS5 and Xbox
- AMD FreeSync: AMD's VRR technology, widely supported by TVs and Xbox
- NVIDIA G-Sync: NVIDIA's premium VRR, primarily for PC gaming
For console gaming, HDMI VRR is the main standard. Xbox Series X launched with VRR support, while PS5 added it via firmware update. Most games that support VRR will automatically use it when available.
Response Time and Motion Handling
Response time measures how quickly individual pixels can change colour, affecting motion clarity. Fast response times reduce ghosting (trails behind moving objects) and blur.
OLED vs LED/QLED for Gaming
OLED TVs have near-instantaneous response times (under 1ms), resulting in crystal-clear motion - ideal for fast-paced games. LED and QLED TVs have slower response times (typically 2-8ms) that can cause slight ghosting, though this has improved significantly in recent models.
For competitive gaming where every millisecond counts, OLED offers a tangible advantage in motion clarity. For casual gaming, modern QLED TVs perform excellently.
Choosing Between OLED and QLED for Gaming
OLED Advantages
- Perfect blacks and infinite contrast - stunning in dark game environments
- Near-instant response time - no ghosting or blur
- Excellent viewing angles - great for couch co-op
- Uniform picture quality across the screen
OLED Considerations
- Burn-in risk from static HUD elements (mitigated by modern features)
- Lower peak brightness than QLED
- Higher price per inch
QLED/Mini-LED Advantages
- Higher brightness - better for bright room gaming
- No burn-in risk
- Generally more affordable at larger sizes
- Vibrant, punchy colours
For dedicated gaming in a controlled lighting environment, OLED offers the best motion and contrast. For bright rooms or long sessions with static HUD elements, high-end QLED or Mini-LED TVs are excellent alternatives with no burn-in concerns.
Optimising Your TV Settings for Gaming
Essential Settings
- Enable Game Mode: Found in picture settings, dramatically reduces input lag
- Enable VRR: Usually in external device or game settings menu
- Disable motion smoothing: Creates the "soap opera effect" and adds lag
- Enable HDMI 2.1 features: Some TVs require manually enabling 4K 120Hz
- Adjust brightness: Match to your room's lighting conditions
Console-Specific Tips
PlayStation 5: Enable 120Hz output in Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Enable 120Hz Output. VRR can be enabled in the same menu.
Xbox Series X: Go to Settings > General > TV & Display Options. Enable 4K, 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM as available. The Xbox will report which features your TV supports.
Gaming-Focused TVs Worth Considering
While we don't provide specific product reviews in this guide, certain TV series are particularly well-regarded for gaming in Australia:
- LG OLED C and G series - excellent input lag, VRR support, OLED motion
- Samsung Neo QLED QN series - bright, feature-rich, comprehensive gaming mode
- Sony Bravia XR OLED - excellent picture processing with low lag game mode
- TCL Mini-LED series - strong gaming features at competitive prices
- Hisense U7/U8 series - budget-friendly with gaming-focused features
Conclusion
Modern Smart TVs can deliver exceptional gaming experiences that rival dedicated gaming monitors. Prioritise low input lag and ensure the TV has the HDMI 2.1 features your console requires. For PS5 and Xbox Series X owners, a TV with 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support unlocks the full potential of current-generation gaming. Take time to configure your settings properly, and you'll enjoy responsive, beautiful gaming on the big screen.