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If you're serious about gaming, especially on consoles like the PS5, Xbox Series X, or even PC, you've likely heard the term "Game Mode" thrown around in TV specs or reviews. But what exactly does it mean—and more importantly, should you be using it?
In this guide, we break down what Game Mode is, how it works, and why it’s essential for a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
Game Mode is a picture preset found on most modern TVs designed specifically to improve gaming performance. When enabled, it reduces input lag—the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the corresponding action on screen.
To achieve this, Game Mode disables many post-processing features like motion smoothing, upscaling, noise reduction, and dynamic contrast. While these enhancements may make movies look better, they often introduce delay and disrupt real-time responsiveness in games.
Without Game Mode, input lag can range from 60ms to over 100ms on some TVs. With Game Mode enabled, lag can drop to as low as 5–15ms—critical for fast-paced games like Call of Duty or FIFA.
Games feel snappier and more accurate, especially first-person shooters or competitive titles where timing is everything.
By skipping unnecessary image processing, Game Mode allows smoother, stutter-free playback aligned with your console's output.
Here’s how to activate Game Mode on popular TV brands:
(Exact paths may vary slightly by model or firmware.)
ALLM is a newer HDMI 2.1 feature that automatically switches your TV into Game Mode when it detects a gaming signal from your console. While convenient, not all TVs support it, and Game Mode still needs to be tuned for best performance.
If you're buying a TV for gaming, Game Mode is non-negotiable. It's the fastest way to reduce input lag and get the most out of your PS5, Xbox, or gaming PC. Make sure your TV not only has Game Mode, but that it's easy to access—and ideally supports HDMI 2.1 with ALLM for seamless switching.
Want more gaming TV tips? Check out our full gaming TV buying guide.
Related Reading:
Does the projector Game Mode really work?
In this guide, we break down what Game Mode is, how it works, and why it’s essential for a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
What Is Game Mode?
Game Mode is a picture preset found on most modern TVs designed specifically to improve gaming performance. When enabled, it reduces input lag—the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the corresponding action on screen.
To achieve this, Game Mode disables many post-processing features like motion smoothing, upscaling, noise reduction, and dynamic contrast. While these enhancements may make movies look better, they often introduce delay and disrupt real-time responsiveness in games.
Why Game Mode Matters
1. Reduces Input Lag
Without Game Mode, input lag can range from 60ms to over 100ms on some TVs. With Game Mode enabled, lag can drop to as low as 5–15ms—critical for fast-paced games like Call of Duty or FIFA.
2. Enhances Responsiveness
Games feel snappier and more accurate, especially first-person shooters or competitive titles where timing is everything.
3. Preserves Frame Rate Consistency
By skipping unnecessary image processing, Game Mode allows smoother, stutter-free playback aligned with your console's output.
When Should You Use It?
- Always enable Game Mode when playing competitive games like shooters, racing sims, or online multiplayer.
- Even for casual gaming, Game Mode can make controls feel more responsive and natural.
- Streaming apps or movies? You can turn it off to enjoy enhanced visuals.
How to Turn on Game Mode (By Brand)
Here’s how to activate Game Mode on popular TV brands:
- LG (webOS): Settings > Picture > Picture Mode > Game
- Samsung: Settings > General > External Device Manager > Game Mode
- Sony: Settings > Picture > Scene Select > Game
- TCL (Roku): Settings > TV Inputs > Input > Game Mode > On
- Hisense: Settings > Picture Mode > Game
(Exact paths may vary slightly by model or firmware.)
Game Mode vs Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
ALLM is a newer HDMI 2.1 feature that automatically switches your TV into Game Mode when it detects a gaming signal from your console. While convenient, not all TVs support it, and Game Mode still needs to be tuned for best performance.
Common Misconceptions
- “Game Mode makes image quality worse.” Yes and no. Some image enhancements are disabled, but many modern TVs still deliver great visuals in Game Mode.
- “It’s only useful for pro gamers.” Absolutely not. Even casual players will feel the difference in input response.
Final Thoughts
If you're buying a TV for gaming, Game Mode is non-negotiable. It's the fastest way to reduce input lag and get the most out of your PS5, Xbox, or gaming PC. Make sure your TV not only has Game Mode, but that it's easy to access—and ideally supports HDMI 2.1 with ALLM for seamless switching.
Want more gaming TV tips? Check out our full gaming TV buying guide.
Related Reading:
Does the projector Game Mode really work?
