Since they first appeared in homes with the arrival of the Magnavox Odyssey in the 70s, video games have come a really long way. While they were very simplistic in their early days, video games are now genuine visual and audio performances, not dissimilar to modern blockbusters. Once they are part of an installation that provides optimal audio and video conditions, contemporary consoles have the ability to thrust you into the heart of the action with their ultra-detailed graphics and rich, complex soundtracks. Some hyper-realistic games even come extremely close to something you might see at the movies. So, amongst the wide range of HD and 4K Ultra HD televisions on the market, which are the best for gaming?
The history of game consoles from 1976 to 2019
The first consoles
Each new generation of home consoles came with an improvement in graphics and sound. The first generation of game consoles appeared in homes in the early 70s and was followed by a second generation in 1976 with the Fairchild Channel F, and the arrival of the Atari 2600 on the European market in 1981. However, the mass production of low-quality video games caused by the success of home consoles led to the video game crash of 1983 which hindered this newly emerging market.
In 1985, the industry was given a second wind thanks to the arrival of 8-bit consoles, and in particular with the release of Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo NES, the driving force behind the revival of video game consoles. SEGA, Nintendo’s direct rival, launched the 4th generation of game consoles with the Mega Drive in 1987, followed by the Super Nintendo, released in Japan in 1990, then in 1991 and 1992 in the United States and Europe respectively. These 16-bit systems marked a huge technological leap, resulting in more complex games, a more detailed image and richer soundtracks than ever before.
The first PlayStation brings 3D to video games
1994 was a crucial year in the history of home consoles and video games in general, as it marked the arrival of the Japanese brand Sony on the market with the PlayStation. Selling over 100 million units, the PlayStation put an end to the reign of Nintendo and SEGA in the home console market and ushered in the 5th generation of game consoles. While arcade machines and computers had already introduced three-dimensional games a few years prior, this fifth generation marked the arrival of consoles developed for 3D games in homes across the globe with the Sony PlayStation and the SEGA Saturn for 32-bit consoles, and the Nintendo 64 for 64-bit consoles.
In the early 2000s, the sixth generation of game consoles, also known as the 128-bit generation, was introduced. This name is misleading, however, as the number of bits was no longer a relevant factor in determining the performance of a console. The big names of this era were the PlayStation 2, which reigned supreme over the market at the time, Nintendo’s GameCube, The Xbox, Microsoft’s first console, and lastly, the Dreamcast, the very last console released by SEGA who definitively ceased production of game consoles in 2001.
The first Xbox to counter the PlayStation 2 phenomenon
The generation of Xbox and PlayStation 2 consoles that debuted in the early 2000s marked a new era in the video games industry. The PlayStation 2, launched by Sony in 2000, became the best-selling console of all time, with a diverse catalogue of iconic games and innovations such as the built-in DVD player contributing to its phenomenal success. The Xbox, introduced by Microsoft in 2001, was the company’s first foray into the games console market.
It set itself apart with advanced online features through Xbox Live and exclusive titles such as those in the Halo franchise, which quickly became hugely popular. This period was characterised by intense competition between the two giants, driving technological innovation and constant improvement in games, which profoundly influenced subsequent generations of consoles and consolidated video games as a major form of entertainment.
The arrival of HD video games with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
A new milestone was reached in the history of video games with the generation of game consoles that followed, especially in terms of image quality. It was also the first time that 5.1 and 7.1 soundtracks were available in video games. Released in 2005, the Xbox 360 marked the first steps of game consoles in the high definition world. The term “HD console” is often used, since high definition was one of the biggest selling points of these machines.
The PlayStation 3 was introduced in 2006 in Japan and the United States, then in 2007 in Europe. Like the original PlayStation, the PlayStation 3 revolutionized the video game industry with the addition of an HDMI 1.3 port and the use of Blu-ray discs that provided 25GB of storage for single-layer discs and 50GB for dual-layer discs. That’s enough space to store high quality images and soundtracks.
The Blu-ray player integrated into the Playstation 3 also played an important role in the decline of the HD DVD, the format championed by Microsoft. Now able to transmit video streams ranging from SD to HD (480i, 720i, 1080i, 480p, 720p, 1080p), seventh generation consoles required a display that can guarantee optimal operating conditions in order to deliver their best performance and fully exploit the potential of the games.
The first steps towards 4K UHD with the Xbox One X and PlayStation 4
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One ushered in a significant period in the evolution of video games, introducing improved performance and immersive gaming experiences. Launched in November 2013, Sony’s PlayStation 4 quickly conquered the market with its powerful architecture and diverse library of games. Over the years, Sony extended its range with the PS4 Slim, offering a more compact design and reduced power consumption, as well as the PS4 Pro, which brought 4K UHD definition and enhanced performance for gaming using a virtual reality headset.
For its part, Microsoft also launched the Xbox One in November 2013, which stood out for its multimedia features and integration with entertainment services. Microsoft followed a similar strategy with the introduction of the Xbox One S, a smaller, more affordable version, and the Xbox One X, which claimed the title of “most powerful console” of its generation thanks to its ability to handle 4K UHD video games natively, with enhanced graphics. These different iterations enabled the two tech giants to meet the varied needs of gamers, while pushing the technical limits of home consoles.
The Xbox Series S|X and PlayStation 5 make video games more lifelike
The Xbox Series and PS5 generation consoles, introduced by Microsoft and Sony respectively in November 2020, mark a new era of performance and technological innovation in the video games industry. Both consoles offer significant improvements in computing power and graphics, thanks to AMD Zen 2 processors and RDNA 2 GPUs, enabling resolutions of up to 4K UHD and frame rates of up to 120Hz.
The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 also feature ultra-fast SSDs, dramatically reducing loading times and enabling larger, more detailed game worlds. The PlayStation 5 also stands out for its DualSense controller, which offers enhanced immersion thanks to advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. For its part, the Xbox Series X relies on the Game Pass, a subscription service that provides access to a vast selection of video games.
How to choose a 4K UHD TV for the Xbox Series X or PS5
A minimal input lag for optimal responsiveness in video games
To enjoy your video games in optimum conditions, a TV with vivid colours and deep blacks will put you right in the heart of the action. Using an HDR-compatible TV is a must, especially as next-generation consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X have an HDR video output. On top of this, a 4K TV is also recommended. Generally speaking, a high-performance TV should also be satisfactory for playing video games.
However, there are some specific characteristics that are essential when looking for a screen specifically for playing video games. The most important of these is the screen’s response time or “input lag”, i.e. the time between when you press a button on the controller and when the action occurs on the screen. The ideal solution is, of course, to ensure that the screen guarantees the shortest possible input lag. The best-performing screens can offer a time of under 5 ms, which is ideal for optimum responsiveness. However, for competitive titles, a lag of less than 1 ms is essential.
Gaming features: VRR, G-Sync, FreeSync, ALLM, HDMI 2.1
New functions developed specifically for the latest sources, including game consoles, are also beginning to emerge. For example, there is the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and the Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), sometimes called game mode on some televisions. Both are features associated with the HDMI 2.1 norm, but they are also available on a number of 2.0 certified TVs. The Variable Refresh Rate adjusts the screen’s refresh rate in real-time according to that of the console.
The automatic low latency mode allows your television to automatically switch to game mode in order to reduce input lag. However, these functions implemented specifically to optimize the TV’s performance while playing video games are the only elements to take into account. It is essential that a television used for gaming is able to accurately reproduce the vibrant colors and dynamics of the most expressive games, while also being able to reproduce the tones of realistic games such as Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077.
Many recent TVs now support G-Sync and FreeSync technologies, which allow users to enjoy a smoother picture without any tearing, even on a big screen. Previously reserved for gaming monitors, this compatibility now extends to televisions and provides PC gamers with a more comfortable and responsive visual experience, from the comfort of their living room.
The best TVs for playing video games: our selection
Panasonic TV-65Z95B
The Panasonic TV-65Z95B is a high-end 65″ 4K OLED model that is perfect for gaming thanks to a refresh rate that reaches 144Hz, as well as VRR, HDMI 2.1, ALLM, AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility. It features Game Mode Extreme with a dedicated control board. The picture is optimized by the Tandem RGB OLED panel and ThermalFlow technology for better brightness and durability. The image processing is carried out by the HCX Pro AI MK II processor, and the television supports advanced HDR formats such as Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive. The sound is immersive thanks to a 360° Soundscape Pro audio system with Dolby Atmos, designed by Technics. The Fire TV interface ensures smooth navigation, and the wide range of connectors (4x HDMI, 3x USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet) meets the needs of both gamers and movie lovers.
LG OLED65G3
The LG OLED65G5 TV stands out for its gaming excellence thanks to an optimized refresh rate of up to 165Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision Gaming compatibility in 120Hz 4K, as well as support for NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium technologies. It provides an ultra-fast response time of 0.1 ms, an HGIG mode, a game optimizer and a dedicated control panel. Its 65″ OLED evo (Tandem OLED) panel is remarkably bright thanks to Brightness Booster Ultimate, and features deep blacks thanks to the self-emmisve pixels. The powerful α11 AI 4K Gen2 processor takes care of the image processing. Soundwise, the TV is equipped with a 60W 4.2-channel Dolby Atmos system with WOW Orchestra technology. Its refined wall-mount design, webOS 25 interface with voice assistants and full connectivity (HDMI 2.1, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, AirPlay, Google Cast) make it a high-end model that’s ideal for both gaming and cinema.
Sony 65 BRAVIA 8
The Sony 65 BRAVIA 8 (65XR80) is a 65″ 4K OLED television that’s designed for cinema and video games, with a native refresh rate of 120Hz and support for 120FPS 4K, VRR and ALLM, HDMI 2.1 (x2), and a Perfect for PlayStation 5 certification. It also features PS Remote Play, which is ideal for remote gaming. Thanks to Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, the sound is diffused directly from the screen for unique audio immersion. The picture benefits from infinite contrast, XR Contrast Booster, Cognitive Processor XR processing, as well as Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, IMAX Enhanced and a Netflix Calibrated Mode. The Google TV interface with Google Assistant, Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 provides seamless access to all content. The TV comes with a backlit USB-C remote control and offers 10 movies in UHD Blu-ray quality and 24 months of Sony Pictures Core streaming, making the Sony 65XR80 a solid choice for gaming and home theater enthusiasts.
Samsung TQ65QN90F
The Samsung TQ65QN90F is a 65″ Neo QLED 4K designed with gamers in mind: its refresh rate climbs to 165Hz, with support for VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro and four HDMI 2.1 connectors capable of handling 165Hz 4K; it also features the Gaming Hub, Game Bar, Mini Map Zoom and the 165Hz Motion Xcelerator engine for smooth, tear-free gameplay. The NQ4 AI Gen3 processor optimizes responsiveness and upscaling, while the anti-glare Mini-LED panel, HDR10+ Gaming compatible, offers controlled brightness. As for sound, the 4.2.2 channel/60W system with Dolby Atmos, OTS+ and Q-Symphony completes the immersion, making the Samsung TQ65QN90F a solid choice for gaming sessions and movies alike.
Hisense 65U8Q
The Hisense 65U8Q is a 65″ Mini LED QLED 4K TV particularly suited to gaming thanks to a native frequency of 165Hz (up to 288Hz in HSR), HDMI 2.1 compatibility (ALLM, VRR, eARC on all 3 ports), FreeSync Premium Pro, and an input lag of just 13.5 ms. It features an Ultra gaming mode and a USB-C DisplayPort 1.4 port for PC gamers. The picture is provided by a Mini LED panel with 2,048 dimming zones, with peak brightness at 5,000 nits, full support for HDR formats (Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, IMAX Enhanced) and 4K upscaling via the MT9655 processor. In terms of sound, it offers a powerful 4.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration (up to 90W), while the VIDAA U9 interface, compatible with Alexa and AirPlay 2, guarantees a seamless connected experience. A comprehensive, high-performance and innovative model for gamers and movie lovers alike.
TCL 65Q7C
The TCL 65Q7C (65C7K) is a 65″ Mini LED QLED 4K TV designed for discerning gamers, with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz in 4K, or even 288Hz in Full HD, and HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM as well as FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility. It features four HDMI ports, two of which support 120/144Hz 4K. Its 7th-generation Mini-LED backlighting (1008 zones, 2,600 nits) and QLED Pro technology guarantee a bright, high-contrast, colorful image, with support for Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ and HLG. The sound is entrusted to a 60W Bang & Olufsen audio section, compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. Finally, the Google TV interface, with integrated Chromecast, Google voice assistant and wide access to streaming apps, completes this powerful, versatile and affordable TV, ideal for both gaming and cinema.
Frequently asked questions
No, but it will allow you to enjoy your video games with a better resolution. New-generation consoles also work with Full HD TVs.
OLED provides better contrast and is more responsive. QLED is brighter.
The television and video game both need to support a refresh rate of 120Hz. Moreover, it’s essential to use an HDMI 2.1 port and cable for perfect compatibility.
For now, only Xbox Series X|S consoles support Dolby Vision.
The Nintendo Switch 2 can be connected to an HDR compatible 4K television. This is one of the console’s new features.
To reduce latency and improve responsiveness, the game mode disables most image processing. The latter requires calculations that can take a few milliseconds to complete. This isn’t a problem for films and TV series, but the lowest possible latency is required for gaming.
This feature synchronizes the refresh rate of the TV and video game to avoid image tearing. It is supported by the latest consoles.
When the TV detects a gaming PC or console, it automatically switches to game mode in order to reduce latency.
You need an HDMI 2.1 cable to enjoy the best resolution and a high refresh rate.
Although recent televisions have come a long way, specialized gaming monitors offer even greater responsiveness. They can also dramatically increase smoothness, with refresh rates reaching over 600Hz for eSport models.
