Gaming feels best when the TV stops doing slow movie-style processing and shows the console or PC signal as quickly as possible. The key setting is Game Mode, then HDMI bandwidth and refresh-rate features if your gear supports them.
Does this affect you?
Use this for modern TVs connected to PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or a gaming PC over HDMI.
The essential settings
These changes take only a few minutes and make the biggest responsiveness difference.
- Turn on Game Mode, Game Optimizer, or the gaming picture preset for the HDMI input used by the console.
- Enable ALLM, or Auto Low Latency Mode, if the TV offers it. This lets the TV switch into Game Mode automatically when the console starts a game.
- Turn off motion smoothing for the console input. Look for names such as TruMotion, Auto Motion Plus, MotionFlow, motion interpolation, or smooth motion.
- Set the HDMI input label to Game Console or PC if your TV uses labels to apply input-specific settings.
Extra settings worth checking
These matter most for newer consoles, gaming PCs, and mid-to-high-end TVs.
- If the TV and console support 4K at 120Hz, set that HDMI port to its highest bandwidth mode, often called HDMI 2.1, Enhanced Format, Input Signal Plus, or UHD Color.
- Turn on VRR, or Variable Refresh Rate, when both the TV and console support it. It helps reduce tearing and stutter.
- If the TV displays input lag, aim for under about 20 ms for a very responsive feel.
- If Game Mode looks washed out, adjust brightness, contrast, and color inside Game Mode rather than turning Game Mode off.
More control
Game Mode lowers display delay
It does not make the console run faster. It removes TV processing that delays the picture between your button press and the image on screen.
Use the right HDMI cable
For 4K/120Hz or VRR, use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable or one rated for HDMI 2.1. Older cables can cap features even when both devices support them.
Use the right HDMI port
Many TVs support 4K/120Hz, VRR, or eARC on only certain HDMI ports. Check the manual and move the console to the correct port.
Sources
- HDMI.org – Auto Low Latency Mode ALLM over HDMI (2025)
- Samsung Support – Reduce Input Lag and Optimize TV for Gaming (2025)
- LG Support – Game Optimizer Settings Explained (2025)