Game Mode reduces the delay between pressing a controller button and seeing the action on screen. Without it, games can feel laggy even when your internet connection is fine.
The TV creates this delay by processing the image for movies and shows. Game Mode skips much of that processing so the input responds faster.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you play PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or PC games on a Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, TCL, Hisense, or similar TV and the controls feel delayed.
Turn on Game Mode manually
- Press Menu or Settings on the remote.
- Open Picture or Picture Settings.
- Look for Game Mode, Game Optimizer, Game Low Latency Mode, or Picture Mode > Game.
- Turn it On or choose Game as the picture mode.
- Make sure you are changing the HDMI input where the console or PC is connected.
Brand names vary. Samsung usually says Game Mode, LG uses Game Optimizer, Vizio may say Game Low Latency, and Sony/TCL/Hisense often use a Game picture mode.
Use automatic switching
Many newer TVs can turn Game Mode on automatically when a console starts. This feature is often called Auto Low Latency Mode, or ALLM.
- Connect the console directly to the TV with HDMI.
- Turn on the console and start a game.
- Accept any prompt asking to switch to Game Mode.
- Check the Picture menu or Info display to confirm Game Mode is active.
If no prompt appears, enable Game Mode manually or look for ALLM in the TV’s game or HDMI settings.
What Game Mode changes
Game Mode turns off or reduces processing such as motion smoothing, dynamic contrast, noise reduction, and some upscaling. That is intentional. The picture may look less processed, but controls should feel faster.
On some TVs, Game Mode can reduce input lag from 50 to 100 milliseconds or more down to under 20 milliseconds, which is noticeable in fast games.
Switch back for movies
Game Mode is not always the best choice for movies or sports. When you are done playing, use Standard, Movie, Cinema, or Filmmaker Mode for passive viewing if you prefer a more polished picture.
Sources
- Samsung Support – Use Game Mode on your Samsung TV (2025)
- LG Support – Set up Game Optimizer on your LG TV (2025)
- Vizio Support – Enable Game Low Latency Mode (2025)