What controller do you need to play games on a Samsung TV?

Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Gamepad for Samsung Smart TVs

Samsung Smart TVs are no longer just for watching movies—they’re fully capable gaming devices. Thanks to platforms like Samsung Gaming Hub, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and GeForce Now, you can now play top-tier games directly on your TV.

But to really enjoy them, you need the right game controller. So, what controller works best with a Samsung TV? How do you choose one? And where can you buy it?

Let’s break it all down.

✅ Can You Connect a Controller to a Samsung TV?

Yes!
Samsung Smart TVs (especially 2020 models and newer) support Bluetooth controllers and USB gamepads.

Whether you’re playing:

Fortnite via Xbox Cloud Gaming
Retro games with an HDMI stick
Arcade games through an emulator
Or using a handheld device that connects via HDMI
… a controller can completely change your experience.

🧩 What Type of Controller Works with Samsung TV?

✔️ Compatible Controller Types:

Controller Type	Works with Samsung TV?	Notes
Bluetooth Gamepad	✅ Yes	Best for wireless play and easy setup
USB Wired Controller	✅ Yes (via USB port)	Plug-and-play but limited movement range
Xbox Controller	✅ Yes	Fully supported by Samsung Gaming Hub
PlayStation Controller	✅ Yes	PS4/PS5 work with some cloud platforms
GameLoopX Controller	✅ Yes	Designed for Smart TVs, Bluetooth-ready

🔧 How to Connect a Controller to Samsung TV

📶 For Bluetooth Controllers:

Press Home on your Samsung remote
Go to Settings > All Settings > Connection > Bluetooth Device List
Put your controller in pairing mode
Select the controller from the list
Done—start gaming!

🔌 For USB Controllers:

Plug the controller into a USB port on your Samsung TV
It will auto-detect in most games and apps
No setup needed

🧠 How to Choose the Right Controller for Samsung TV

Here are the 5 key features to look for:

1. Smart TV Compatibility

Make sure the controller supports Bluetooth or USB and is recognized by Android-based systems or the Samsung Gaming Hub.

2. Comfort & Ergonomics

For long gaming sessions, choose a controller with:

Textured grips
Responsive buttons
Lightweight build

3. Rechargeable Battery

Avoid controllers that use AA batteries. Opt for USB-C or micro USB rechargeable models for convenience.

4. Latency & Responsiveness

Look for low-lag Bluetooth 5.0 connections or wired options if latency is a concern (especially for FPS games).

5. Cross-Platform Support

Some controllers work on TV, PC, Android, and even Switch—perfect if you want versatility.

🛍️ Recommended Controllers to Buy

🟩 1. GameLoopX Pro Wireless Controller

🔗 Buy from GameLoopX.com »

Bluetooth 5.0 low-latency connection
Compatible with Samsung TV, PC, Android
Ergonomic grip and dual vibration
Rechargeable battery
Designed specifically for Smart TV gaming

💬 Best for all-in-one usage with high performance and affordability.

🟨 2. Xbox Wireless Controller

🔗 Buy on Amazon »

Native support on Samsung Gaming Hub
Great build and response
Ideal for cloud gaming and Xbox apps

💬 Best for Xbox Game Pass users.

🟦 3. 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller

🔗 Buy on Amazon »

Retro-style with modern features
Bluetooth & USB-C support
Custom button mapping

💬 Best for retro game lovers and emulator users.

🎮 What Games Can You Play on Samsung TV with a Controller?

Fortnite, Forza Horizon, Minecraft via Xbox Cloud
Beach Buggy Racing, Asphalt 8 via Google Play
Thousands of retro games via HDMI game sticks or apps
Arcade, racing, platformers, FPS, and more

🧾 Final Thoughts

Samsung Smart TVs are more than just entertainment hubs—they’re fully functional gaming platforms. With the right controller, you can experience AAA titles, retro classics, and party games directly on your TV.

👉 For a complete and wireless experience, go with a Bluetooth controller built for Smart TVs.
🎯 Our top pick? The GameLoopX Pro Controller—built specifically for multi-platform gaming with a focus on Samsung TV compatibility.