LG Electronics is expanding distribution of the Gaming Portal unveiled at CES 2025 for LG Smart TVs. LG says that since that curtain-raiser, the platform has become available in 19 global markets for LG Smart TVs running webOS 23 and above. Starting in Q2, it will become available in additional markets on devices including LG Smart Monitors and StanbyME lifestyle screens. The LG Gaming Portal has partnerships with cloud game services including Xbox, Nvidia GeForce NOW and Amazon Luna, as well as the lesser-known Boosteroid, Blacknut and some native webOS app games.

LG “makes use of the different cloud gaming services to create an all-in-one platform that gives users access to a range of AAA, casual, and social games,” which means “compatible webOS-powered display owners will not need a console or a PC to enjoy the latest games that are available for streaming,” writes Game Rant.

The Gaming Portal is accessible via compatible LG device home screens, from which “users can navigate a curated app list that includes cloud gaming apps, webOS app games playable with the remote control,” LG says in a newsroom post. Recently played titles, top 10 trending games, editor’s picks and personalized game recommendations are showcased.

Players can choose between “Play with Remote Control” or “Play with Game Pad” from a left-side menu, eliminating the need to search through individual games for accessibility.

For high-performance PC or console games, LG TVs support 4K at 120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR) and are compatible with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium-certified titles.

“Cloud gaming is a growing category among display manufacturers, with Samsung also offering its Gaming Hub on TVs and monitors, essentially allowing users to play games right from their TV without having to connect a separate gaming console,” reports CEPro. “As of February 2024, Microsoft reported 34 million subscribers of its Game Pass service,” while one year prior “Nvidia said GeForce NOW cloud gaming service had more than 25 million members in 100 countries.”

The fact that consumers have embraced the trend has prompted several TV manufacturers to incorporate gaming features like refresh rates of 120Hz and onboard sound boosters, like Dolby Atmos. The near-instant pixel response of OLED TVs is popular with game enthusiasts, and LG says its OLED evo TVs “boast the industry’s first 4K 165Hz VRR and are the first to receive ClearMR 10000 certification by VESA, for a flawless motion during fast-paced action.”