Can we play games on smart TV with keyboard?

Have you ever wished you could enjoy playing games right on your smart TV, without having to buy an expensive gaming console or PC? Well, it‘s actually possible with just a simple wireless keyboard and mouse!

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to setup fun gaming sessions on your smart TV.

Smart TVs Are Now Legit Gaming Platforms

Gone are the days when smart TVs could only be used for streaming movies and shows. The latest models are powered by robust operating systems that can run many apps and games.

For example, Android TV models like the Sony Bravia have full access to the Google Play Store with over 5000 games designed for the big screen. Samsung‘s Tizen OS also features similar gaming capabilities.

According to reports, 1 in 3 smart TV owners are playing games on them. The market is projected to hit revenues of $1 billion by 2025, as casual gaming on the TV screen becomes mainstream.

This is driven by the convenience of turning your existing television into a basic gaming device, without dedicating space and budgets for a separate console.

Let‘s look at how you can setup gaming on your smart TV.

Gear Needed for Gaming on Smart TVs

Here‘s a quick checklist of must-have gear:

• Smart TV – With HDMI ports, WiFi and an app store for installing games. Models with higher RAM and processing power can play more advanced titles.

• Wireless keyboard + mouse – Essential for navigating the interface and playing games designed for touch controls. Compact mini keyboards work best in living rooms.

• Gamepads – For smooth control in racing, fighting and action games. Bluetooth gamepads can connect wirelessly to smart TVs.

• HDMI cables – For any additional devices you may be connecting like streaming boxes or consoles. High-speed HDMI 2.0 cables prevent lag.

• High speed internet – Crucial for online multiplayer games and game streaming without interruptions. Ethernet gives the most stable experience.

That covers the basics – it‘s a simple plug and play setup. Now let‘s see how you can start gaming.

Play Exciting Android Games on Your Smart TV

Most smart TVs today run a version of Android optimized for the big screen. This gives you direct access to 1000s of games on the Google Play Store designed for Android TV.

Popular titles span a variety of genres from action, arcade, puzzles, sports to family party games. Some examples you can enjoy:

• Racing – Asphalt 8, Beach Buggy Racing

• Fighting – Mortal Kombat, Injustice 2

• Adventure – Genshin Impact, Oddmar

• Family – Just Dance Now, Heads Up!

• Retro – Atari Flashback Classics, Pacman 256

The Google Play store suggests games specially enhanced for Android TV under the ‘Android TV Games‘ section. Look for titles rated 4+ stars for good optimization.

Once you install a game, launch it and use the wireless keyboard to navigate menus. The keyboard arrow keys work for movement in many games while ‘WASD‘ keys provide directional controls in some titles. The mouse gives added precision for selecting options.

For even better gameplay, connect Bluetooth controllers to play smoothly. Some fun multiplayer party games to try are Beach Buggy Racing, Bombsquad, TowerFall Ascension among others.

Mirror Your Phone Screen to Enjoy Mobile Games

Your smart TV gives you another cool option – wirelessly mirror your Android or iPhone screen so you can play games from their app stores:

• Android – Use the built-in Google Cast function or apps like AirScreen. Ensure phone and TV are on same WiFi.

• iPhone/iPad – Enable AirPlay mirroring in Control Center and select your TV.

This allows enjoying all your favorite mobile games on the big screen with family and friends. Turn your smart TV into a large display for popular multiplayer games like Mario Kart, Fortnite, Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG Mobile etc.

The only requirement is both devices connected to a 5GHz WiFi network. Turn off notifications on your phone to prevent disruptions during gameplay.

How to Stream PC Games Seamlessly

Streaming apps like Steam Link allow playing your PC games library directly on smart TVs.

To get started, follow these steps:

1. Connect your gaming PC and smart TV to your home network via Ethernet for maximum stability.

2. Install and login to Steam on your PC. Enable Big Picture mode for controller-friendly TV interface.

3. Install Steam Link app on your smart TV from the app store and login to the same account.

4. Your PC games library will now show up on the TV. Select and play games using paired Bluetooth controllers.

This gives you access to thousands of popular PC games like Elden Ring, FIFA 23, God of War, Apex Legends etc. right on the big screen.

PC hardware offers max settings and framerates for the best experience if your network can keep up. Using Ethernet cables for both connections gives minimal lag.

Finding the Right Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

The choice of wireless keyboard and mouse plays a big role in ensuring comfortable smart TV gaming. Here are key factors to consider:

Keyboard

• Compact and portable, optimized for couch use

• Tactile keys for responsive controls

• Standard QWERTY layout with separate number pad

• Dedicated Android keys for navigation

• Good wireless range of ~30 feet

Mouse

• Ergonomic design suitable for hands

• Smooth tracking and sensitivity

• Additional controls like side buttons

• Wireless connectivity and long battery life

I recommend getting a combo set with both keyboard and mouse from trusted brands like Logitech, Rii and Anbolove. The table below compares top models:

Based on your priorities like better keys, longer battery life, reliability etc., you can choose the perfect model to game comfortably from your couch.

Optimizing Your Smart TV for Peak Gaming Performance

While smart TV gaming has improved tremendously, the hardware cannot compare to dedicated gaming PCs and consoles.

Here are some tips to ensure your smart TV runs games smoothly:

• Close other apps and disable automatic updates during gameplay to maximize RAM and processing.
• Reduce in-game graphics settings to lower resolution and frame rates based on your smart TV‘s capabilities.
• Turn off motion smoothing and other post-processing effects which cause input lag.
• Game downloads can take up significant storage space on smart TVs. Expand capacity with external USB drives if needed.
• Keep TV firmware updated to latest version for optimizations. Enable ‘Game Mode‘ if available.

Refer to your smart TV specs for hardware information like processor, RAM, storage etc. Match game settings to the configuration for smooth performance.

Troubleshooting Smart TV Gaming Issues

Despite proper setup, you may face some hiccups like:

Keyboard not connecting

• Ensure keyboard Bluetooth pairing mode is enabled

• Try re-pairing the device

• Check for objects blocking line-of-sight

Games stuttering and lagging

• Upgrade to 5GHz dual-band WiFi router

• Connect TV and PC via Ethernet for game streaming

• Lower in-game resolution and graphics settings

Games unable to install

• Clear cached data and delete unused apps

• Check for system software updates

• Attach external USB storage for more space

Proper troubleshooting can help identify and resolve many connectivity and performance issues.

The Appeal of Retro Gaming on Smart TVs

Beyond the latest Android and streamed PC games, smart TVs also allow revisiting childhood memories with classic retro games.

Emulators like RetroArch perfectly recreate vintage consoles like GameBoy, SNES, PS1 etc. and work great with wireless controllers.

Relive legendary titles like Super Mario, Sonic, Donkey Kong Country, Metal Gear Solid, Crash Bandicoot and 1000s more! Local multiplayer ensures endless retro fun.

The simple 2D graphics run smoothly while scanline filters retain that authentic CRT-like feel. Achievement tracking and rewind features make retro gaming even more enjoyable.

Should You Use a Smart TV for Serious Gaming?

While smart TV gaming has its benefits, it does have some disadvantages compared to dedicated setups:

Pros

• Convenient entertainment device doing double duty

• Large screen immersive gaming

• Saves cost of buying console or PC

Cons

• Underpowered hardware compared to consoles and gaming PCs

• Higher input lag reduces responsiveness

• Lack of gameplay customization

• Limited controls without gaming controllers

For casual gaming fun with family and friends, smart TVs work great. But they cannot replace a proper gaming rig for competitive online play or graphics intensive titles. Using streaming options gives you the best of both worlds.

Final Thoughts on This Smart TV Gaming Guide

I hope this detailed guide gave you a good understanding of using your smart TV for gaming. The ability to enjoy Android games, mirror your phone and stream PC titles opens up endless entertainment possibilities.

While not as powerful as dedicated gaming hardware, today‘s Smart TVs give you a convenient way to play 1000s of games across genres. With the right accessories like wireless keyboard, mouse and controllers, you can have a blast with multiplayer games on the big screen.

Just be sure to optimize performance based on your TV‘s capabilities, expand storage if needed and troubleshoot issues like lag and connectivity that may pop-up. Get your game on!