Xiaomi’s Android TVs have become powerful multimedia centers capable of not only streaming 4K video, but also running demanding games. Many owners of Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi Smart TV don’t even realize that their device already has everything they need to run games, and buying a separate game console like PlayStation or Xbox can be a waste of money. Owners of budget models often wonder how to run modern hits on their screen without expensive hardware at hand, and the answer lies in a competent software setup.
There are several proven ways to turn your TV into a gaming station, from using cloud gaming, which shifts all the load to remote servers, to installing retro console emulators directly into the device’s memory. You can also use your personal computer as an image source, transmitting a picture over a local network with minimal latency. In this article, we will discuss each of these methods in detail, assess their pros and cons, and give specific instructions for setting up models of different years of release.
It’s important to understand that the performance of the built-in Smart TV processor can vary depending on the model. If you have a flagship Xiaomi Mi QLED TV, it will pull heavy Android games natively, while simpler models like the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick are better used for streaming or cloud services. Let’s look at the main directions that will open new horizons for your home entertainment.
Using Cloud Gaming on Android TV
The most effective way to launch modern games AAA-Xiaomi TVs are classed in cloud gaming technology, and the essence of the method is that the processing power is located on the provider’s powerful servers, and the finished video streaming image is transmitted to your TV. This allows you to run games that would not physically be able to run on the TV’s built-in processor, provided you have a stable high-speed Internet connection.
To get started, you’ll need to install the app from the Google Play Store, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi certified TVs. The most popular services are GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming (part of the Game Pass Ultimate subscription) and Amazon Luna. Once you install the app, you need to log in to your account, link your gamepad and select a game from the library. The quality of the picture is directly dependent on your Internet speed, so it’s recommended to use a wired connection or 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
While some services allow you to control the game using the remote, a Bluetooth gamepad is necessary for a full immersion. Xiaomi TVs are perfectly compatible with DualShock 4 controllers, DualSense from Sony, as well as Xbox One and Series X/S gamepads. Connection occurs through the Settings menu → Remotes and accessories → Add an accessory, after which the TV automatically determines the input device.
⚠️ Note: For a comfortable game in cloud services, the minimum Internet speed should be at least 15 Mbps for resolution 720p and 25-50 Mbps for 4K. At lower speeds, compression and input delay artifacts are possible.
Installation of emulators and retro games
The built-in Android TV operating system is based on the same architecture as smartphones, allowing you to install emulators on your TV from old gaming consoles. This is ideal for fans of retro gaming who want to run classic games from the consoles Dendy (NES), Sega Mega Drive, PlayStation 1, PSP and even Nintendo 64. Because these platforms do not require high processing power, they often run smoothly even on low-end Redmi TV models.
There are two ways to install it: One is to search for official versions of emulators in the Google Play Store, but the choice is limited to the TV versions. APK-file USB-a storage device or an application to transfer files. You'll need game firmware files (ROM) emulators, such as RetroArch, PPSSPP Installing third-party applications requires enabling Unknown Sources in security settings.
☑️ Preparation for emulator installation
Once you install an emulator like RetroArch, you have to configure the controls. Most emulators today have built-in profiles for popular gamepads, which makes it easier to do. However, older games may require manually adjusting the buttons in the Settings menu. → Input.It is also worth noting that the TV may not be enough internal memory to store a large library of games, so it is recommended to use an external one. USB-accumulator.
File format and compatibility are important. Not all emulators work equally well on Xiaomi TV processors, which are often based on the ARM architecture. Some heavy emulators, such as the PlayStation 2 or Nintendo Switch, may not start or run at extremely low FPS due to lack of necessary graphics power.
Streaming games from PC to TV (Remote Play)
If you have a powerful gaming computer, but you want to play while lying on the couch in front of a large screen, local network streaming technology is the perfect solution. Xiaomi TVs support popular applications for remote desktop and game streaming, such as Steam Link, Moonlight Game Streaming and Parsec. In this scenario, the TV acts only as a monitor and decoder of the video stream, and all the rendering load falls on the graphics card of your PC.
To set up streaming via Steam, you need both your computer and your TV to be on the same local network. The PC needs to run a Steam client with Remote Play enabled. The TV needs to install the Steam Link app from the Play Store. Once it's launched, the app will find your computer, and you just have to connect the gamepad to the TV and log in. The image quality can be configured from fast response to high resolution.
| Annex | Host platform | Network requirements | Delay (Latency) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Link | Windows, macOS, Linux | Wi-Fi 5GHz / Ethernet | Low. |
| Moonlight | PC (NVIDIA GPU) | Wi-Fi 5GHz / Ethernet | Minimum |
| Parsec | Windows, Linux | Stable Ethernet | Very low. |
| AMD Link | PC (AMD GPU) | Wi-Fi 5 GHz | Medium |
The Moonlight app, which uses NVIDIA GameStream technology, offers the best picture quality and minimal input latency, which is critical for dynamic shooters and fighting games. If your NVIDIA graphics card is the best choice, Steam Link or Parsec is the best choice for AMD or Intel integrated graphics users.
How to reduce the delay in streaming?
Native Android Games from Google Play
Don't discount games designed specifically for Android TV. Thousands of projects are available to download directly and install on your TV without the need for additional devices. These are casual games, puzzles, strategies, and ports of some popular mobile hits. These games run directly on the TV hardware, so performance depends on your device model.
Owners of Xiaomi TVs with MediaTek or Amlogic processors of the latest generations can expect to launch quite heavy. 3D-Projects such as Asphalt 9: Legends, Crossy Road or even Minecraft (through third-party launchers or adapted versions). 2D-Platformers and arcades: Games are searched through the standard Google Play interface, where there is a separate category "Games" filtered for large screens.
When installing games, pay attention to the management requirements. Some games require touch input, which is difficult to implement on a TV without emulating a touchpad on a gamepad or using a smartphone as a controller. However, most developers adapt their projects to control from a remote or gamepad, which makes the gameplay process comfortable.
⚠️ Warning: Installing a lot of heavy games can quickly fill the TV's internal memory, which will slow down the system. It is recommended to regularly clean the cache or use an external drive if the TV model supports installing applications on the TV. USB.
Setting up management and periphery
The quality of the gaming experience on a Xiaomi TV depends 90% on what you control. The standard remote control that comes with it is only suitable for navigating menus and simple casual games. Xiaomi TVs support both Bluetooth and Bluetooth connectivity USB-port.
To connect the wireless gamepad go to the Settings menu → Remote and accessories → Add accessory. Press the pairing button on the gamepad (usually this is a combination of buttons)./Xbox or PS) And you wait for the device to appear on the list on the TV screen. USB-If the automatic setting didn't work, you can use the Button Mapper app to reassign the buttons.
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Use it. USB-externally powered hub if you plan to connect a wired gamepad and keyboard at the same time, as the TV ports may not produce enough current.
Some emulators and Android games may also require a keyboard and mouse. Xiaomi TVs have no problem recognizing standard ones. USB-keyboards and mice, as well as their wireless analogues with USB-This is especially true for real-time strategy games or games that require precise cursor positioning, which is difficult to implement with gamepad sticks.
Optimizing the system for gaming
To get the most performance out of a Xiaomi TV, it is recommended to make a number of system settings, primarily for image mode. In Settings → Image → Mode, be sure to select the Game or Game Mode value. This mode disables various image enhancement algorithms that cause input lag, making the control responsive.
The second important step is to free up RAM. Before starting a heavy game, close all background applications, this can be done through the Task Manager or simply restarting the TV, and it is also recommended to turn off automatic updates of applications in the Play Store during the game so that the system does not consume network and processor resources.
For advanced users willing to take risks, it is possible to install launchers optimized for games, such as ATV Launcher or Flo Launcher. They have less resource consumption compared to the standard shell of Android TV and allow you to run installed games faster. However, installing third-party launchers requires caution so as not to disrupt the stability of the system.
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Enabling Game Mode in your image settings is the easiest and most effective way to reduce the input delay on Xiaomi TVs without using third-party software.