Microsoft has confirmed that its Xbox app will stop working on Samsung Smart TVs released in 2020 from November 3, effectively removing Xbox Cloud Gaming support from televisions that are only six years old.

The company is blaming the decision on compatibility issues, with updates to its cloud gaming technology no longer supported by the version of Samsung’s Tizen operating system running on those models.

In an email sent to customers, first reported by Windows Central, Microsoft explained that the changes would prevent affected television owners from continuing to stream Xbox games directly through the app.

“Starting 3 November, the Xbox app will no longer be supported on 2020 Samsung Smart TVs as updates to the technology that powers Xbox Cloud Gaming are no longer compatible with the operating system version available on these models,” Microsoft said.

The company added that Xbox Cloud Gaming would continue working on Samsung Smart TVs released in 2021 or later, as well as compatible computers, smartphones, tablets and Xbox consoles.

Samsung was the first television manufacturer to offer the Xbox app, giving users the ability to play games through the cloud without purchasing an Xbox console. However, it has now become the first manufacturer to lose support for the service on some of its televisions.

The decision highlights an ongoing problem with smart TVs, where software and streaming services can become obsolete long before the television hardware itself reaches the end of its useful life.

Over the years, services including Netflix, YouTube, HBO and PlayStation Now have withdrawn support for various older smart TV models, leaving consumers with fewer features than when they originally purchased their devices.

Samsung attempted to address concerns about software longevity in 2024 when it announced seven years of Tizen OS upgrades for selected televisions.

However, that commitment only extends to models released from 2023 onwards, leaving earlier televisions outside the extended support program.

It also raises questions about how long the Xbox app will remain available on Samsung’s 2021 and 2022 models, although Microsoft has not announced any plans to discontinue support for those televisions.

The move has attracted criticism from users, with some questioning whether technical compatibility is the only reason behind the decision.

Windows Central journalist Jez Corden, who owns a 2020 Samsung television, suggested that Microsoft could potentially reduce its cloud gaming infrastructure costs by withdrawing support from older devices.

However, there is no evidence that cutting bandwidth expenses influenced the decision, with Microsoft maintaining that operating system compatibility is responsible.

The announcement comes as Microsoft continues to rethink its broader Xbox strategy, including the future role of cloud gaming.

The company previously promoted Xbox Cloud Gaming as a way to expand its gaming ecosystem beyond traditional consoles and reach billions of potential players worldwide.

However, the service has yet to achieve the scale Microsoft originally envisioned, while Xbox Game Pass reportedly has around 30 million subscribers.

For owners of affected Samsung televisions, the change means accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming will require switching to another compatible device from November 3.

Interestingly, Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming app remains supported on Samsung’s 2020 Smart TVs, meaning users will still have access to an alternative game streaming platform.

The situation highlights the growing challenge facing smart TV owners as manufacturers and software providers introduce new technologies that can leave relatively recent devices behind.