Samsung Revamps Mobile Gaming Hub for 160 Million Users

At CES 2026, Samsung unveiled a significant refresh to its Mobile Gaming Hub, signaling a deeper push into the video game ecosystem. While the company showcased new TVs and monitors, the software update for its gaming platform aims to fundamentally change how users discover and play games on their devices.

The revamped hub is designed to be a more active, personalized space for the latest mobile titles. By leveraging cloud streaming technology and integrating game libraries from multiple sources, Samsung is tackling what it describes as a "broken" discovery process. The update is now available for Galaxy devices, with further enhancements planned for the future.

Samsung's VP of Game Services, Jong Woo, highlighted that the primary goal of the update is to address the lack of personalized discovery on mobile platforms. While mobile gaming boasts a vast library of titles across many genres, finding the right game remains a challenge for users.

"We believe that gamers want to find new content that is personalized to them," said the VP of Samsung Games Services.

The company has gathered extensive feedback through focus testing and beta programs to identify specific pain points. This data allows the hub to provide recommendations tailored to individual preferences, moving beyond the generic lists often found in app stores.

• Personalized recommendations based on user behavior
• Integration of games from Google Play and Galaxy Store
• Access to cloud streaming for select titles
• Highlights from content creators and streamers

A major technical feature of the refresh is the introduction of instant plays. Through Samsung's cloud streaming technology, users can now access Android-native games immediately without the friction of downloading and installing them first.

"We want to bring content to users and make it immediately available for them to play," Woo explained. "We have instant plays where, through our cloud streaming technology, we can take Android-native games and put them in the cloud, so that when users want to try them, they don't have to go through the friction of downloading them first."

This functionality transforms the hub from a simple game launcher into a comprehensive entertainment center. It serves as a single destination for viewing owned games, accessing cloud streams, and watching highlights, effectively consolidating the mobile gaming experience into one interface.

Beyond individual discovery, Samsung is using the update to foster a stronger community for mobile gamers. Recognizing that mobile gaming can often feel isolating, the company plans to introduce more social elements to the platform.

"Mobile is a very personal experience, right? It's your personal device, and oftentimes when you play games on mobile, it feels like a solitary experience," said Woo.

The hub currently allows users to share YouTube videos and content from gaming creators. Future updates are expected to expand these social features, aiming to connect players and developers more closely. This approach mirrors the engagement found on PC and console platforms like Steam and PlayStation Network, though mobile hubs are still evolving to match that level of community interaction.

The refreshed Mobile Gaming Hub is currently exclusive to Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Users on non-Galaxy devices will continue to use the previous version of the hub for the time being.

According to Samsung, the mobile Gaming Hub attracts over 160 million users across smartphones and other devices. This massive user base provides a significant foundation for the new features, though the company acknowledges there is still work to be done to create a truly compelling engagement space comparable to established PC and console ecosystems.

The update represents a strategic step forward for Samsung in the gaming industry. By focusing on user experience and technical innovation, the company hopes to position the Gaming Hub as an essential tool for mobile gamers rather than just a transitional gateway to products.

Samsung's refresh of the Mobile Gaming Hub marks a pivotal shift in how the tech giant approaches mobile gaming. By prioritizing personalized discovery and leveraging cloud streaming, the update addresses long-standing frustrations for mobile gamers. The integration of game libraries from both Google Play and the Galaxy Store creates a unified experience that was previously missing.

While the hub is currently limited to Galaxy devices, the potential for expansion remains high. As mobile gaming continues to grow, platforms that offer seamless access to content and community will likely define the next generation of gaming. Samsung's latest move suggests a commitment to leading that evolution, transforming the mobile gaming landscape from a solitary activity into a connected, immersive experience.