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This Samsung projector is secretly the best gaming console you can buy
ZDNET's key takeaways
- The Samsung Freestyle 2 is a solid projector that normally retails for $800.
- Sharp image quality, an internal battery, and the ability to play games without a console make this projector ultraportable.
- The second-generation feature upgrades are geared toward gaming, which may not be relevant for all users.
There's a saying that goes something like, "Don't fix what isn't broken." I firmly believe in that -- especially when it comes to tech products and their sometimes-pointless updates.
View at AmazonThat said, after experiencing the recently upgraded generation of the Samsung Freestyle 2, this portable projector may have taken the cake for the best tech gadget I tried in 2023.
Review: Samsung The Freestyle: A well-rounded projector, inside and out
There aren't many significant differences between the original model and the second-generation projector, but here are a few worth noting. Smart Edge Blending lets you use two Freestyle projectors to make one massive image with support for widescreen content at an aspect ratio of up to 29.3:9, there's a solar remote instead of a battery-operated one, and you get more memory for faster performance. The most notable difference, however, is the Samsung Gaming Hub.
While I'm no gamer, my husband is a casual one, so I put him to the test to try this feature out. What's cool about the Samsung Gaming Hub is you don't need a physical console to play a game, but just the Freestyle 2, internet access, and a game controller.
Also: The best outdoor projectors for epic movie nights
You can subscribe to cloud streaming like Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Luna, and others, but there are also free games you can play right off the bat.
My husband was able to play Rocket League with a free membership to GeForce Now, and other free games like Fortnite were also available. The overall gaming experience will depend on your Wi-Fi connection, but the graphics were crystal clear, and the Freestyle 2 loaded the games fast with virtually no glitches.
It was a unique experience to be able to play games outside or cast them to our ceiling while lying down without being tied to one specific room or a particular gaming console.
Gaming aside, the Samsung Freestyle 2 is a quality projector. It is super easy to set up and get going -- all you need is a Wi-Fi connection. You also don't need to lug an extension cord around since its portable battery easily connects to the device, letting you use it virtually anywhere (which was perfect for our backyard).
It comes preloaded with many streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and more, so you can sign in to your accounts quickly and start streaming.
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The sound impressed me the most: It comes from the built-in, 5W 360-degree speaker, and for such a small speaker, it packs a punch. During a very windy outdoor nighttime movie streaming, we could hear the sound clear and loud, almost as if we were indoors and the sound was surrounding us.
The Samsung Freestyle 2 impressed me with both image quality, the ability to autofocus -- whether it was projecting onto a slanted ceiling or a projector screen -- and the overall experience of setup and streaming. To me, technology should make things quicker and more accessible, and this device does just that -- especially with its portability aspect.
ZDNET's buying advice
If you're a gamer and want to play a variety of titles without a console, the Samsung Freestyle 2 is a great option that lets you play games while camping, outdoors, or literally wherever. The $600 deal makes it even more enticing.
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If, however, you're buying a Samsung Freestyle for the movie experience, the first-generation's specs are similar enough to this new model and allows you to save a few hundred bucks while still getting a top projector.
Whatever model you choose, if you're looking for a portable or outdoor projector, this is, in my opinion, the best one on the market.