LG Electronics has introduced a new certification program for third-party gaming controllers at CES 2026, partnering with Razer to unveil the first certified device. The “Designed for LG Gaming Portal” initiative aims to optimize latency, connectivity, and compatibility between controllers and LG’s cloud gaming platform on webOS-powered Smart TVs. Razer’s Wolverine V3 Bluetooth controller debuts as the program’s inaugural certified product, featuring ultra-low latency technology with response times under 3 milliseconds.
What Is the “Designed for LG Gaming Portal” Program
The certification program establishes technical standards for third-party controllers working with LG’s Gaming Portal interface on Smart TVs. LG designed the initiative to ensure gaming accessories meet specific requirements for latency performance, wireless connectivity stability, and seamless interoperability with the Gaming Portal software environment. Controllers earning the certification undergo testing for connection flows, button mapping accuracy, and navigation functionality within game libraries.
The program addresses a growing demand for console-quality gaming experiences on Smart TVs. LG’s 2025 select OLED models already support 4K 120Hz HDR cloud gaming through GeForce Now, making them among the first televisions globally to deliver high-end cloud gaming performance. The certification ensures controllers can fully leverage these advanced gaming capabilities.
Razer Wolverine V3: First Certified Controller
The Razer Wolverine V3 Bluetooth for LG Smart TVs marks a significant milestone as the world’s first controller to feature ultra-low latency Bluetooth technology specifically optimized for television gaming. The device achieves response times below 3 milliseconds, setting a new benchmark for wireless gaming controllers in the cloud gaming space. This represents a major performance leap compared to standard Bluetooth controllers, which typically exhibit higher latency.
Beyond speed, the Wolverine V3 integrates television controls directly into the controller design. Users can navigate LG’s TV interface, adjust volume, and access menus without switching to a separate remote control. The controller also includes pro-grade features tailored for competitive gaming, allowing players to maintain precision during fast-paced action sequences.
Chris Jo, head of the webOS Platform Business Center at LG Media Entertainment Solution Company, emphasized the controller’s competitive advantages. The combination of ultra-low latency and precise control enables gamers to respond more quickly to in-game events, potentially improving performance in competitive scenarios.
Technical Requirements and Standards
The certification program focuses on three core technical areas that directly impact gaming performance. First, latency optimization ensures controllers maintain response times that meet LG’s standards for cloud gaming, where even milliseconds matter. Second, connectivity requirements verify stable wireless connections between controllers and webOS televisions across various gaming scenarios. Third, interoperability testing confirms controllers work seamlessly with the Gaming Portal’s software ecosystem.
Controllers seeking certification must demonstrate consistent performance with the LG Gaming Portal environment. This includes proper behavior during connection and pairing processes, accurate button mapping that aligns with gaming conventions, and smooth navigation through cloud gaming service menus. The standards ensure users experience minimal friction when switching between games or gaming services on the LG platform.
LG has positioned the program as device-agnostic, opening opportunities for multiple manufacturers to develop certified controllers. While Razer earned first certification, the program’s structure suggests LG anticipates expanding the ecosystem with additional controller options.
Impact on Cloud Gaming and Smart TV Gaming
The certification program reinforces LG’s strategy to position Smart TVs as serious gaming platforms rather than secondary gaming devices. By establishing quality standards for gaming peripherals, LG addresses one of cloud gaming’s persistent challenges: ensuring consistent performance across different hardware combinations. The certified controller ecosystem reduces compatibility uncertainties that have historically plagued Smart TV gaming.
For cloud gaming services operating on LG TVs, certified controllers provide a reliable input standard. Services like GeForce Now, which already supports 4K 120Hz HDR gaming on select LG OLED models, benefit from standardized controller performance that matches the high-quality video streaming. This alignment between display capabilities and input responsiveness creates a more cohesive gaming experience.
The program also reflects broader industry trends where console-style controllers increasingly serve as primary input devices for both media navigation and gaming on Smart TVs. By integrating TV controls into certified gaming controllers, LG acknowledges this convergence and simplifies the user experience.
Availability and Future Expansion
LG showcased the Razer Wolverine V3 Bluetooth at CES 2026 in both The Preview area and at the LG and Razer booths. The announcement occurred on January 6, 2026, during the major technology trade show in Las Vegas. While LG has not disclosed specific retail availability dates or pricing for the Razer controller, the CES debut suggests a near-term market launch.
The certification program’s structure indicates LG plans to certify additional controllers beyond the initial Razer partnership. The company has not announced specific manufacturers or timelines for future certifications, but the program’s open framework suggests potential for diverse controller options. This approach could benefit gamers who prefer different controller designs, button layouts, or feature sets.
LG’s Gaming Portal continues expanding its game library and cloud gaming service integrations. The controller certification program complements these content efforts by ensuring hardware keeps pace with software capabilities. As cloud gaming technology advances and more demanding titles become available, certified controllers with ultra-low latency will become increasingly important for competitive play.
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What controllers are certified for LG Gaming Portal?
The Razer Wolverine V3 Bluetooth is currently the only controller with LG Gaming Portal certification. LG announced the certification program at CES 2026 and expects additional manufacturers to pursue certification in the future.
Do I need a certified controller to play games on LG Smart TVs?
No, LG Smart TVs support various Bluetooth controllers for Gaming Portal. Certified controllers guarantee optimized performance with ultra-low latency and full compatibility testing. Standard controllers will function but may not deliver the same response times or seamless integration.
What LG TVs work with Gaming Portal certified controllers?
Certified controllers work with LG webOS-powered Smart TVs that support Gaming Portal. Select 2025 OLED models including the W, G, and C series running webOS 26 offer the full 4K 120Hz HDR cloud gaming experience.
What is the response time of certified controllers?
The Razer Wolverine V3 Bluetooth, the first certified controller, delivers response times under 3 milliseconds. This ultra-low latency matches or exceeds wired controller performance, making it suitable for competitive and fast-paced gaming.
