New Apple TV supports console-style MFi game controllers, Apple outs new SteelSeries Nimbus
Gamers playing on the upcoming Apple TV won't be limited to Apple's new motion sensing Siri Remote, as the upgraded set-top box will also include support for iOS-compatible Bluetooth gaming controllers, including a brand new offering from SteelSeries.
In a section of Apple's website devoted to the gaming capabilities of the fourth-generation Apple TV, the company reveals that third-party controllers are in fact compatible with the new device. Developers must specifically include support for compatible controller accessories, in the same way that compatibility is currently optional on iPhone and iPad.
To spotlight controller support on the Apple TV, Apple unveiled a brand new accessory from SteelSeries dubbed the Nimbus. The new accessory looks like most other modern game console controllers, including twin thumbsticks, a D-pad, four shoulder buttons, and four face buttons.
In a unique twist, the SteelSeries Nimbus features a Lightning port for recharging its internal battery. The company says a single charge will provide gamers with more than 40 hours of battery life.
Buttons on the SteelSeries Nimbus are also pressure sensitive, and the center of the controller features a menu button for navigation purposes.
In addition to being compatible with the new Apple TV, the device also connects via Bluetooth to recent iPhone, iPad and iPod touch models, as well as Macs.
The Nimbus isn't yet available for order, but the official SteelSeries website lists its price at $49.95. That's a huge improvement from when the first officially licensed Made for iPhone controllers hit the market for $100.
Games will also be playable on the Apple TV with the new Siri Remote, which has a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, much like a Nintendo Wii remote. Apple is also selling separately a wrist attachment strap that plugs into the controller's Lightning port.
Announced at Apple's "Hey Siri" media event on Wednesday, the new Apple TV starts at $149 for 32 gigabytes of storage, which can be doubled to 64 gigabytes for $199. It will go on sale in late October, and features a dedicated App Store for third-party downloads, including controller compatible games.
In a section of Apple's website devoted to the gaming capabilities of the fourth-generation Apple TV, the company reveals that third-party controllers are in fact compatible with the new device. Developers must specifically include support for compatible controller accessories, in the same way that compatibility is currently optional on iPhone and iPad.
To spotlight controller support on the Apple TV, Apple unveiled a brand new accessory from SteelSeries dubbed the Nimbus. The new accessory looks like most other modern game console controllers, including twin thumbsticks, a D-pad, four shoulder buttons, and four face buttons.
In a unique twist, the SteelSeries Nimbus features a Lightning port for recharging its internal battery. The company says a single charge will provide gamers with more than 40 hours of battery life.
Buttons on the SteelSeries Nimbus are also pressure sensitive, and the center of the controller features a menu button for navigation purposes.
In addition to being compatible with the new Apple TV, the device also connects via Bluetooth to recent iPhone, iPad and iPod touch models, as well as Macs.
The Nimbus isn't yet available for order, but the official SteelSeries website lists its price at $49.95. That's a huge improvement from when the first officially licensed Made for iPhone controllers hit the market for $100.
Games will also be playable on the Apple TV with the new Siri Remote, which has a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, much like a Nintendo Wii remote. Apple is also selling separately a wrist attachment strap that plugs into the controller's Lightning port.
Announced at Apple's "Hey Siri" media event on Wednesday, the new Apple TV starts at $149 for 32 gigabytes of storage, which can be doubled to 64 gigabytes for $199. It will go on sale in late October, and features a dedicated App Store for third-party downloads, including controller compatible games.
Comments
Yes, with games like Crossy Road 2, Microsoft and Sony are shaking in their boots.
At any rate, here's an MFI list. Then remember that many of these are larger than 200MB. https://mfigamelist.afterpad.com/
Yes, with games like Crossy Road 2, Microsoft and Sony are shaking in their boots.
At any rate, here's an MFI list. Then remember that many of these are larger than 200MB. https://mfigamelist.afterpad.com/
Nintendo certainly will be getting nervous.
Give it 10 years and Apple TV will be the big home game platform.
Nintendo certainly will be getting nervous.
Nintendo has two multi-billion dollar franchises. They're not nervous at all. As a company that's been around since 1899, I think they can survivie.
Give it 10 years and Apple TV will be the big home game platform.
No, just no.
Yes, with games like Crossy Road 2, Microsoft and Sony are shaking in their boots.
At any rate, here's an MFI list. Then remember that many of these are larger than 200MB. https://mfigamelist.afterpad.com/
Didn't people say stuff like this when the Xbox came out?
Didn't people say stuff like this when the Xbox came out?
Actually they made BSOD jokes.
Yes, with games like Crossy Road 2, Microsoft and Sony are shaking in their boots.
At any rate, here's an MFI list. Then remember that many of these are larger than 200MB. https://mfigamelist.afterpad.com/
Sony and Microsoft should be shaking their boots. With a game like Crossy Road 2, who needs Grand Theft Auto 5, The Last of Us, Uncharted Series, etc. /s
That's what Nokia said.... (nee 1865).
Crossy Road 2 looks like an Atari 2600 version of Frogger
Surely selling mario bross on the AppStore and play store could generate millions.
Nintendo has two multi-billion dollar franchises. They're not nervous at all. As a company that's been around since 1899, I think they can survivie.
Nintendo plan to survive includes building apps for Apple's devices.
The ?TV has a couple of advantages over the Fire TV though. The bundled touch controller can play a lot of games already and it has 32GB storage whereas the Fire TV out of the box is like the old ?TV with standard remote and 8GB storage.
Nimbus controller supported games are listed here:
https://steelseries.com/gaming-controllers/nimbus
Fifa 15, Call of Duty Strike Team, GTA San Andreas, Lego Star Wars, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, NBA 2k15.
The controller will be $49.95 although the $69.99 Stratus XL looks better:
https://steelseries.com/gaming-controllers/stratus-xl-for-ios
The big advantage of the new TV box is apps not games. Things like Plex can be made available for it and it will be available in multiple countries unlike the Fire TV, which is largely US only. Karaoke is popular in Asia and these boxes give subscription services like HBO a potential worldwide reach, which no other box can offer. Apple's TV box is launching in 80 countries initially and 100 by the end of the year.
The touch remote with gyro/accelerometer allows people to play games like Candy Crush, Temple Run, Puzzles and Dragons, which are the big earners on iOS and motion games like the original Wii. They have a strap for the remote to be able to play tennis games and do fitness apps, which neither Roku nor Fire TV have. They have Disney Infinity 3 where a kid can have the controller strapped on and be swiping like a Jedi. Kids can also have sing-a-longs with their movies like Frozen.
The gaming capability only needed to be an additional selling point for the box and it achieves that goal. There's no way big console games can sell on iOS just now. People complain at $40-60 games but they couldn't be any cheaper on the ?TV, they don't suddenly become cheaper to make and people would never pay those prices on that platform. I think just opening it up to apps was enough and let developers and consumers figure out what works best on it.
I think just opening it up to apps was enough and let developers and consumers figure out what works best on it.
Yes...APPS!
And I'm surprised Android hardware makers didn't catch onto this earlier.
Obviously, iOS-compatibility and the Apple ecosystem is one HUGE advantage that Apple has...this is history in the making.
This new ATV will drive millions more to purchase. TV/Cable content providers will have no choice but to offer/negotiate onto this ecosystem.
Sure we all wanted more from this ATV, but it's a good balance of price, features and appeal.
I detest the vibrating on a controller.
What I love it the Xbone even placed it in the trigger so if you shoot in a game you get a bit of feed back. It is also good in games where it is used as a sense (warning, heart rate,) and making jump scenes better.