How to power on and navigate your 4th-gen Apple TV with an iOS-compatible gaming controller
With a compatible gaming controller, the new fourth-generation Apple TV can be used just like a traditional game console, powering on and navigating across the entire tvOS platform. Here's how it works.
Any iOS-compatible controller will work with the Apple TV. Simply open the tvOS Settings app, choose Remotes and Devices, and then Bluetooth, place your controller into pairing mode, and then select it on your TV.
Once a controller has been paired with tvOS, it can be used to navigate across the platform. Just like with an Xbox One, the A button selects an item, the B button is used to go back, and the left joystick and D-pad are used for navigation.
The Apple TV can even be returned from sleep mode with a paired gaming controller. Simply power on the controller, and the accessory will connect with and activate the Apple TV via Bluetooth, negating the need to use the Siri Remote if a user chooses.
But there are a few tricks that go beyond the basics.
In non-games, the A button is the equivalent of clicking the Siri Remote's trackpad, while the B button is mapped to the Menu button. That means, just like with the Siri Remote, pressing B once will go back one menu, while holding the B button will return to the home screen --?in non-gaming apps.
In games, however, the B button can be mapped however the developer sees fit. For example, in Asphalt 8: Airborne, the A button can be used for gas while the B button brakes. That title also offers use of the left trigger for acceleration and the right trigger for braking.
When you are playing a game, it's the physical controller's pause button that will serve as the Menu button. Pressing the pause button once will, appropriately, pause a title, while users can hold pause to return to the home screen.
In non-gaming apps, a controller's pause button works the same as the B button: Pressing it once will go back one menu, while holding it returns to the home screen.
Finally, the controller's trigger and bumper buttons can also be used for navigating left and right in tvOS menus for non-gaming applications. Of course, these buttons can offer completely different functions in games designed with controller support.
Any iOS-compatible controller will work with the Apple TV. Simply open the tvOS Settings app, choose Remotes and Devices, and then Bluetooth, place your controller into pairing mode, and then select it on your TV.
Once a controller has been paired with tvOS, it can be used to navigate across the platform. Just like with an Xbox One, the A button selects an item, the B button is used to go back, and the left joystick and D-pad are used for navigation.
The Apple TV can even be returned from sleep mode with a paired gaming controller. Simply power on the controller, and the accessory will connect with and activate the Apple TV via Bluetooth, negating the need to use the Siri Remote if a user chooses.
But there are a few tricks that go beyond the basics.
In non-games, the A button is the equivalent of clicking the Siri Remote's trackpad, while the B button is mapped to the Menu button. That means, just like with the Siri Remote, pressing B once will go back one menu, while holding the B button will return to the home screen --?in non-gaming apps.
In games, however, the B button can be mapped however the developer sees fit. For example, in Asphalt 8: Airborne, the A button can be used for gas while the B button brakes. That title also offers use of the left trigger for acceleration and the right trigger for braking.
When you are playing a game, it's the physical controller's pause button that will serve as the Menu button. Pressing the pause button once will, appropriately, pause a title, while users can hold pause to return to the home screen.
In non-gaming apps, a controller's pause button works the same as the B button: Pressing it once will go back one menu, while holding it returns to the home screen.
Finally, the controller's trigger and bumper buttons can also be used for navigating left and right in tvOS menus for non-gaming applications. Of course, these buttons can offer completely different functions in games designed with controller support.
Comments
I bought the SteelSeries Nimbus. That controller works really well with the Apple TV. Now I just need more games to play.
I bought the SteelSeries Nimbus. That controller works really well with the Apple TV. Now I just need more games to play.
I bought one too; that's what the Apple Store is currently selling. I'll probably buy a second for multiplayer.
So are there any multiplayer games out already that support two users on game controllers ?? Inquiring kids want to know
Yes.
Bird Climb, Crossy Road, Badlands, and more. I'm still discovering which ones do versus or cooperative multiplayer.
This was so funny I actually joined AI after lurking forever to say so! Haha... Perfect!
Yeah, I picked one of those up as well. Haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but it's fantastic to hear it works!
I bought the SteelSeries Nimbus. That controller works really well with the Apple TV. Now I just need more games to play.
Fully agree. I bought two of the controllers and they work exactly as advertised. Now bring on more games, especially from Nintendo!
Anyone have luck using two Nimbus controllers for two player games?
Thanks.
I also bought two Nimbus controllers, but have yet to figure out how to make them Player One and Player Two. Seems like I can use one for Player One, but player two is always only the Siri remote. Do I have to "forget" the Siri remote each time I want to use a second controller? or does that even work? What am I missing? Is there a way to have two players both using Nimbus controllers?
Anyone have luck using two Nimbus controllers for two player games?
Thanks.
Two MadCatz controllers here.
I've got it working with all three paired, and don't have to do anything special. I make sure they're both awake and AppleTV sees them as connected (I don't actually go to settings each time, but I look for the Controller Connected HUD in the upper right of the screen) and it seems to work. I'm sorry that's not more helpful.
And does one of the controllers function for Player One and the other for Player Two? I have no problem getting them to connect, just seems like they both work for player one only, and player two has to use the Siri remote.
And does one of the controllers function for Player One and the other for Player Two? I have no problem getting them to connect, just seems like they both work for player one only, and player two has to use the Siri remote.
Both controllers function in multiplayer games, one as P1, the other as P2. The Siri remote sits on the coffee table at those times.
I agree. Rayman did a good job of using the remote. Disney infinity did ok, too. What games are you guys playing?