Playing any video game on the iPhone or iPad without the need for a gamepad, even if it costs you a little more or less, is possible thanks to the customization of controls offered by touch screens. But on Apple TV that does not happen, you limit yourself to the Siri Remote options and the truth is that it is not the idea option. Hence, it is highly recommended to use a gamepad and how you can connect it.
Apple TV: Apple’s “console”
If you have been following the company’s news for some time, you will know or it will sound familiar that Apple launched a video game console many years ago. His name was Pippin and logically it was not a success. But it remains in his records and, in part, that’s why games have also been something important for the company during all these years.
Anyway, Apple TV is the new and authentic current “console” of the company. A device that thanks to tvOS and the recent commitment of Apple Arcade has allowed many to give it a much more intense use as a gaming platform.
The problem with Apple TV is that Siri Remote is not the ideal gamepad . Although Apple insists on forcing all the games available for the platform to be controlled with it, the truth is that it is not comfortable at all. That’s why Apple needs to launch its own hand and include it with Apple TV. So you can remove that absurd limitation and developers can think of Apple TV as a traditional console.
However, while that does not happen, if you want to really enjoy the Apple Arcade games and other proposals that you can find in the app store on your Apple TV, you must connect a Bluetooth gamepad.
How to connect a gamepad on Apple TV
The process of connecting a gamepad on Apple TV is as simple as on the rest of the manufacturer’s devices. Also, any Bluetooth remote can be used , although there will be more recommended options than others. Of course, you have to make sure that they offer support, so that when you click on their different buttons they fulfill the function they must do in the game and not another.
For this reason, without a doubt, the two most recommended gamepad currently for use with an Apple TV are the Xbox One and the PS 4 . So let’s see that, how to connect these two controls to the fourth-generation Apple TV or higher.
The steps with both controls are identical, the only difference is how to put each of them into pairing mode. So, first we see how to do this and then the process of connecting to Apple TV.
How to Pair a Dualshock 4 Controller
In the case of the Sony controller, the Dualshock 4, to put it in pairing mode what you will have to do is press and hold the PlayStation and Share buttons at the same time. When the stake light begins to flash, we will have confirmation that the remote is ready to be linked with another device.
How to pair the Xbox One Controller
If you have an Xbox One controller, the way to activate its pairing mode is very simple too. Press the guide button or Xbox button, and then press and hold the pair button next to the micro USB port. As soon as the light starts flashing, you can go to your Apple TV.
Now that you both know how to put them in pairing mode, the next step is to go to your Apple’s settings so that they link. To do this, do the following:
- Turn on your Apple TV
- Go to tvOS Settings
- Click on Controls and Devices
- Now tap on Bluetooth
- Click OK and the command will appear in the list of detected devices
Done, now you just have to select the remote or the remote that you want to connect to Apple TV and accept. Both the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K support up to two controls at the same time.
From now on, you will be able to play your favorite games on Apple TV much more comfortably, especially those of Apple Arcade with titles like OceanHorn and the like.