Apps does the 'new' Apple TV Remote work as a game controller?

[mk313]

We have one apple TV that has the 'new' silver remote (ours is the lightning version, but as I understand it, that is basically the same as the current remote, except for the Lighting/ USB-C charging.

All of our other Apple TV's ahve the older black remote (which I love).

I can't seem to get the silver remote to work as a game controller. When I read online, I am getting mixed comments if this is possible or not. I suspect part of the issue might be asking the wrong question or not phrasing it correctly. But for the life of me, I can't get it work with a car racing game we bought (like Mario Cart) and I'm wondering if it's just not possible.

 

[mk313]

I think I finally found my answer, and also understand why it was a bit hard to find.

The remote can be used as a rudimentary game controller that will work for some games & not others. It lacks the gyroscope that the older models had, which is why it doesn't work for my racing game.

I'm going to leave this up in case anyone searches for this issue in the future.

 

[Madmic23]

I wish Apple would make their own game controller. It's great that they've highlighting compatibility with PlayStation and other Bluetooth controllers, but if they want to take gaming seriously, I think an Apple branded controller would help. Something with MagSafe so you could attach your phone to it, but still use it as a controller for your Apple TV, iPad, or Mac.

I have zero expectation that this will actually happen, but I'd still like to see it.

 

[waw74]

If you still have the older remotes sitting around, it's quick and painless to pair to the aTV, (think all models of aTVs and remotes are compatible with each other, this is for the bluetooth remotes and the aTVs that came with them)

You're only allowed one paired remote at a time, so if you want to use the newer style when watching videos, you'll have to re-pair that when you're done gaming. and once you pair a remote to a new aTV the remote looses pairing to the other aTV.

just hold the remote close to the aTV, and press the volume + and the < or menu button for a couple seconds.

 

[mk313]

If you still have the older remotes sitting around, it's quick and painless to pair to the aTV, (think all models of aTVs and remotes are compatible with each other, this is for the bluetooth remotes and the aTVs that came with them)

You're only allowed one paired remote at a time, so if you want to use the newer style when watching videos, you'll have to re-pair that when you're done gaming. and once you pair a remote to a new aTV the remote looses pairing to the other aTV.

just hold the remote close to the aTV, and press the volume + and the < or menu button for a couple seconds.

Thanks. I think that's what I'll do. The old style remotes are my favorite ones ever. But my wife keeps losing them. I have one of the new style remotes & started sing that as it has Find My built in. But we have several game controllers for the TV as well, and only need the Apple TV one when we play a 4 player game. So swapping it in & out won't be too bad. Thanks for the tip!