October 30 is a good day to talk about. Probably because it is on this day that the first set-top boxes will be delivered to the owners. And if we were familiar with most of the features of Apple TV from previous models, then we just have to get acquainted with tvOS and applications. This is especially true for games.

At the September presentation, they were given a lot of time. Multiplayer in , games like sports simulators Wii, Asphalt, etc. But if we are talking about Apple TV as a full-fledged game console, then the question reasonably arises. What is a joystick?

The answer is obvious at first glance - we have a new Siri Remote, which resembles the Wii controller and even with a touch pad. But for multiplayer, we need two joysticks, and Apple TV does not support connecting two remotes at once. This means that you will have to buy third-party controllers that the apple prefix supports. Does this mean that without buying a third-party joystick you will be left without games? No, a prerequisite for applications on tvOS is support for the native remote control. It is not yet clear how the two types of control will coexist (after all, a third-party controller has more buttons, triggers, etc.), but you will definitely not be left without games.

If you have an iOS joystick lying around somewhere, it will work for . Good news. But even more interesting is the fact that the iPhone and iPad can also act as controllers! If it is provided in the game itself. Previously, this technology has already been used - in FIFA there was support for the iPhone as an additional controller. It cannot be said that the gadget screen can fully replace a physical joystick, but the increased touchscreen area can be used for interesting gaming solutions. This is up to the developers.

Important note! If you can’t find the remote, but you have a joystick in your hands, then you can also control Apple TV through it. But Siri does not work, so in the final version, the native remote will need to be found. In addition to the voice assistant, there is another significant difference between the remote control and the controller - the accelerometer. Therefore, it is interesting to play Asphalt on the Siri Remote. And yes, if any of the developers wanted to make an alternative Wii Remote for Apple TV, it won't work.

And the last thing about third-party controllers - no more than two can be connected at a time. Let's add another remote control and get a disappointing result - you can't play with four people. You can find out if a third-party joystick works with the selected game under the application description.

A few more words for those who want to know how the Siri Remote will work in games. In addition to the touchpad, you can use two more buttons - Menu and Play / Pause. In most cases, they are responsible for stopping the game and additional functionality. Third-party controllers have the ability to enable all of their buttons, but it's up to the developers to use it.

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Apple TV 4 is primarily a set-top box, specialized in watching movies, cartoons and TV shows. However, you can also play games on it, since there are a large number of them in the App store.

Some users are even convinced that Apple TV will replace their Xbox game console. But no, it can't. However, if you are going to use the set-top box as a game console, by all means buy a joystick, I advise Nimbus Steelseries.

Joysticks are universal accessories. As a rule, all the differences are in the shape of the case and its quality of materials, and this fact is quite simple to explain. Everything is about convenience. Game developers make the controls on all consoles the same and users do not have to relearn. When he moved from PlayStation 4 to Xbox or Apple TV, so no adaptation time is required.

If you compare the Nimbus Steelseries with, then it looks more like an XBOX joystick. He is healthy and can be killed. Whether this is good or bad, everyone decides for himself. I personally like it, it fits very well in the hand.

In Nimbus Steelseries - the buttons are conveniently located. However, it was not without "cons". The triggers, which are located at the end of the joystick, are placed high and it is quite inconvenient to get to the top row with your finger, you have to intercept it. However, habit can solve everything.

Joystick all Apple devices including: Apple TV 4, iPad Pro, or iPod. It connects via Bluetooth 4.0 and I did not find any connection failures. The gamepad is charged via Lightning and the developer claims that it holds a charge for up to 40 hours. Enough to play.

In the case of using a Nimbus Steelseries gamepad with an Apple TV, this the best option. The big Menu button lets you browse tvOS and forget about the Siri Remote. It is very convenient and Nimbus has no competitors in this. I note that you cannot connect more than 2 joysticks to Apple TV at the same time. If you add a remote to them, then only three players can play. It's a pity, but you can't play two on two with him.

Having bought a joystick, your Apple TV really turns into a game console. Games and , are different from the PlayStation 4 and Xbox versions. Actually what you need to use Apple TV to the fullest.

You can buy the Nimbus Steelseries wireless game controller from the official Apple online store. The price is 6,709 rubles.

Or are you going to do it, you are probably interested in what useful accessories exist for the "apple" TV box and which ones deserve your attention.

Game controllers

Apple TV 4 has support for the App Store, which means you can play games on the big screen. The control in each of them is different, and not always the standard remote control will the best choice. Fortunately, the console works with third-party gamepads, so there are plenty to choose from.

SteelSeries Nimbus

• Apple TV control buttons.
• Bluetooth 4.1.
• 40 hours of battery life.

Buy ($50)

SteelSeries Stratus

• The usual "console" form.
• Black and white colors.
• Available in two sizes.
• 10 hours of battery life.

Buy ($65)

HORI HORIPAD

• Two analog sticks and 8 buttons.
• USB cable included.
• Up to 20 hours of battery life.

Buy ($80)

Mad Catz C.T.R.L.i

• Companion app.
• Customizable holder for iPhone.
• Up to 40 hours on AAA batteries.

Buy ($48)

Guitar Hero Live

• Support for iPad and iPhone.
• Bluetooth connection.
• Works with regular AA batteries.

Buy ($99)

Keyboards

Of course, you can dictate text to Siri directly from the remote, but it's much more convenient to type it on a real physical keyboard. Apple TV 4 is expected to work with Bluetooth keyboards at or shortly after launch.

Anker Bluetooth Ultra Slim

• Low profile keys.
• 3 months of work from AAA-batteries.

Buy ($16)

Logitech K480

• Device switch.
• Slot for iPad and iPhone.

Buy ($37)

Logitech K810

• Ability to connect up to 3 devices.
• Key backlight.
• Aluminium case.

Buy ($85)

Apple Magic Keyboard

• New design.
• Charging via Lightning cable.
• 1 month battery life.

Buy ($99)

Usefulness for the remote

The Siri Remote charges with the cable that comes with it, but it's more convenient to do it with a special dock. So that the remote control does not fall out of your hands during an active game, a strap will come in handy, and so that it does not get lost in the folds of the sofa - a beautiful table stand.

Apple TV game creators need to implement support for the standard Apple TV remote, according to Apple's requirements posted on its developer site. The user does not need to purchase a special game controller to use game projects for tvOS.

The fourth-generation Apple TV came out with the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus smartphones, as well as the new iPad Pro and iPad mini 4 tablets. The set-top box is endowed with an A8 processor with 64-bit architecture, 32/64 GB of flash memory, an 802.11ac Wi-Fi adapter with MIMO technology, Bluetooth 4.0 controller, HDMI 1.4 and USB-C interfaces, IR receiver and 10/100 Ethernet network controller. The kit includes a remote control with a touch panel, an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

The set-top box allows you not only to watch TV channels, but also to install various applications from the App Store and play games on the TV. Apple today released a list of requirements for gaming apps for Apple TV. By default, each game should support control using a standard remote, which is equipped with motion sensors and a touchpad. More for Angry Birds or Crossy Road is not required, but replacing the gamepad in shooters, platformers and MMORPGs will be very difficult.

• Your game must support the Apple TV remote. The user does not need to purchase additional controllers.
• tvOS games that support controllers must support the extended control pattern.
• Games should support simple controllers. If you support special controllers, the game should do without them.
• Games should support the Pause button. All controllers have a pause button. During the game, it should stop the gameplay. In moments when the player is not playing, for example when navigating through the menu, the Pause button returns to the previous screen.

Manufacturers are already working on third-party controllers for the Apple TV, the first announced by SteelSeries. The Nimbus is equipped with pressure-sensitive buttons, a set of in-game controls, and a menu access button. Data exchange is carried out via Bluetooth 4.0, and the declared time battery life on one recharge of the accumulator battery reaches 40 hours.

Apple emphasizes that third-party controllers are only an addition to Apple TV, any game can be played using a standard remote control with a touchpad. If the developers of a particular tvOS game can't resolve the control issue on an Apple TV without a controller, they won't be able to port their project to the new platform.

In addition to the remote remote control if you wish, you can “command” Apple TV with your voice - tvOS includes the Siri voice assistant. It will be available in October for $149 for the 32GB version and $199 for the 64GB version.