Alright, folks, let’s talk about turning your Apple TV 4K into a surprisingly decent gaming machine. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but I gotta say, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Here’s how I went about it, and what I found.
Getting Started
First things first, I made sure my Apple TV 4K was updated to the latest tvOS. You know, gotta have all the latest features and bug fixes. I did this by going into the Settings, then System, and finally Software Updates. Pretty standard stuff.
Next up, I needed a controller. I already had a PS5 DualSense controller lying around, so I figured I’d try that. Pairing it was a breeze. I just held down the PlayStation button and the Share button until the light bar started flashing, then went into the Apple TV’s Settings, then Remotes and Devices, then Bluetooth, and boom, there it was. Connected in seconds.
I also tried with an Xbox one S controller. Connected the same way, very easy steps.
Finding Some Games
Now for the fun part – finding some games! I initially thought, “Okay, this is gonna be mostly casual stuff.” But boy, was I wrong. I started by browsing the App Store’s Games section. There are a bunch of categories, but I mostly stuck to the “Top Charts” and “New & Noteworthy” sections to see what was popular.
The biggest surprise for me was Apple Arcade. I’d heard of it, but never really looked into it. For a few bucks a month, you get access to a whole library of games, and a lot of them are actually really good! No ads, no in-app purchases, just straight-up gaming. I immediately subscribed it to have a try.
My Game Test Drive
- Oceanhorn 2: This one blew me away. It’s like a mini-Zelda game, right there on my TV. Graphics are great, gameplay is smooth, and it really feels like a console-quality experience.
- Sayonara Wild Hearts: This is a totally different vibe – a super stylish, music-driven action game. It’s fast-paced, visually stunning, and just plain fun. The DualSense controller’s haptic feedback added a nice touch.
- Asphalt 8: Airborne: You can’t go wrong with a good racing game, and this one delivers. It’s arcade-style racing, so it’s easy to pick up and play, but there’s still plenty of challenge.
- Crossy Road Castle: Okay, this one is more casual, but it’s perfect for quick gaming sessions. It’s a platformer where you’re constantly trying to climb higher and higher, and it’s surprisingly addictive. My kids got hooked too!
- NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition: Playing NBA 2K on a big screen is always a different level of enjoyment, and Apple Arcade made it possible.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I went into this expecting a mediocre gaming experience, but I came out impressed. The Apple TV 4K, combined with a good controller and Apple Arcade, is a legit way to play games. It’s not going to replace my PlayStation or Xbox, but it’s a fantastic option for casual gaming, and there are some surprisingly deep titles available. If you’ve got an Apple TV 4K gathering dust, definitely give this a shot. You might be surprised at what it can do!