You can play games on Apple TV by adding titles from the App Store or Apple Arcade and using a controller, the Siri Remote, or streaming apps.
What You Need To Play Games On Apple TV
Apple TV can behave like a small console once the basics are in place, so learning how to play games on Apple TV starts with a quick check of your setup. Before you start browsing games, check that your hardware and accounts are ready so you do not hit annoying prompts in the middle of set up.
First, you need an Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K running a recent version of tvOS, an HDMI display, and a stable internet connection. Make sure you are signed in with your Apple ID on the Apple TV so you can download games from the App Store and start any subscriptions tied to that account.
Next, think about how you want to control games. Simple arcade titles and puzzle games can work with the Siri Remote, but action games feel better with a physical gamepad. Many popular Bluetooth controllers work, including recent Xbox and PlayStation models, along with several third party pads that follow Apple’s game controller specs.
Finally, confirm that you have enough free storage space for large games. If the Apple TV shows storage warnings when you try to install new titles, remove apps you never open, or games you have finished, so there is room for new downloads.
Ways To Play Games On Apple TV
There are three main routes to playing games on Apple TV: native games from the App Store, the Apple Arcade subscription, and streaming from a PC or console through third party apps. Each path has a slightly different feel and cost.
If you are unsure which path fits you, think about how you play. People who enjoy trying many titles for a fixed monthly cost lean toward Apple Arcade, while those who prefer a handful of favourites might spend a little on stand alone games and skip the subscription entirely.
Apple Arcade On Apple TV
Apple Arcade is a monthly subscription that unlocks a large catalog of curated games with no in app purchases or ads. You can browse the Apple Arcade row inside the App Store on Apple TV, tap a game, and select the price button to install it. Once a game is downloaded, it appears on the home screen alongside your other apps.
Many players like Apple Arcade because games work across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV under the same subscription. That means you can start a level on your phone and continue on the TV later, as long as the game syncs progress through iCloud or its own account system.
You can read more about how Apple Arcade works on Apple TV in the official Apple Arcade help page.
Downloading Individual Games From The App Store
You are not limited to the Apple Arcade catalog. Many developers release stand alone games that you pay for once or grab as free downloads from the App Store on Apple TV. Some offer optional in app purchases, so look at the game page if you prefer titles without those extras.
To find games, open the App Store on Apple TV, move to the Games tab, and scroll through sections such as platformers, racing, or party games. You can also use the search box or Siri voice search to look for a specific title or series you already enjoy on other devices.
Streaming PC Or Console Games To Apple TV
If you own a capable gaming PC, you can stream many of your existing games to Apple TV using apps such as Steam Link. The app sends video from your PC to the TV while your controller input travels in the other direction over your home network. You still need a controller paired with Apple TV, but the heavy lifting happens on the computer in another room.
Some console owners take a similar route by using play streaming apps tied to their PlayStation or other systems. This setup needs a solid home network, and you may see a little delay compared to native Apple TV games, yet it is a handy way to enjoy big budget titles in the living room without moving hardware.
How To Play Games On Apple TV With A Controller
Games feel more natural with a proper controller, especially fast action titles. Apple TV works with several popular Bluetooth gamepads, and connecting one only takes a few steps.
Pick A Compatible Game Controller
Recent Apple TV models work with Sony DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers, Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controllers with Bluetooth, Xbox Elite controllers, and many Made for iPhone style gamepads. Before you buy new hardware, check the product page for tvOS compatibility so you do not end up with a pad that only works with phones.
Apple keeps a running list of tested devices in its wireless game controller article, which is a safe reference when you shop or double check an older controller from a console you already own.
Pair Your Controller Over Bluetooth
- Open Settings On Apple TV — From the home screen, select the grey Settings icon to open system options.
- Go To Remotes And Devices — Inside Settings, move to the General section, then choose Remotes and Devices, and open the Bluetooth panel.
- Put The Controller In Pairing Mode — On an Xbox pad, hold the pairing button until the light flashes. On a PlayStation controller, hold the PS and Share or Create buttons together until the light bar pulses.
- Select The Controller On Screen — When the name of your controller appears in the Bluetooth list on Apple TV, select it, then confirm pairing if a prompt appears.
- Test Buttons In A Game — Launch a game that works with controllers and move through menus to confirm that sticks, buttons, and triggers respond as expected.
Adjust Controller Settings
Once a controller is paired, you can fine tune button layout inside Apple TV Settings if the gamepad feels strange. Some games also include their own mapping screen, which can be helpful if you prefer a different stick layout or bumper assignment for certain genres.
| Control Method | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Siri Remote | Simple arcade and puzzle games | Always nearby, no extra hardware, motion controls in some titles. |
| Bluetooth Gamepad | Action, racing, platforming, sports | Console style controls, works with many Apple Arcade and App Store games. |
| Streaming Controller | PC or console streaming apps | Paired to Apple TV while gameplay runs on another device over your network. |
Playing Games With The Siri Remote Or iPhone
If you do not own a gamepad yet, the Siri Remote can still get you through many lighter games. Developers map tilt, touch, and simple button presses to movement and actions, and some Apple Arcade titles are designed entirely around the remote.
To start a game, open it from the Apple TV home screen, then follow the prompts. Some games ask you to hold the Siri Remote sideways so it feels a little more like a controller. Others rely mainly on swipes and taps on the touch surface or clickpad, so the remote stays in its usual upright position.
You can also control menus and basic gameplay using the Apple TV Remote tile in Control Center on your iPhone. This is handy when the Siri Remote is across the room or charging, though many modern games expect a physical gamepad for anything more than basic navigation.
When A Controller Is Required
Some Apple TV games show a small gamepad icon on their App Store page. That usually means a Bluetooth controller is required to play, or at least strongly recommended. In those cases, the Siri Remote and iPhone remote are not enough, and the game will show a message on launch until you connect an approved controller.
Tips To Make Apple TV Games Run Smoothly
Good performance makes more difference to comfort than fancy graphics. Small changes in your setup can remove stutter, reduce input delay, and keep downloads from dragging on for half an evening.
- Use Wired Or Strong Wi Fi — If possible, connect Apple TV to your router with Ethernet, or keep it close to a fast Wi Fi access point to reduce lag and drops.
- Close Background Apps — Double press the TV button on the Siri Remote, swipe across open apps, and swipe up on old ones so more memory is free for the game you care about.
- Keep tvOS Updated — Open Settings, choose System, then Software Updates, and install any pending updates so you benefit from the latest bug fixes and features.
- Free Up Storage Space — Delete unused apps and games in Settings so new titles and updates download and install without failure.
- Use Game Mode On Your TV — Many televisions have a Game preset that reduces processing and cuts input delay, which makes fast action feel snappier.
Apple TV Gaming Troubleshooting Basics
Even with a tidy setup, games and controllers sometimes misbehave. A few quick checks solve most problems without a long session digging through menus or hunting for cables.
When A Game Will Not Launch Or Crashes
- Restart The Game — Press the TV button twice, swipe to the game card, swipe up to close it, then open the game again from the home screen.
- Restart Apple TV — Go to Settings, select System, then Restart, and wait for the device to power cycle before trying the game again.
- Check For Updates — Open the App Store, move to the Purchased section, and apply any pending updates to the game or to tvOS itself.
- Reinstall The Game — Delete the game from the home screen, reinstall it from the App Store, then sign back into any in game accounts.
When A Controller Does Not Respond
- Check Battery Level — Recharge the controller fully or swap batteries if it uses replaceable cells, then test it again near the Apple TV.
- Re Pair The Controller — Forget the controller in Settings under Remotes and Devices, put it back into pairing mode, and connect again from the Bluetooth list.
- Test With Another Device — Pair the controller to a phone, tablet, or console you own to confirm that buttons still register and the pad is not faulty.
- Move Closer To The Apple TV — Remove any large metal objects between the controller and Apple TV and sit closer to the set top box to reduce wireless interference.
When Streaming Feels Laggy
- Use Ethernet Where Possible — Connect both Apple TV and your PC or console to the router with cables so the network path is as clean as possible.
- Lower Streaming Resolution — Inside Steam Link or your chosen streaming app, reduce resolution and frame rate until the connection feels steady.
- Limit Other Network Traffic — Pause large downloads and heavy video streams on other devices while you play to give your game the best chance at a smooth feed.
Once everything is dialed in, playing games on Apple TV can feel surprisingly close to a dedicated console. With the right controller, a tidy network, and a small library of games you enjoy, the little box under your television becomes a relaxed way to play on the big screen without adding another console to the shelf.