SteelSeries' Nimbus MFi Controller is the First Apple TV Gamepad

Wednesday September 9, 2015 5:26 pm PDT by Husain Sumra

When Apple unveiled the new Apple TV and its ability to play games at its "Hey Siri" event earlier today, the company glossed over the fact that MFi gamepad controllers for iPhone and iPad would be compatible with the new device. However, after the event, SteelSeries announced the brand new Nimbus gamepad controller would be the first made specifically for the Apple TV.

nimbusgamepad

“SteelSeries is at the center of the biggest evolution in gaming. Nimbus represents a new standard in wireless gaming controllers and we’re pleased to be bringing this controller to this incredible platform," said Ehtisham Rabanni, SteelSeries CEO. “Our global gaming pedigree, together with our unyielding pursuit of simple, modern design is on full display with Nimbus. We’re thrilled to deliver a truly premium product for the new Apple TV at a great price.”

The Xbox One-like Nimbus wireless gamepad provides 40 hours of gameplay on a single charge and can be recharged via a Lightning cable, making it the first accessory to do so. SteelSeries also says it has pressure-sensitive buttons for "precise control." Additionally, the controller has a large "Menu" button in the center of the controller, mirroring the "Menu" button on the new Apple TV remote.

The gamepad is featured prominently in the "Games and More" section of the new Apple TV's page on Apple's website, suggesting Apple and SteelSeries are positioning the controller as the flagship gamepad for the Apple TV. However, users can also play games with the new Apple TV remote, iPhones and iPod touches.

The Nimbus will be available on Apple.com and in Apple retail stores for $49.95 and will debut around the world in late October alongside the new Apple TV.

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Top Rated Comments

ErikGrim

145 months ago

I guess not lol. I assume it would be, but it's confusing when they say the Nimbus controller count as the "first Apple TV controller". Technically the first controller should be the first one ever released, which I think is the Logitech shelled controller.

Apple's site as well as this Mac Rumors article does not specifically mention about whether or not past controllers will work. But again, I do assume they will. I just find the wording slightly ambiguous.

From the OP: "the company glossed over the fact that MFi gamepad controllers for iPhone and iPad would be compatible with the new device. However, after the event, SteelSeries announced ('https://steelseries.com/gaming-controllers/nimbus') the brand new Nimbus gamepad controller would be the first made specifically for the Apple TV."

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

MFiGamer

145 months ago

So will this double as MFi for a phone? Will iPhone MFi work with AppleTV?

Yup!

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

MFiGamer

145 months ago

This is awesome, but my burning question is, will existing MFi controllers work with the new Apple TV?

YES All of them! IE:

Regular Bluetooth MFi Controllers

* MADCATZ C.T.R.L.i
* MADCATZ C.T.R.L.i Micro

* Steelseries Stratus
* Steelseries Stratus XL

* Steelseries Stratus Nimbus

* MOGA Rebel
* Hori HoriPad Wireless
* PXN Speedy

For Formfitting controllers like

* GAMEVICE for iPAD Mini
* GAMEVICE for iPhone6

* MOGA ACE Power
* LOGITECH Powershell

These will use the connected iOS Devices Blueooth to connect to the ATV, using it this way will give you a Gamepad controller with a screen, similar to the WiiU Gamepad.
.
But what about games? A new TV Games system without games to play is a certain failure..(looks at all android tv boxes)
Well have no fear..

All current Apple MFi Controller Supported games with translate naturally to the AppleTV, as of today there's over 750 available, admittingly there bad & good games amongst them just like any system, but there are also real AAA gems in there, games like
Modern Combat 5,Transistor,GTA IV, FinalFantasy Range,AG-Drive,Bastion..etc.. the list goes on..
infact here it is : http://mfi4.gamerz.co/topic8.html

Hope this helps ;)

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

tbobmccoy

145 months ago

Would you prefer micro-USB?

Yes. Micro USB is dramatically cheaper to buy.

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

3rdiguy

145 months ago

I see Steelseries finally hit the right price point. I love that it works with Macs and has a companion app where you can update the controller instead of plugging it in a computer. I only own iOS devices now and won't get a MacBook until later this year. I just hope this works better than the Stratus. That junk won't even pair with my iPad anymore and doesn't work properly with GTA:San Andreas. I will buy this with the new Apple TV as well. Seems just right and a possible good purchase.

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)