SteelSeries' Nimbus MFi Controller is the First Apple TV Gamepad

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.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

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Top Rated Comments

ErikGrim Avatar
126 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)
tbobmccoy Avatar
126 months ago
Would you prefer micro-USB?
Yes. Micro USB is dramatically cheaper to buy.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MFiGamer Avatar
126 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)
MFiGamer Avatar
126 months ago
So will this double as MFi for a phone? Will iPhone MFi work with AppleTV?
Yup!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ErikGrim Avatar
126 months ago
Lightning cable to charge? Comeon!
Would you prefer micro-USB?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SeaFox Avatar
126 months ago
Yes. Micro USB is dramatically cheaper to buy.
You must be new to this platform. :rolleyes:
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)