Netflix has unveiled a new iOS app named Netflix Game Controller, signaling its intent to offer gaming experiences on TVs. This move aligns with earlier reports from March, which revealed the company’s plans to provide games on television screens, leveraging mobile devices as controllers.
Phone-Controlled Gaming
The Netflix Game Controller app facilitates TV gaming by employing your phone as a controller. By pairing your phone with the TV, users can engage in the gaming content available through Netflix’s service.
The app’s description highlights its function as a means to play Netflix games directly on your TV. The description indicates that this feature will soon be introduced to the platform, enabling users to enjoy games on their TV screens using their mobile devices.
Current Limitations and Features
Currently, Netflix’s gaming offerings are accessible solely on iPhones and iPads, lacking compatibility with devices like Apple TV or other TV platforms. While the app is not yet functional, it conveys that games optimized for TV screens will soon be added to Netflix’s repertoire.
The app design incorporates a directional button on the left side of the iPhone screen, complemented by A, X, Y, and B action buttons on the right side.
Cloud Gaming and Future Expansion
Netflix is actively developing a cloud gaming service, which might also integrate phone-based control mechanisms. While Netflix has not officially confirmed the TV gaming concept, their app code strongly suggests ongoing experimentation in this realm. In a recent expansion, Netflix introduced two new games, including Monument Valley, scheduled for release in 2024.
Availability
For now, the Netflix Game Controller app is exclusively accessible on App Store for iPhone and iPad. Regrettably, Netflix games are not yet available on Android TV or Apple TV platforms, and the controller app has not yet launched on Android devices.