Netflix has released a game controller app for iOS today, titled “Netflix Game Controller.” The free app is simply a game controller for the touchscreen device, with a single thumbtack, and A, X, Y, and B side buttons. The game launched today without any news whatsoever, and currently, no games are supported.
When launched the app asks users to, “choose a game on your TV and follow the directions to connect.” However at the current time, there is no pairing option available, it’s unclear when the functionality will be fully released.
Netflix which has faced a challenging year of changes and controversy, despite delivering increased user subscriptions, has gone all in on its original gaming. First launched in November of 2021, Netflix Gaming has provided subscribers with games like Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, Stranger Things: 1984, Exploding Kittens, The Queen’s Gambit Chess, among many others. The games have for now been made only available to users through iOS and Android users, on both phones and tablets.
The app released today indicates the upcoming functionality of Netflix Gaming being brought fully to their native TV apps, and providing users with a touchscreen controller to pair. It’s unclear currently if gaming controllers such as PlayStation, Xbox, or a third party such as Logitech or SteelSeries will work, or if Netflix requires only their Gaming Controller app to be installed for use.
While Netflix Gaming isn’t a sought-after priority for their subscribers, the months ahead, and going into next year will shed light on whether subscribers are willing to spend extra time beyond the endless streaming content to original gaming. An Assassin’s Creed game is set to be released, as well as LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed, among many other original titles.