Use a game controller on Apple TV
You can use the Sony PlayStation DualShock 4, PlayStation DualSense, Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, Xbox Adaptive Controllers and MFi-compatible game controllers to play games. See Connect Bluetooth devices to Apple TV and the Apple Support article Connect a wireless game controller to your Apple device.
Once a supported game controller is connected, you can set up custom profiles and assign specific controls to buttons. You can also customise controls for specific apps and set up a Buddy Controller so that two game controllers act as one.
Set up a custom profile for a game controller
Do either of the following:
Press and hold on your remote to open Control Centre, then select .
Navigate to Settings on Apple TV, then go to Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
Select a connected game controller.
To confirm the controller by playing a vibration pattern, select Identify Controller.
To add a custom profile, select Add Profile, then enter a profile name and select Done.
Select the custom profile to see a list of customisable controls and a diagram of the game controller.
Navigate up or down to highlight controls in the list.
As you highlight a control, its corresponding button is also highlighted on the diagram for reference.
Select the control you want, then select any of the available options for the control.
To restore default settings, scroll to the bottom of the list, then select Reset to Defaults. To delete the profile, select Delete This Profile.
Add a custom game controller profile to a specific game
To use a custom profile with a specific game, first set up a profile as described in the task above.
Do either of the following:
Press and hold on your remote to open Control Centre, then select .
Go to Settings on Apple TV, then go to Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
Select a connected game controller.
Select a game that appears under Customised Apps, then select the profile you want to use with that game.
Set up Buddy Controller
With Buddy Controller, you can combine two game controllers to play games on Apple TV as a single player. This makes it easier for people to learn how to play or get to the next level with some assistance from a friend. Only one controller at a time can be set as the primary controller.
Do either of the following:
Press and hold on your remote to open Control Centre, then select .
Go to Settings on Apple TV, then go to Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
Connect two compatible game controllers to Apple TV.
If you need help, select How to Pair Game Controllers and follow the onscreen instructions.
Select the connected game controller you want to use as the primary controller.
Select Buddy Controller, then select the controller you want to be the secondary controller.
To turn off Buddy Controller, select Buddy Controller, then select Unset.
Adjust other game controller settings
Do either of the following:
Press and hold on your remote to open Control Centre, then select .
Go to Settings on Apple TV, then go to Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
Select a connected game controller.
Do any of the following:
Disconnect the game controller: Select Disconnect Device. The controller is still paired with Apple TV and reconnects the next time you use it.
Unpair the game controller from Apple TV: Select Forget This Device.
Select a custom button-assignment profile: Select Default Controls, then select the profile you want to use. See Set up a custom profile for a game controller above.