Does The Luna Controller Work With Apple TV?

Amazon Luna allows players to stream and play video games on a television, computer, or mobile device. The great thing about cloud computing gaming is that the necessary hardware to render great game graphics is server-side instead of with the player. Since Apple is known for graphics, does the Luna Controller work with Apple TV?

The Amazon Luna Controller will connect with the Apple TV but only works when using the Amazon Luna Cloud Gaming Service. The Luna Controller does not support offline gameplay over USB or Bluetooth on iOS devices. 

It is possible to play games on Apple TV Arcade and carry the saves and games from your Apple TV to your iPhone. While the Luna controller will work with Amazon Luna on your Apple TV, if you want to get the most out of your gaming experience, you should get a controller that will both work with Luna and Apple TV. 

Does the Luna Controller Work with Apple TV?

The Luna Controller uses a WiFi connection to reduce lag, but when using Luna through your Apple TV, that lag might not be as noticeable as if you were running it on another device. Several other controllers are better suited to gaming on an Apple TV and Amazon Luna Cloud Gaming Service, so you get the most bang for your buck.

The Luna Controller will work with the Apple TV while using the Amazon Luna Cloud Gaming Service but nowhere else on your Apple TV. Another controller, such as a PlayStation or Xbox controller, will offer you more versatility if gaming on your Apple TV is your main goal.

There are a lot of controllers out there that could work, but the most popular by far are the ones made for current generation video game systems such as the PS5 or the Xbox One. These controllers offer wireless connectivity while also being able to be used within Amazon Luna, Apple TV arcade, and for use with your iPhone to play mobile games with a phone clip.

How to Connect the Luna Controller to an Apple TV

Setting up the Luna Controller with an Apple TV is as simple as installing an app and following the on-screen directions.

1. Download and install the Amazon Luna Controller app
2. Place 2 AA Batteries in your Luna Controller
3. Press and Hold the Home Button for 5 seconds
4. Wait 30 seconds for the initial Luna Controller Setup to complete
5. Open the Luna Controller app on your mobile device
6. Tap the Add icon to add your controller to the app
7. The on-screen instructions will allow you to set up Cloud Direct’s low-latency mode

You should now be connected and able to play any games via Cloud Direct on the Amazon Luna Cloud Gaming Service.

Which Controllers Work Best With the Apple TV?

Any Bluetooth controller will likely suffice, but the controllers listed below are the best-reviewed, popular models by those that frequently game on their Apple TVs. In many cases, it is also possible to get a phone clip to attach your mobile phone to the controller and use it as a mobile gaming controller. 

SteelSeries Nimbus+

The SteelSeries Nimbus+ is the upgrade to the SteelSeries Nimbus, considered by many to be the best controller for Apple TV Arcade. The Nimbus+ upgrades features of the Nimbus, such as

50-hour battery life, an iPhone mount to use the SteelSeries Nimbus+ for mobile gaming. 

The Nimbus+ also charges using Apple’s proprietary lightning charging. So you will likely have all the charging capabilities you need already in your possession if you have an Apple iPhone. The SteelSeries Nimbus+ retails for $79.99 but is often on sale on Amazon.

Sony PlayStation PS5 DualSense

The PS5 DualSense is a little larger and has a larger touchpad in the front than the PS4 DualShock 4. But overall, the DualSense offers haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that are a definite upgrade to the DualShock 4. This makes the PS5 DualSense controller one of the best models for people used to PlayStation-style controllers.

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller

The Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller is considered by most gamers to be the best controller ever made. It perfectly balances weight, quality, features, and functionality in a small wireless body. It neither feels too light nor too heavy for long gaming sessions. This controller is the pinnacle of what mobile gaming can be. 

It is also possible to purchase a mobile clip for Microsoft Xbox Controllers and connect them through Bluetooth to be used as mobile gaming controllers.

Conclusion

It is possible to use the Luna Controller with the Apple TV but only if you only want to game on Amazon Luna Cloud Gaming Service. If you want to use your Luna Controller anywhere else on your Apple TV, you are out of luck. The Luna controller doesn’t work offline from the Amazon Luna service. You will need to get a different Luna and Apple compatible controller.