Netflix has quietly released an iOS game controller app

Netflix has quietly released a game controller to Apple’s App Store, confirming rumors that the streaming service may soon allow you to play games on your TV.

First spotted by TechCrunchthe new Netflix game controller The app seems pretty basic at the moment. Screenshots in the App Store show a minimalist controller layout on a plain black background, with a virtual thumbstick on the left and four multicolored buttons on the right. These buttons use the same XYAB labeling found on Xbox and Nintendo Switch controllers, but have been resized and arranged in a shape that’s a little bit like a pawprint.

Photo credit: Netflix

“Coming soon on Netflix,” reads the free app’s short description. “Play games on your TV with the Netflix Game Controller. This game controller app pairs with your TV and allows you to play games on Netflix with your phone or mobile device.”

Upon opening the Netflix Game Controller, users will be prompted to select a game from their TV and then follow the prompts to connect to the controller. A release also states that “Netflix games on TV are in beta” and that not all devices are supported at this time.

The controller isn’t currently available for Android, while the App Store listing says it requires an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 15.0 or later. It’s unclear which games will be compatible with the controller.

Netflix declined comment when Mashable reached it.

While Netflix is ​​primarily known for its movie and TV streaming, the service expanded into games in November 2021 and has been quietly expanding its catalog ever since. Subscribers currently have access to over 50 mobile games on Android and iOS, including popular titles like Ox free, immortalityAnd into the breachas well as Netflix exclusives based on its in-house shows, such as The Queen’s Gambit Chess, Too hot to touch: Love is a gameAnd Done! baking party.

The company has been dabbling in cloud gaming for a while, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be the next Xbox Games Pass any time soon. Mike Verdu, vice president of gaming at Netflix, said they consider games a “Added value” This is not a tent pole attraction and has no intention of replacing dedicated gaming consoles such as the Xbox, PlayStation or Nintendo Switch.