Apple’s ecosystem, iOS, seamlessly integrates its devices: iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, the latter now featuring its own variant of iOS, known as tvOS. The Apple TV 4 represents a significant investment by Apple, aiming to capture market share in the media box sector and enhance the gaming experience on televisions. As detailed in the review, games utilizing the remote control offer a passable experience, reminiscent of the original Wii. However, motion and touch controls inherently lack the precision required for genres beyond strategy, casual games, and party titles. Prospective Apple TV buyers may benefit from awaiting the forthcoming fall release of an upgraded version boasting 4K and HDR support, with anticipated HVEC 265 codec compatibility.
Danish manufacturer SteelSeries recognized the need for a dedicated game controller for Apple’s iOS devices. The Nimbus Wireless Controller is a Bluetooth-based wireless gamepad that draws clear inspiration from the Xbox One controller’s design. The controller features a comfortable weight and responsive buttons, exhibiting overall high build quality, although the D-pad may feel somewhat stiff. Pairing is straightforward via Bluetooth, enabling immediate gameplay on any Apple device. The Nimbus Wireless also functions with stationary Macs, though it necessitates manual configuration and software for proper button mapping, indicating a primary focus on iOS/tvOS. Connecting the Nimbus to our Apple TV 4 took mere seconds, instantly allowing menu navigation and game initiation.
Nimbus is also available in white. Its design inspiration is readily apparent.The entire setup feels remarkably well-integrated and intuitive, echoing the Xbox experience. The A, B, X, and Y buttons – mirroring the Xbox layout – allow for selection via A and return via B. A dedicated Menu button replicates the Home button functionality found on iOS devices. To say that the Nimbus elevates the gaming experience on Apple TV is an understatement; it fundamentally transforms it. The controller provides responsive and accurate input, excelling in both analog control and pressure-sensitive button response. Highly recommended Apple TV titles, such as Duck Tales: Remastered and Leo’s Fortune, emulate the feel of playing on a modern console like the Xbox One. The WaveRacer 64-inspired Riptide GP: Renegade boasts impressive visuals on Apple TV but proved virtually unplayable with the standard remote due to its excessive sensitivity and imprecision, artificially inflating the game’s difficulty. With the Nimbus, it becomes a genuine racing game that rewards skill and improvement. This controller creates a dramatic difference. The same holds true for the excellent Rayman Adventures and the underrated Heroki – these are entirely different experiences with a dedicated controller. Consider revisiting SEGA’s classic games, now offering proper control schemes.
Stylish Riptide GP Renegade is now genuinely playable thanks to Nimbus.
The Nimbus arrives pre-charged, offering an estimated 35-40 hours of playtime. Recharging is easily accomplished using a Lightning cable (not included), which users likely possess in abundance.
During testing, the only notable issue involved occasional stuttering in certain games when the Bluetooth controller was connected, as observed in the wonderfully meditative Alto’s Adventure. However, that particular game remains enjoyable with the remote control or touch input, requiring only precise timing and duration of clicks. This behavior likely stems from a bug in Apple’s Bluetooth implementation; similar issues have been encountered with Airplay, exhibiting stuttering in both audio and video when mirroring to other devices. A potential workaround involves disabling Bluetooth on the device streaming the Airplay content.
Now Rayman Adventures not only looks like a console game but provides the authentic feel, thanks to the Nimbus.
A potential drawback is the Nimbus Wireless Controller’s price. Currently ranging from 550-800 SEK, it represents a significant investment for a game controller, even exceeding the cost of additional controllers for the PS4 and Xbox One. However, disparities in sales volume exist, and Sony and Microsoft generate revenue from their consoles and ecosystems, a benefit not shared by Nimbus as a third-party Apple accessory. Nevertheless, it remains a transformative device that elevates compatible devices closer to a console-like experience. A price point nearer 400 SEK would have unequivocally earned top marks.
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