This is going to be your ultimate portable setup here, keeping the screen clear. For loading the phone in, the grip is spring loaded, so it can adjust to differently sized devices, whether or not you’ve got a case on your device. This connects to the controller with two metal rods, and gives a solid (though friction-fit) connection.
Those are specific for Apple devices (obviously) helping you to interact with the device without actually needing to take your hands off of the controller.įor those who are going to pair their SteelSeries Nimbus+ with an iPhone or iPad, there’s a phone holder that comes with the controller to keep the phone right where you need it. Oh, that’s worth mentioning – there are some other buttons on the controller I didn’t mention. All the controls and buttons are in easy reach, making things feel natural. In the hand, the SteelSeries Nimbus+ has a nice heft to it, and it fits comfortably in. For me, it almost felt like too many buttons, but perhaps that just due to the last era of console that I actually played regularly on (the PS2, for those keeping score at home). In other words, whatever input configuration you want to setup – or a game is expecting – you’re going to be covered. You’ve got the D-pad, two thumbsticks (which are clickable), four finger triggers up front, and then four buttons for your right thumb. In terms of the inputs you’ve got from the SteelSeries Nimbus+, it slots right in with most other modern controllers. Sure, USB-C would be a bit more future-proof, but this way you’re only carrying on cable to charge your phone and controller, I suppose. It’s certified for Apple Arcade (another sign that mobile gaming is a solid category), works out of the box with Apple devices (iPhones, iPods, Apple TV, and Macbooks) and charges up with a – what else – lightning cable. Now, to be clear, the SteelSeries Nimbus+ is intended for Apple devices. That’s where SteelSeries Nimbus+ comes in. Mobile gaming has really taken off, though on-screen controls don’t give you quite the same feel, as well as obscuring some of your screen real estate. Even at-home consoles rely on wireless controllers. Gone are the days where you’d be tied to a console (say, an Atari or Nintendo) wired into your TV, and wired controllers. Last, launch the Nimbus app.The many ways we can play games these days is almost an embarassment.
Launch the Settings app on your iOS device, then go to Bluetooth and tap on Nimbus from the list of available devices. Once the app is installed, pair the controller to the iOS device by powering up the controller, then holding in the Bluetooth button until all four lights blink simultaneously on the controller.
In order to update the firmware, you'll first need an iOS device with the SteelSeries Nimbus Companion App installed.
The $50, £40, AU$95 controller is available in Apple retail stores, is predominately displayed on Apple's site and even bundled with Disney's Infinity 3.0 pack for Apple TV.Įven if you've already paired it to your Apple TV, or if you're unboxing it for the first time, take a moment and update the controller's software in order to get the most out of the handy accessory. If you bought a game controller for the new Apple TV, odds are it was the SteelSeries Nimbus. The Steelseries Nimbus, the first gamepad with official Apple TV support, charges via Lightning and has a solid feel.