I just bought a 4th-generation (Fall 2015) AppleTV, and immediately I recognized its amazing potential as a gaming system - Pangea Software's "Air Wings" is *amazing* on my large screen TV. While the new Bluetooth Siri Remote does have the ability to be a game controller with its built-in gyroscope and accelerometer, I immediately found myself wanting the comfort of an Xbox-style game controller in my rather large hands, whereas the AppleTV remote is really small and pretty uniform, so it's easy to grab it the wrong way and accidentally press buttons during game play.
I had an older Bluetooth game controller I use with one of my Android boxes for MAME classic game emulation, but it turned out not to be IOS compatible, so I had to search for another option. The reviews of the SteelSeries controllers were very position, and the Stratus XL was the best, according to the review.
I wasn't disappointed.
This is a fine controller - as sensitive as the ones that came with my Xbox One and Xbox 360, and everything works just as you'd expect. So, I'm licking my chops waiting for the next best IOS games that are optimized for the new AppleTV....controller in hand.
Pros:
• Classic design - no surprises, buttons are all in the correct places
• Joysticks work as expected, with virtually the same travel as the Xbox equivalents
• Two rechargeable AA batteries will power this controller long enough - three days of constant gaming hasn't really made a dent in the charge yet
• Weight is just about right - most third part controllers are too light
• Plastics are smooth - no rough edges
• Works great with my 4th Gen AppleTV
Cons:
• A bit pricey
• No joystick press down buttons - not a big deal but will miss them eventually
• No option for recharging dock - must use AA batteries
• Some games require that you use the remote to enter text since the controller can't do that, but that is likely more the developer's fault in their controller support
| Brand | SteelSeries |
|---|---|
| Series | reg |
| Item model number | 69026 |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Operating System | Ios,Ios 7 |
| Item Weight | 9.4 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 4.33 x 5.9 x 2.45 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.33 x 5.9 x 2.45 inches |
| Color | blue |
| Power Source | Aa Batteries,Battery Powered |
| Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. (included) |
| Manufacturer | SteelSeries |
| ASIN | B00QTSR5GO |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | January 15, 2015 |
