Imagine settling into your cozy living room, remote in hand, ready to dive into a world of games right on your Android TV. No gamepads, no tangled wires—just you, your remote, and a slew of engaging games waiting to whisk you away on adventures, challenge your reflexes, or simply offer a relaxing escape.
In 2024, the Android TV gaming scene is wonderfully diverse, catering to casual players and seasoned gamers with games that don’t require more than the device you already own. Whether racing through breathtaking landscapes, solving mind-bending puzzles, or revisiting classic arcade favorites, the lineup of gamepad-free games promises a fun and accessible experience for all.
Let’s explore the top 10 Android TV games of 2024 that bring this simplicity and excitement right into your living room.
10 Best Android TV Games Without a Gamepad in 2024
1. Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9: Legends is a visually stunning racing game where players can drive a range of hypercars from top brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini. Gameplay involves touch-based control schemes, such as tapping to steer or a default autopilot mode where players focus on timing for boosts and drifts. The game’s career mode challenges players across various worldwide locations, adding to its appeal with spectacular graphics and intense races.
- Developer: Gameloft
- Genre: Racing
- Key Features:
- Automatic or tap-to-steer control options
- Over 50 real-world hypercars from manufacturers like Ferrari and Lamborghini
- Detailed and dynamic environments with HDR techniques
- Single-player Career Mode and Multiplayer Mode
2. Crossy Road
Crossy Road is a modern spin on the classic Frogger-style game. The objective is to navigate a character across roads, rivers, and train tracks without perishing. Players use swipe gestures or taps to move forward, left, or right. This game is recognized for its pixelated art style and the vast roster of quirky characters, each adding a fresh visual to the gameplay.
- Developer: Hipster Whale
- Genre: Endless Runner/Arcade
- Key Features:
- Simple, innovative gameplay with swipe and tap controls
- Over 150 collectible characters
- Different environments and obstacles
- Supports local multiplayer on the same device
3. Alto’s Odyssey
In Alto’s Odyssey, players enjoy an endless sandboarding adventure across serene landscapes. The controls are straightforward: tap to jump and hold to perform backflips. The game emphasizes relaxation and exploration, with a weather system and a day-night cycle that enhances the visual experience. Its Zen Mode allows players to enjoy the game without scores or interruptions, focusing purely on the journey.
- Developer: Team Alto
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Key Features:
- A one-touch trick system with chainable jumps and flips
- Dynamic lighting and weather effects, like sandstorms and shooting stars
- Zen Mode for a serene experience without scores or coins
- Beautifully crafted audio and hand-painted visuals
4. Badland
Badland combines side-scrolling adventure with challenging puzzle elements, set in a lush forest with traps and obstacles. Players control one or more forest dwellers using simple tap controls to fly and avoid dangers. The game is noteworthy for its innovative physics-based gameplay, atmospheric depth, stunning visuals, and captivating audio.
- Developer: Frogmind Games
- Genre: Adventure
- Key Features:
- Innovative physics-based gameplay
- Over 100 unique levels and updates with new challenges
- Multiplayer modes for up to four players on the same device
- Stunningly atmospheric graphics and audio
5. Pac-Man 256
Pac-Man 256 offers endless maze navigation where players help Pac-Man outsmart ghosts and avoid the infamous “256 Glitch” that disrupts the game. The intuitive controls require players to swipe in the direction they want Pac-Man to move. The game retains the classic feel of the original Pac-Man while introducing new power-ups and challenges.
- Developer: Bandai Namco
- Genre: Arcade
- Key Features:
- Endless maze gameplay with a modern twist
- Avoid the infamous “256 Glitch.”
- Power-ups and new tactics to evade ghosts
- Retro graphics with new, vibrant enhancements
6. Beach Buggy Racing 2
Beach Buggy Racing 2 is a vibrant kart racing game where players drive through various tracks, using power-ups to boost their performance or hinder opponents. Steering is managed through simple remote control presses, making it accessible for all ages. The game includes multiple modes, from daily challenges to championship races and a multiplayer mode for competitive play.
- Developer: Vector Unit
- Genre: Racing
- Key Features:
- Over 45 Powerups to discover and upgrade
- Several modes, including Daily Challenges and Championships
- Customize your car with different paint jobs
- Split-screen multiplayer races
7. Orbia: Tap and Relax
Orbia challenges players to hit their targets by tapping at the right moment. The game features minimalist visuals and easy-to-learn mechanics but provides a compelling challenge with well-timed taps. Each level introduces new obstacles and requires precise timing to progress, offering a relaxing yet engaging experience with each tap.
- Developer: JOX Development LLC
- Genre: Arcade
- Key Features:
- Minimalist, visually appealing art style
- Thousands of levels with increasing difficulty
- Simple tap controls are perfect for quick, relaxing sessions
- Multiplayer challenges and global leaderboards
8. Tetris
This iteration of Tetris brings timeless puzzle gameplay to Android TV. Players rotate and position falling tetrominoes to complete lines. The game is controlled by simple directional inputs, making it easy to pick up but hard to master. Tetris is renowned for blending simple gameplay with deep strategic elements that appeal to casual and hardcore gamers.
- Developer: N3TWORK Inc.
- Genre: Puzzle
- Key Features:
- Classic puzzle gameplay with new features
- Solo marathon mode and daily challenges
- Intuitive touch controls
- Colorful graphics and engaging sound effects
9. Fishing Star VR
Fishing Star VR offers a virtual reality fishing experience where players can enjoy catching fish in beautifully rendered locations. The gameplay involves casting the line and reeling in fish with remote-controlled motions. The game seeks to replicate a realistic fishing experience with varied environments and lifelike fish behavior, providing a tranquil and immersive pastime.
- Developer: GREE, Inc.
- Genre: Sports/Simulation
- Key Features:
- Virtual reality fishing experience
- Various exotic locations
- Realistic fish movements and water effects
- Easy to learn, just cast and reel in with your remote
10. Candy Crush Saga
Candy Crush Saga is a puzzle game where players swap colored candies on a grid to make matches of three or more. The game includes numerous levels, each offering unique challenges and goals. Controls are straightforward, with players tapping to swap candies. The game is addictive due to its simple yet strategic mechanics and the satisfaction of clearing challenging levels.
- Developer: King
- Genre: Puzzle
- Key Features:
- Thousands of puzzle levels
- Various candies and power-ups with unique abilities
- Easy to play, challenging to master
- Regular updates with new levels and events
READ ALSO: 11 Best Video Players for Android TV Free in 2023
FAQs
A: Yes, Android TV can run games. It offers a variety of gaming apps that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
A: Yes, Android TV can be quite good for gaming. It supports a range of games, from casual to more graphically intense ones, and you can enhance your experience by connecting gamepads or other gaming accessories. However, dedicated gaming consoles or PCs might be more suitable for high-performance gaming.
A: To play games on a smart TV without a console, you can follow these steps:
Built-in Apps: Many smart TVs come with a range of pre-installed games or have access to a digital store (like the Google Play Store on Android TVs) where you can download games directly.
Cloud Gaming Services: Subscribe to a cloud gaming service such as Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce Now, or Amazon Luna. These services allow you to stream games directly to your smart TV over the internet without needing a console.
Mobile Games via Mirroring: Play games from your smartphone or tablet on your TV using screen mirroring or casting technology. This can be done via Chromecast, AirPlay (for Apple devices), or similar features built into your smart TV.
PC Streaming: If you have a gaming PC, you can stream games from your PC to your smart TV using applications like Steam Link or AMD Link.
External Devices: Although not a console, you can use devices like the NVIDIA Shield TV, an Android-based media player that supports gaming, or even a mini PC.
Each of these options provides a different experience, and the choice depends on what type of games you’re interested in and the capabilities of your smart TV.
A: A gamepad for TV is a controller used to play video games on a television, typically through a gaming console or a smart TV that supports gaming. It provides a more traditional and immersive gaming experience than remote controls or touch screens. Gamepads feature buttons, joysticks, and sometimes additional inputs like triggers and directional pads, allowing precise game control. They can be connected to the TV or a compatible device via Bluetooth or a wired USB connection. Many Android and other smart TVs support gamepads, enabling users to enjoy a wider range of video games, from casual titles to more complex action and adventure games.
A: Using your phone as a gamepad to play games on your TV or computer can be a convenient and cost-effective solution. Here’s how you can set it up:
For Android TV or Smart TV:
Download a Gamepad App: Install a Gamepad emulator app on your smartphone. Apps like “BT Controller” or “DroidMote” are popular choices available on Android. For iOS, apps like “Joypad” can work.
Connect to the Same Network: Ensure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Setup the App: Follow the in-app instructions to configure your smartphone as a gamepad. This usually involves enabling Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity and pairing your phone with your TV.
For PC Gaming:
Install a Gamepad Emulator: Download and install software on your PC that allows phone-to-PC gamepad emulation. Programs like “Unified Remote” or “Monect PC Remote” are options for both Android and iOS users.
Install the Companion App: Download the corresponding app on your smartphone.
Connect Devices: Follow the app’s setup guide to connect your smartphone to your PC via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Ensure both devices are on the same network.
Configure Controls: Customize the game controls within the app based on your gaming needs.
For Console Gaming:
Using your phone as a gamepad for consoles like PlayStation or Xbox is generally not supported directly. However, companion apps can be used for certain games or functionalities, like second-screen experiences or remote control within the console’s interface, not for actual gameplay.
Tips:
Check Compatibility: Ensure the apps and software you choose are compatible with your devices and the games you wish to play.
Stable Connection: A stable and fast Wi-Fi network is crucial for minimal latency and smooth gameplay.
Battery Life: Using your phone as a gamepad can drain its battery quickly, so keep it charged or have a charger handy.
Using these methods, you can turn your smartphone into a functional gamepad, adding flexibility and convenience to your gaming setup.