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Netflix Starts Testing Games On Smart TVs and Streaming Players

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Netflix is now officially testing games on more platforms and devices. Specifically, Netflix gaming is now starting to make its way to smart TVs and streaming players, with support for PCs and Macs to follow soon.

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Netflix first started testing games back in 2021, and since then, support has never made it past the mobile stage. Last week, however, the first indication that TV support was coming emerged when a new Netflix Game Controller iOS app was released to the App Store.

Earlier today, Netflix officially announced that it is now testing games on more devices, confirming that support is now being tested on select TVs and streaming players starting today.

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As this is a limited beta test, not every Netflix subscriber will have access to games on their smart TV. Right now, location appears to be the biggest hurdle, as Netflix says that TV support is currently only being tested with “a small number of members in Canada and the UK.”

Another major limitation is the selection of games, with only Oxenfree and Molehew’s Mining Adventure currently available to play.

For those in a supported location, they will also need a supported device. Right now, that means access to an Amazon Fire TV player, Chromecast with Google TV, LG TV, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku device or TV, Samsung smart TV, or Walmart’s ONN streaming player.

Netflix explained that other TV devices will be added on an ongoing basis, and following last week’s Netflix Game Controller app news, Netflix did confirm anyone wanting to play games on a TV device will need to use their smartphone as the controller.

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While Netflix did also officially confirm support for PCs and Macs as well, the option to play games through Netflix.com on supported browsers would begin in the next few weeks. When PC and Mac support does go live, subscribers will be able to use a keyboard and mouse to play.

John Finn

By John Finn

John started Streaming Better to help consumers navigate the live TV streaming and subscription service landscape. John has been editing and writing about technology and streaming for online publications since 2014, and believes the best streaming approach is to rotate between services as needed.

John's preferred live TV streaming service right now is YouTube TV although he does tend to switch live TV services multiple times each year to keep up to date with their changes. Outside of live TV, John also actively streams HBO Max (for the shows), Peacock (for Premier League), and Paramount Plus (for Champion's League). However, John is also currently subscribed to Apple TV+, Discovery+, Hulu, Starz, Showtime, and Shudder.

Contact John via email at john@streamingbetter.com or say hi on Twitter

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