How to pair two Nimbus+ controllers with Apple TV 4K?

Thanks for your reply Urquhart1244.

I bought the Apple TV and Nimbus direct from the Apple store, so assumed they would work together. Plug and play.

I have looked on the manufacturers website, and there isn’t much information to help. Hence why I came to this forum.

I also use a Velop Mesh system that the Apple TV 4K is wired into via Ethernet, if that helps? So I don’t know if the controllers are trying to pair with the Virgin supplied router, and the Apple TV is connected to Velop node that is connected to the Virgin supplied router

Thanks again Urquhart1244. Very helpful.

Q 1) Did you press the Bluetooth button on top of the controller, with the bluetooth screen active on Apple TV, to make it connectable/​discoverable?

A 1) Yes, tried Bluetooth buttons in both controllers with the Bluetooth screen active, but neither controller was ‘discovered’ by the search. I selected to forget the first controller, and start again, but the search didn’t discover either controller afterwards.

Q 2) Did you try if a software update for the controller is available, through a computer?

A 2) Yes, I downloaded the Steelseries ‘Engine’, into my MacBook Air, connected the second controller, but I couldn’t find the option to download the latest firmware. I will have another try.

Q 3) Connect the second, in-game, through the first. It may depend on the particular game title: Turn-based games may not aways have support for two controllers.

A 3) Yes, tried this, but I had already selected the first controller to be forgotten, so couldn’t even use the first controller, and in game neither controllers were recognised. I then factory reset the Apple TV and updated it to latest firmware, and tried to pair again using Bluetooth buttons on both controllers, but neither were found on the Apple TV Bluetooth search screen.

Q 4) You could try finding a means to contact an actual SteelSeries Support person (through My Tickets perhaps, where you can sign in).

A 4) Yes, thanks will try this next.

Many thanks again

Hi Urquhart1244,

I have managed to re-pair the first Nimbus + controller, then the ATV still wouldn’t recognise the second Nimbus + controller. However, I followed Digby15’s advice, and paired another Bluetooth device (radio) and then the second Nimbus + appeared, and I was able to pair it.

However, the ATV then disconnected it, it doesn’t stay paired for more than a few seconds.

I have tried the following:

disconnecting and forgetting the first controller, and then only pairing second, but although it now appears on the ATV to pair, it doesn’t pair for long and allow me to use the controller.

I then re-pair the first Nimbus + and that pairs again, and allows me to use it normally.

So, my conclusion is there is a connection issue with the second Nimbus +. I’ve not been able to connect it to my Mac, as I don’t have a usb-c to usb adapter. I tried an OEM adapter I did have, but didn’t connect. Have ordered an Apple adapter now, so hopefully that helps.

I have tried to download the SteelSeries Nimbus companion app, but it’s not available to download in the UK.

I have also contacted SteelSeries, and am awaiting for a reply.

Hi mikeygio and Urquart1244,

I had this response from SteelSeries (which may help you mikeygio):

“It is possible to use multiple Nimbus+ controllers with your device, however, our controller is not what defines which player you are. Upon pairing a Nimbus+ controller, you will see the first player LED lit, regardless of how many controllers you connect. This just means that the controller is connected to your device, and can be used to interact with your device (on tvOS - the full experience, on iOS/Mac - just gameplay). When a game is loaded and starts up multiplayer, it defines which controller is set to which player, or whether or not multiple controllers are allowed to be used for multiplayer gameplay. If this is the case, then the game will set the LED of the controller. If you need to know whether or not a game fully supports multiple controllers, it might be best to reach out to the developer of the game you are trying to play.

If you're having trouble getting both controllers working initiate turning on Apple TV with the Nimbus controller, not the Apple remote. Then once Apple TV is on, take all actions with the Nimbus and the other Nimbus.”

I tried this. It didn’t work for me.

I then tried connecting both Nimbus’ + to an iPad, and one of them kept unpairing. I called Apple Support, as had bought from Apple Store online, and they thought the controller was faulty. So I booked a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store. I took the troublesome controller in and swapped for a new Nimbus +.

I tested both controllers on an iPad in store, and they both worked. Got home, and both controllers pair to Apple TV.

My problem is now solved. Was a faulty Nimbus + controller.

Hope that helps.