Rotten Apple TV Remote Alternative

Outrageously, I need a remote control that's compatible with my Apple TV. The Apple TV was a gift about two months ago. The remote never worked. We purchased Apple Care + and sent the remote back. They sent it right back (made a small scratch on the bottom to confirm what I have known about this thieving company for decades), of course not working.

I don't want to waste any more time and I have given away every other Apple product I owned, so I can't use a $1000 phone as the remote. Any suggestions?