Netflix is preparing a new feature that could change how we entertain ourselves in the living room: play on TV using the phone as a remote controlWith no consoles, no extra accessories, and a social focus designed for anyone to join in from their couch, this offering will be launched on a massive scale during the 2025 holiday season.
The idea is that, from the Netflix app itself on your Smart TV, you'll find a tab dedicated to games and start playing instantly. Linking your mobile will be as simple as scanning a QR code. that appears on the screen, and that's it: each person controls it from their smartphone while the action is seen on TV, with a philosophy very similar to that of the well-known Jackbox titles.
How it works: from QR code to playing on the big screen
The connection mechanics are designed to minimize friction. You open the Netflix app on your TV, go to the "Games" tab, and choose a title.At that moment, the screen will display a QR code for you to scan with your phone and sync it as a remote control. You don't need any special consoles or peripherals, just your smartphone and the TV with the Netflix app.
Once paired, the phone acts as a controller: buttons and gestures appear on the mobile screen, while the game takes place on TV and several participants can joinIt's a perfect setup for quick games with friends and family, designed to make jumping in and out as straightforward as watching a TV show on a Friday night.
This proposal fits in with the line of cloud gaming tests that Netflix has conducted in recent years. The stated goal is to "create social experiences from the couch." and offer a type of accessible fun that doesn't depend on having dedicated gaming hardware at home.
To ensure accessibility, Netflix relies on intuitive controls and games with simple rules. The company emphasizes that taking advantage of devices you already have on hand (TV and mobile) reduces technical barriers and makes it easy for anyone to participate, regardless of whether they have experience with video games.
The first games available on TV
At launch, the selection will focus on titles ideal for group play. Netflix has confirmed five games designed for big screens. that inaugurate this modality and that will grow over time:
- LEGO Party!
- Boggle Party
- Pictionary: Game Night
- Tetris Time Warp
- Party Crashers: Fool Your Friends
In some communications, "Intruders" has been mentioned as the fifth title, reference that corresponds to Party Crashers: Fool Your FriendsIn any case, the initial catalog will be progressively expanded, with more compatible games being added after this first wave.
An important point: for those who already pay for Netflix, These games will be free, without ads and without in-app purchases.It's a notable difference from other console or PC party games that can cost several dozen euros, and which are included here for subscribers.
Beyond the specific titles, the company has defined four lines of development that will strengthen its offering: Children's games, party games, well-known licenses and our own productions (for example, universes like Stranger Things).
Compatible devices and supported ecosystem
The company has detailed that this experience works in a wide variety of televisions and players. Among the systems mentioned are Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, LG, Samsung, as well as others like Roku, Nvidia Shield, and Vizio Smart TV, with the intention of adding more over time.
On mobile, Compatibility covers iOS and AndroidQR code synchronization allows you to quickly link your smartphone to the gaming session on your TV. It's recommended that your phone and TV be connected to the same home network for a more stable experience.
Netflix has also given clues about its Netflix Game Controller app in mobile stores, a software that turns the smartphone into a controller prepared for these gamesThe company has indicated that full availability of the experience will be available "soon," in line with the global opening during the holiday season.
A relevant detail: Third-party controllers are not currently supported. for this experience on TVs, so control is focused on the phone or tablet as the primary device.
Beta on TVs and Netflix.com: countries and reach
Ahead of the global rollout, Netflix has been running a beta in multiple markets to refine its streaming and control technology. The gaming experience on TV and Netflix.com (Mac/PC) has been tested in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States., on a selection of supported devices.
If you see a row of games when browsing Netflix on your TV or on Netflix.com, means your account may be included in the beta program and your device is eligibleThe purpose of this phase is to ensure that the streaming is responsive and that using the phone as a controller offers low latency and good reliability.
On desktop, the experience runs from the browser on Netflix.com, while On TV, everything happens within the Netflix app.The beta game catalogs are small and focus on validating performance and usability before expanding to include features, devices, and countries.
Netflix has reiterated its medium-term intention to expand its reach across more screens and regions. The roadmap involves expanding compatibility, improving infrastructure, and bringing the service to more homes. maintaining the premise of simplicity and immediate access.
Step by step: link your phone and start playing
Getting started is simple and designed for anyone to do in seconds. These are the typical steps on a compatible TV:
- Open the Netflix app on your smart TV or media device.
- Go to the “Games” tab or the games row on the home screen.
- Choose the title you want and press “Play”.
- Scan the QR code that appears on the screen with your mobile phone.
- Follow the instructions to pair your phone as a remote.
Once paired, you'll be able to control the game from your mobile. It is not mandatory to log in to Netflix from your phone. To work as a controller, the session is linked to the game playing on the TV. However, an active subscription is required on the TV.
If you have multiple participants, each can scan the QR code and enter with their mobile phone. The action is seen entirely on the big screen and each player interacts from their device., which enhances the social component and party game type matches.
Remember that the games included in this mode do not require additional downloads to the TV. The approach is based on streaming and control from your mobile, so that the start-up is as agile as possible.
In some cases, if the game is not yet available for TV but is available on mobile, Netflix offers a QR code to download it on your smartphone.. So you can try it on your phone until the TV version arrives.
Controls and how to exit the game on each platform
The primary controller will be your phone or tablet, with contextual controls appearing on the screen. To exit the game on TVs using mobile, press the Netflix button on the virtual controller and choose “Quit Game.”
If you prefer to use the physical remote control of the TV, You can press the "Back" button and select "Exit Game"Both options are designed to help you exit the session quickly and without losing any information.
On Netflix.com (browser), You can press Shift+Tab and click "Quit Game"If you're controlling with your phone, the Netflix button on the virtual controller will also allow you to end the game from your computer.
Navigation between menus and the game interface is designed to be straightforward. Netflix aims to make the experience as comfortable as browsing its series catalog., with a minimal learning curve.
Maintenance, errors and troubleshooting
As with any evolving service, there may be periods of maintenance. If you see the message "Games are currently unavailable" or you notice a title missing from your row, temporary changes or fixes may be being applied.
When issues occur, try closing and reopening the Netflix app, Check the network connection on your TV and mobile, and check for updates. from the TV system and the app. If the problem persists, try again later.
Netflix invites users to submit comments and reports to improve the service. You can share feedback at the end of a game session. from the mobile phone you used as a controller or with a keyboard and mouse on your computer, and you can also contact support if you need additional help.
Please note that this feature was launched as a beta experience in several markets. Some behaviors or small failures are normal at this stage., and the platform progressively corrects them thanks to community reports.
Privacy: What data is collected when playing on TV?
In addition to what is stated in the Netflix Privacy Statement, the company reports that, When you play games on TV or Netflix.com, data is recorded from your app, device, and Netflix account. (if logged in) used to play.
If you use a mobile phone as a remote control, Game actions are linked to the Netflix account with which the game was started on the TVThis information is used in accordance with the privacy policy, to operate the service, improve your experience, and ensure proper use.
The platform also clarifies that, in the process of pairing the mobile as a remote control, It is not necessary to share account data on the phonePairing focuses on the current session on the TV, reducing latency and simplifying user management.
If you're concerned about the security of your digital home, it's a good idea to periodically review the devices logged into your account. You can close unrecognized sessions and update passwords when necessary, maintaining control of your access.
Netflix's strategy: social, multiplatform, and console-free
This movement is part of a broad roadmap: Children's games, party games, major licenses and original properties These are the pillars with which Netflix wants to consolidate its interactive offering.
Co-CEO Greg Peters summed it up nicely: “We want to create experiences that bring people together from the couch.” The premise is that playing is as simple as watching a movie., with the immediacy of streaming and mobile as a universal tool.
Alain Tascan, head of the video game division, has insisted on the long-term focus: "Our goal is to create something that truly brings people together."To achieve this, Netflix has invested in infrastructure, servers, and latency improvements to support cloud gaming and real-time controller responsiveness.
For years, the company has been testing cloud gaming in several countries and expanding its mobile catalog. It even launched the "Netflix Game Controller" app as a preview of the controller on the phone., reinforcing the idea that gaming will be an integrated part of its ecosystem, not a separate service that competes with the traditional console.
Mike Verdu, vice president of gaming, framed the proposal as an added value: It does not intend to replace consoles, but rather to offer a different model. with easy access on any screen where you already use Netflix.
How is this different from screencasting or using your phone as a remote control?
Until now, many users already connected their mobile phone to the TV to watch content or use the phone as a remote. The novelty here is that the mobile becomes the game controller and the game runs natively. in the Netflix app on your TV or on Netflix.com, without mirroring your smartphone screen.
Netflix reminds you that you can connect your Android or Apple device to many televisions, whether to play content or to use it as a remote controlHowever, in this new proposal, the mobile phone doesn't send video to the TV: it acts as a controller while the TV processes and displays the game.
The practical difference is that you don't have to rely on your phone's performance to run the game on the big screen. The mobile only manages inputs (touches, gestures) and the TV takes care of the rest., something key to maintaining a stable multiplayer experience.
If you don't see the games tab on your TV yet, it may be because the feature is still popping up. Netflix indicates that the integration is coming gradually., so it will appear on more devices and regions as the calendar progresses.
Requirements, availability and cost
To play on TV with your mobile as a remote control you need a Smart TV or compatible streaming device and an active Netflix subscriptionOn the phone, iOS or Android are valid, and QR linking speeds up access.
In the global launch planned for the 2025 holidays, The games will be free for subscribers, with no ads or additional purchases, and international availability. This fits with the strategy of strengthening the value of the subscription without increasing complexity.
For now, the use of other controllers is not supported in this experience. If you enjoy playing with a physical controller, you'll have to wait for future updates or continue enjoying Netflix titles on mobile, where the catalog is already extensive.
If you see the game queue on your TV or on Netflix.com, it means your account and device are probably ready to play. Otherwise, just wait for the function to finish deploying. in your region and model of TV or media player.
During rehearsals and deployment, there may be periods of maintenance or technical testing. The platform will communicate these periods with on-screen messages., such as the temporary game unavailability warning, so you can try again later.
The interesting thing about this proposal is that it reduces the need to purchase additional hardware to zero: no console, no controllers, no games with extra costEverything is integrated into the subscription and the ecosystem of devices already used by millions of homes.
Netflix's approach combines accessibility, social gaming, and cross-platform distribution so any subscriber can go from watching a series to playing a game with friends in a matter of seconds. With the first five titles ready, broad compatibility and a QR code matching process, the company seeks to position itself as a comprehensive home entertainment center that brings together series, movies, and video games in one place.
