When it’s the perfect storm for an unforgettable night of gaming with family and friends, don’t go looking for extra controllers, no expensive gaming systems—just your everyday smartphone teamed up with your TV. This new way of gaming is accessible, social, and incredibly fun. Whether you’re hosting a family game night or hanging out with friends, using your phone as a controller transforms casual gaming into an event. And guess what? There’s no shortage of amazing, free games to play on TV with the phone as a controller!
Why Play Games on TV with Your Phone as Controller?
We’re living in an era where convenience and accessibility are everything. Smartphones are already an essential part of our daily lives, so why not use them for gaming too? Instead of buying extra controllers or fiddling with complicated setups, using your phone allows more people to join the fun with less hassle. Plus, it’s intuitive—it feels natural to tap or swipe on your touchscreen.
But it’s not just about convenience. Playing games with your phone as a controller transforms regular TV time into a shared experience. Everyone gets involved, whether you’re tackling puzzles, racing to win, or answering trivia questions on the fly. It’s affordable, immersive, and packed with possibilities for endless fun.
Best Games to Play on TV with Phone as Controller
Here’s a curated list of exciting games that perfectly blend easy accessibility, multiplayer madness, and memorable moments. All you need is a compatible TV and your phone—fun guaranteed!
1. Jackbox Party Pack Series
- Genre: Party Game, Trivia, Puzzle
- Quick Hook: Hilarious, creative, and chaotic—a blend of trivia, wordplay, and outlandish drawing challenges.
Features:
- Streaming Friendly.
- Multiple language support.
- Humor and Creativity.
Phone Controller Setup: After purchasing and opening the game on your TV or gaming system, players visit jackbox.tv on their phones, enter a simple game code, and voila! Phones become the controllers.
Player Count: 2 to 8 players (depending on the mini-game).
📱Why It’s a Great Pick: The Jackbox Party Pack collection is a favorite at parties for a reason, and a fantastic example of games to play on TV with phone as controller. The games are easy to learn, ridiculously funny, and designed to spark creativity and laughter. Whether you’re drawing terrible (but funny) doodles in Drawful or answering absurd prompts in Quiplash, it’s always a good time. Plus, there’s something for everyone in the variety of games offered across different “packs.”
2. Just Dance Now
- Genre: Rhythm/Music/Dance
- Quick Hook: Dance your heart out with friends using your phone as the most dynamic controller!
Features:
- Cross-Platform Compatibility.
- Internet Dependency.
- Daily challenges.
Phone Controller Setup: Download the Just Dance Now app on your phone, connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi as your TV, and use motion tracking on your phone to mimic your dance moves.
Player Count: Unlimited (but more fun with groups of 2–6 dancers).
📱Why It’s a Great Pick: Just Dance Now is perfect for energetic, movement-based fun. Whether you’re grooving to top-chart hits or nostalgic classics, this game gets everyone on their feet. What makes it shine is how inclusive it is—no gaming knowledge is required, just a willingness to embrace the chaos of dancing like nobody’s watching.
3. BuzzerQuiz
- Genre: Trivia/Quiz Game
- Quick Hook: Test your knowledge across endless categories, with your smartphone acting as your personal buzzer.
Features:
- Speed and Reaction.
- Electronic Buzzers.
- Question Variety.
Phone Controller Setup: Use the app or web browser to sync your phone with the TV. Questions appear on the big screen; players buzz in using their phones to answer them.
Player Count: 2–10 players.
📱Why It’s a Great Pick: This trivia game, a perfect example of games to play on TV with phone as controller, is excellent for group gatherings, combining competitive thinking with fast reflexes. Trivia categories range from pop culture to science, so there’s something for everyone. It’s a blast watching someone buzz in confidently—only to get stumped seconds later!
4. AirConsole
- Genre: Mixed Mini-Games (Arcade/Puzzle/Quiz)
- Quick Hook: A treasure chest of free party games with your phone as the controller.
Features:
- Developer Tools.
- Web-Based Platform.
- Game Variety.
Phone Controller Setup: Visit airconsole.com on your TV, activate a game session, and use your smartphone as a responsive controller.
Player Count: 2 to 8 players (depending on the game).
📱Why It’s a Great Pick: AirConsole is like opening Pandora’s box (in the best way). From competitive games like Karts (a fun racing mini-game) to cooperative adventures, it has something for every mood. The platform offers a mix of paid and free games, making it perfect for a spontaneous game night. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to set up—and no app installations are needed for some games!
5. Trivia Murder Party (Jackbox Party Pack)
- Genre: Trivia/Survival Horror (Party Game)
- Quick Hook: A darkly humorous trivia game where wrong answers could result in hilariously macabre “deaths.”
Features:
- Dark Humor.
- Ghostly Afterlife.
- Minigames of Death.
Phone Controller Setup: Like other Jackbox games, which are excellent examples of games to play on TV with phone as controller, it uses jackbox.tv to sync your phone to the screen with a game code.
Player Count: Up to 8 players.
📱Why It’s a Great Pick: It’s trivia with a sinister twist. The stakes feel high, but the humor keeps everything lighthearted (despite the “murder” part). If you’re a fan of slightly weird, quirky games, this one will have you laughing and shouting your way to the final round.
6. Kahoot!
- Genre: Quiz-based Learning/Trivia
- Quick Hook: Make learning (or showing off random knowledge) fun with DIY quizzes or pre-made trivia challenges.
- Features:
- Team Mode.
- Game-Based Learning.
- Interactive Quizzes.
Phone Controller Setup: Use the Kahoot! App or browser. The TV displays the questions, while players use their phones to select the correct options.
Player Count: 2 to 50+ players (great for classrooms or large gatherings!).
📱Why It’s a Great Pick: Whether it’s a family-sized game night or a classroom gathering, Kahoot! Makes trivia interactive and incredibly fun. What’s cool is the ability to customize your quizzes, so you can make them as silly or serious as you like.
Setting Up Phone-Controlled TV Gaming
If you’re new to this type of gaming, don’t worry—it’s super simple to set up. Here are some quick tips:
- Connection Methods: Use Smart TVs, Chromecast, or streaming devices like Amazon Fire Stick or Roku for compatibility.
- Apps/Websites: Games like AirConsole or Jackbox require no complicated setups—just a shared internet connection between your devices will do the trick.
- Wi-Fi: Make sure your phone and TV are on the same network for smooth gaming.
No special skills are needed—just grab your phone, follow the prompts, and dive in!
Conclusion
Gaming together has never been this easy—or this much fun! With just a smartphone, your TV becomes the ultimate hub for party games, trivia, and dance-offs. There’s something magical about laughing over busted dance moves, answering impossible trivia questions, and watching your friends scramble to win, especially when playing games to play on TV with your phone as a controller. So grab your phones, gather your loved ones, and get ready to unleash a night of unforgettable memories. With these games, the living room just became your very own gaming paradise.
Do these games require specific phones (iPhone or Android)?
Most of the games are cross-platform and work with both Android and iOS. Always check your app store to verify compatibility.
Can these games be played offline?
While most games require an internet connection to sync with the TV, some (like AirConsole) may offer limited offline options.
Are these games beginner-friendly?
Absolutely! These games are designed to be intuitive and accessible, perfect for all skill levels—even if you’ve never gamed before.
Do I need extra devices, like a gaming console, to play?
Not at all! A Smart TV or streaming device paired with your phone is all you need for most of these games. Some work purely online using a web browser.
