’s Android TV ambitions are big. doesn’t just want you using the Nexus ayer or other Android TV devices as a glorified Chromecast, streaming content from your phone (though you can certainly do that). It wants to build a big ecosystem of apps games on your TV.

even partnered with Asus to make a dedicated gaming controller which is for sale in the ay Store.

Fortunately, you don’t need it to get in on the action—the included remote works as a game controller. us, it’s hard to justify dropping $40 on an accessory when the Nexus ayer itself is $100. Of course, some games play better than others with simple controls offered by the remote.

So we’ve pulled together the best games that pair well with the remote, which does an admirable job. 

There aren’t a ton of titles yet, but the best among the ones I tried show Android TV has promise as a gaming platform. If you have a Nexus ayer or are interested in the future of Android TV, check out our list for the best remote-friendly games it has to offer.

One of the best Android mobile games is also a top choice for Android TV. Badl succeeds because the play is just as simple on the bigger screen as your phone or tablet: there’s only one button to worry about.

You control a spherical creature who must navigate a darkened obstacle course, saving your smaller friends. Each button press pushes him up along. You have to be careful to not get smashed by all the hurdles. 

Unfortunately it doesn’t have a multiplayer mode, which is quite fun on a tablet. But it’s still great fun. Even better: as with most Android games if you bought the mobile version once it’s free to download for your Nexus ayer.

Badl ($3.99)

The controls are admittedly a little wonky, but I just couldn’t stop playing this version of c-Man.  

It’s the classic as you know love; to play you use the large, circular button on the remote as a multi-directional control.

I found at times c-Man would not respond as fast as he should to the movement of the controls. But if you anticiapte a little, it’s easy to overcome. 

The ghosts start out rather slow, so it’s pretty easy to get deep into the different levels of the game. If you’re a fan of c-Man, it’s definitely worth grabbing.

c-Man (Free)

There are plenty of good racing games on Android, but for some reason I had not come across this one. Table Top Racing is pretty addicting. It’s a clever concept: you control toy cars that are engaged in a race atop tables other home furniture.

You use the directional button as a steering wheel the button inside of it as a power booster. It’s pretty easy to get addicted to – it just made me wish the remote was motion-controlled like a i.

Table Top Racing emium ($1.29)

Don’t let the game’s quirky name turn you away. Orborun is a lot of fun, as long as you don’t mind a little bit of frustration. 

You control an Armadillidiidae (often called a roly-poly) type of robot who rolls his way through an obstacle course that looks like it was in Tron. The directional control works well for keeping him on the course, but it’s the jumps you have to worry about. 

You’ll need to learn to approach them from the right angle as the ling point is often several degrees away in a different direction. It takes some work, but it’s the kind of challenge that kept me trying it again again.

Orborun ($2.39)

at makes Red Bull Air Race fun is you the balance betwen speed control while zipping through the air. Your racing plane must fly through hoops other targets while meeting speed goals to continue racing at higher levels. 

This keeps it from being just a monotonous game of flying around in circles. There are also several different venues, some of which you may recognize if you follow the world of air racing. You can take on the top pilots customize your plane – with plenty of in-app upgrade options, of course.

Red Bull Air Race: The Game (Free)

This is a great way to blow off some steam – power a super hungry shark through the ocean to munch on humans sea creatures.

You move him with the round directional control, which works pretty well in this instance. Keep an eye on the meter that indicates when you’re running out of energy need to start snacking on sea creatures or those pesky swimmers.

Eat enough power through enough levels you’ll be able to upgrade your shark, with the possibility of becoming a Great ite.

Hungry Shark Evolution (Free)

This plays like a hybrid of Star Fox Comm  1942. Your fighting ship must blast through aliens who come at you with a variety of different ships.

The gunfire smartly is automatic, so you can focus on controlling the ship with the remote deploying specialty weapons. The game oddly starts by throwing you right into the action. Once you bite the dust you’re pushed to the beginning of the game, where you can get an overview of the ship choices other add-ons that you can work your way toward.

Sky Force 2014 TV (Free)