To find games, either select Apps > Games from the main menu or press the mic button on your Fire TV remote and say “Search for game apps.”

How to Connect Your Game Controller

Before we get into the best games for Fire TV, here’s a quick tutorial on how to connect a game controller, which is necessary to play many titles.

While you can play some games using the Fire TV controller, it supports PlayStation and Xbox game controllers. It also supports many third-party console and PC gaming controllers (Nvidia Shield controllers currently don’t work, however). Even Wii controllers can be used on Fire TV with a USB dongle.

  • To connect a wired controller: Plug the controller into the USB port on the back of your Fire TV box.
  • To connect a Bluetooth controller: Go to Settings > Controllers & Bluetooth Devices > Game Controllers. Put your controller in pairing mode, and your Fire TV will find it.

Bluetooth is the only option available for Fire Stick games.

Pairing mode will vary based on the model of the controller, so check the manual.

SNES9x

You can play SNES games on your Fire TV. In fact, it’s the best gaming emulator available.

  • Plays the entire Super Nintendo catalog, if you have the game ROMs.

  • Compatible with most controllers.

  • Runs a little slow sometimes.

  • Video quality isn’t identical to the original system.

Here’s how to do it:

It’s only legal to play ROMs if you own a physical copy of the game.

Sideload SNES emulator to Fire TV

  • Install SNES9x and AGK Fire on your Android phone or tablet.
  • Open AGK Fire, enter your Firestick’s IP address (from Settings > Device > About > Network).
  • Tap SNES9x from app list.
  • On Fire TV, go to Settings > Applications > Manage Downloaded Applications > SNES9x > Open.

Load ROMs

  • Connect Fire TV to your PC through ADB.
  • Create a folder on your desktop named SNES-ROMS and place any ROMs you want to play in it.
  • Type adb shell mkdir /sdcard/ROMS-SNES to create the ROM folder on Fire TV.
  • Type adb push SNES-ROMS /sdcard/ROMS-SNES/ to copy ROMs from PC to Fire TV.
  • Open SNES9x from your Apps list on Fire TV and select ROMs to play.

Sonic CD

Originally released for Sega CD, Sonic CD on Fire TV is a true port in 16:9 widescreen with both the US and Japanese soundtracks. Team up with Tails and race through Never Like (and time itself) to collect rings and harness the power of Little Planet to collect Time Stones and stop Dr. Eggman.

  • Exhilarating, fast paced platforming action.

  • Branching paths provide plenty of replay value.

  • Time travel mechanic takes time to figure out.

  • The soundtrack’s tone isn’t consistent with other Sonic titles.

Final Fantasy VI

Originally released on SNES, Final Fantasy VI on Fire TV ports the original Square RPG game in all its glory. There are 14 playable characters, including Terra, Locke, Celes, and Edgar. Level up your party to recruit Espers and rebel against the Empire using a mix of magic and technology to save the World of Balance.

  • An epic story about love, war, and friendship.

  • Each character has a unique personality and skill set.

  • Requires a lot of level grinding to complete.

  • Old-school active-time battle system isn’t for everyone.

Stunt Extreme

Stunt Extreme is an original mobile game developed by Rendered Ideas for iOS and Android in 2015. Race your BMX bike against AI opponents while performing zany stunts to boost points. Both Career and Survival mode are available, and you can connect to Facebook to compete against your friends’ scores.

  • Easy for new gamers to pick up and play.

  • Vibrant level designs and character animations.

  • Playing with the Alexa remote can be tedious.

  • Easy to accidentally make in-app purchases.

Crazy Taxi

Crazy Taxi was originally an Arcade game published by Sega, although this version is ported from the Dreamcast version. Barrel through city traffic and drive like a maniac to collect fares and earn points in 3/5/10-minute matches. This is a great game to live out your craziest Uber or Lyft dreams while rocking out.

  • Captures the addictive gameplay of the original arcade version.

  • Includes extra levels and modes from the Dreamcast version.

  • Original soundtrack is missing.

  • Graphics are outdated.

PBA Bowling Challenge

Concrete Software teamed with the PBA to recreate 21 of the league’s best bowlers, hundreds of balls (each with unique stats), real tournaments, and more. Compete against bowling legends like Walter Ray Williams, Jr. and Mike Fagan using unique power-ups like Bomb Balls and Split Balls for an entertaining sports game experience on Fire TV.

  • Dozens of unlockable competitors, equipment, and lanes.

  • Realistic control scheme.

  • If you’re not a fan of bowling, this game won’t convert you.

  • No online or local multiplayer modes.

Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

When the evil witch Mizrabel kidnaps Minnie, Mickey Mouse journeys into the Castle of Illusion to rescue her. Disney’s classic Sega Genesis game plays great on Fire TV, complete with all five magical worlds, customizable costumes, and hidden challenges to keep you playing for hours.

  • Beautiful 3D graphics.

  • Filled with classic Disney charm.

  • May be too difficult for some players.

  • Controls aren’t as tight as the Genesis version.

Tetris Online

  • Easy for anyone to play.

  • Cool interface.

  • There are thousands of other ways to play Tetris.

  • Free trial ends after 10 rows.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

KOTOR is easily the most expansive game available for Fire TV. It’s an exact replica of BioWare’s Xbox version and will take up 2.1 GB of space. Those willing to weather the massive download will be treated to an epic Star Wars adventure, spanning eight iconic planets like Tatooine and Kashyyyk. Build your party and customize your lightsaber and Force powers to choose between the light and dark side four thousand years before the Galactic Empire takes over.

  • Original story expands on the Star Wars lore.

  • Play for the light side or the dark side.

  • Cutscenes look rough by today’s standards.

  • Occasional frame rate issues interrupt action.

Badland

  • Gorgeous levels entice you to keep playing.

  • Creative enemies and obstacles.

  • Frustratingly difficult at times.

  • Takes trial and error to overcome some challenges.

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