How to play Jackbox games on a TV, whether you're using a gaming console, computer, or streaming device

• There are several ways you can play Jackbox games on a TV.
• You can download Jackbox on gaming consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch, or connect your mobile device or computer to a TV, or stream a game with services like Apple TV.
• You'll need to determine what devices a Jackbox game or party pack is compatible with before you choose how to connect it to your TV for gameplay.
• Additional apps and equipment like Chromecast or an HDMI cord may be necessary to play Jackbox games on your TV.

Jackbox, a purveyor of party games, is best seen on a TV for the excitement of watching your silly drawings, clever wit, and inside jokes play out on the big screen. And whether you realize it or not, you likely already have access to one of many methods available for playing a Jackbox party pack or standalone game on a TV.

But before you learn how to play through your TV, you'll want to confirm which games are compatible with your device. This will help you make the best decision setting up play through your big screen. To do this, just click on the game or party pack you want to purchase and scroll to the compatibility section beneath the game or pack's description. If you see your platform or device listed, you're ready to buy.

Once you've made your purchase, ensure you also have a device like another iPad, computer, or smartphone available to log into Jackbox.TV, as that's how you'll enter your answers, make your drawings, and vote on the best of the bunch each round.

Here's how you can play Jackbox on a TV.

How to play Jackbox on a TV with a gaming console

If you own a Nintendo Switch, Playstation 3, 4, or 5, Xbox One, or Xbox Series S/X, these consoles all support hosting some or all of the games in the Jackbox catalog through their respective stores. Download Jackbox games to your console and, if an HDMI cable is required, connect it from your TV to your console to play - just like you would with other games.

How to play Jackbox on a TV with a streaming device

Jackbox can also be played directly on Apple TV and iPad with the app version. To play the game on your iPad, you want to mirror it to your Apple TV using AirPlay. For iPad users with Google Home, you can also cast the game on your TV through the app's built-in mirroring tool.

Amazon Fire TV users can simply purchase the Jackbox app from Amazon and play straight from their TV, while Android TV users can also purchase the Jackbox app in the Google Play Store and start having fun through their compatible TVs.

How to play Jackbox on a TV with a computer

The Steam, Humble, and Fanatical gaming platforms all have Jackbox available to download for PC, Mac, and Linux users. Epic Games also offers Jackbox for PC and Mac devices. Once purchased, you'll be able to access the games from your purchase library.

To play games from these platforms on your TV, you'd just need to connect your computer to your TV with an HDMI cord, use screen-mirroring tools from AirPlay on your Mac, or cast from your Mac or PC with Chromecast.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• How to turn on AirPlay on a Mac computer, for screen mirroring on larger displays like an Apple or smart TV

• How to connect your Mac computer to a TV, and use a TV as a mirrored screen or second monitor

• 'What is Amazon Fire TV?': Everything you need to know about Amazon's media streaming devices

• 'What is Google Chromecast?': Everything you need to know about Google's smart streaming device

• What is Epic Games? Here's what you need to know about the game developer and distributor behind the success of 'Fortnite'