SketchParty TV in IOS

The drawing game for Apple TV!

Walkthrough, Guilds, Tips on this special game

Our Site Score

94/100

SketchParty TV is the gold standard for Apple TV party games. It effectively turns your living room into a Pictionary-style studio. One person draws on the iPad, and the drawing appears in real-time on the TV for everyone else to guess. It sounds simple, but the execution is flawless. The brush engine is smooth, and the built-in word lists are varied enough to keep things fresh for years.

The real genius is in the team-based competition. It manages the timer, the scoring, and the turn-taking so you don't have to. It’s one of the few games that justifies owning an Apple TV, as it creates a social, high-energy environment that 'pass-and-play' games simply can't match. It’s an essential purchase for family gatherings or game nights with friends.

Reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026
Dinsun Avatar

Dinsun Review

I usually hate 'party games' because they’re usually just excuses for people to be loud and annoying, but SketchParty TV is actually useful. It solves the biggest problem with drawing games: the setup. No paper, no dry-erase markers that don't work, just an iPad and a TV. The AirPlay integration is surprisingly smooth, with minimal lag between the pen stroke and the screen.

My conservative side appreciates that it’s a 'buy once' game. No microtransactions for 'word packs,' no subscription to play with friends. It’s just a solid, well-engineered tool for a family gathering. The UI is clean and doesn't get in the way. However, if you don't have an Apple TV or a way to mirror your screen, this is literally useless. It's also entirely dependent on the quality of your drawingβ€”there are no 'in-game' mechanics to help you. It’s a digital version of a board game, and while it does that perfectly, it doesn't try to be anything more. It’s a tool, not a creative revolution.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

  • Seamless AirPlay and Apple TV integration
  • Zero microtransactions or ads
  • Excellent word lists and team management
  • Requires specific hardware (Apple TV) to be worthwhile
  • No online multiplayer support
  • Very basic art tools

Technical Report

Performance: Extremely dependent on Wi-Fi stability. AirPlay lag is minimal on 5GHz networks.

Accessibility:
  • Adjustable turn timers
  • Kid-friendly word lists
  • Simple, high-contrast UI

Audience Fit

Buy if: You frequently host game nights and own an Apple TV.

Skip if: You don't have a TV setup or want a single-player experience.

Similar Games:
  • Draw Something
  • Jackbox Party Pack
  • Pictionary

Reviewer Context

  • Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old male, hyper-critical conservative gamer
  • Hardware: iPad Pro + Apple TV 4K
  • Playtime: 20 hours
  • Status: Used at multiple social gatherings

The Game

Available on: Apple TV, iPhone, iPad

Version 5.2.1Tue Dec 23 2025

Fixes an issue with connecting the TV app after setting up your teams.

Bug fixes and performance improvements.


"If you like Pictionary but hate cleaning up all those scraps of paper, SketchParty TV is the game for you." - Macworld

Note: This app requires an iPhone or iPad to play.

NEW! Apple TV 4K support. Dark Mode. Redesigned game screen. Time bonuses. And more. Featured in WWDC '16 keynote!

A MUST-HAVE PARTY GAME

SketchParty TV is the fun Pictionary-style drawing and guessing party game to play on your Apple TV!

You could buy an easel, a huge pad of paper, and some markers, then write down a really long list of words and make up some rules and try and keep track of points and get marker smudges all over your furniture. But who wants to do that?

OR!

You could play a fun drawing game using items you already have around the house, like your iPad or iPhone, high-definition television, and Apple TV. Just open the app on your device, tap Join Game, choose sides, and start a SketchParty. It's so simple!

A TRULY SOCIAL GAME

SketchParty TV is a team game like Pictionary or "Win, Lose or Draw", and up to 8 players per team can join in on the fun. That's a pretty big party! And it's fun for ages 8 and up. (Note: only one iPad or iPhone is needed to play.)

Gather up your family, call your friends, and play SketchParty today!

GAMEPLAY REQUIREMENTS

Note: SketchParty TV requires either the latest version of the companion iOS app OR can be played using AirPlay Mirroring, Apple's AV adapter, or a Mac/PC app like Reflector. (See SketchParty.tv for list of compatible devices.)

AS SEEN ON

As seen on ABC, CNET, Fortune, Techcrunch, Gotta Be Mobile, Mashable, MacStories, iMore, Touch Arcade, 148Apps, The Loop, and more. SketchParty TV is an Engadget/TUAW and Mac|Format Magazine Editor's Choice app.

WHAT THE PRESS IS SAYING

"SketchParty TV is an extremely fun app, built to entertain friends and family members for hours on end." - CNET

"It's ingenious, executed to perfection and a huge amount of fun for groups." - Engadget

"If you own an Apple TV, you need to own SketchParty TV." - GottaBeMobile

"One of the best iOS party games." - iMore

"SketchParty TV is a real gem." - MacStories

"If you like Pictionary but hate cleaning up all those scraps of paper, SketchParty TV is the game for you." - Macworld

"There are some games, like SketchParty TV, that really sing on the Apple TV." - Mashable

"SketchParty TV really shines. Huge family fun." - Sixcolors

"SketchParty TV is a great way to get the whole family involved together in a fun game." - TWiT


Requires iOSΒ 16.6 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPodΒ touch.

SketchParty TV turns your TV into the ultimate party game! Pass-and-Play together on the big screen.

"If you like Pictionary but hate cleaning up all those scraps of paper, SketchParty TV is the game for you." - Macworld

SketchParty TV is the fun Pictionary-style drawing and guessing party game to play on your iPad and Apple TV! As seen in a WWDC keynote!

A MUST-HAVE PARTY GAME

You could buy an easel, a huge pad of paper, and some markers, then write down a really long list of words and make up some rules and try and keep track of points and get marker smudges all over your furniture. But who wants to do that?

OR!

You could play a fun drawing game using items you already have around the house, like your iPad, high-definition television, and Apple TV. Just enable AirPlay Mirroring, choose sides, and start a SketchParty. It's so simple!

A TRULY SOCIAL GAME

SketchParty TV is a team game like Pictionary or "Win, Lose or Draw", and up to 8 players per team can join in on the fun. That's a pretty big party! And it's fun for ages 8 and up.

Gather up your family, call your friends, and play SketchParty today!

GAMEPLAY REQUIREMENTS

Note: SketchParty TV requires an AirPlay Mirroring-capable device and either SketchParty TV running on the 4th generation Apple TV or an Apple TV 2 or later to play. SketchParty TV can also be played using Apple's AV adapter or a Mac/PC app like Reflector. (See http://SketchPartyTV.com for device compatibility.)

AS SEEN ON

Engadget/TUAW and Mac|Format Magazine Editor's Choice app. As seen on ABC, Macworld, Fortune, Mashable, Techcrunch, Gotta Be Mobile, MacStories, iMore, Touch Arcade, 148Apps, The Loop, and more.

WHAT THE PRESS IS SAYING

"SketchParty TV is an extremely fun app, built to entertain friends and family members for hours on end." - CNET

"It's ingenious, executed to perfection and a huge amount of fun for groups." - Engadget

"If you own an Apple TV, you need to own SketchParty TV." - GottaBeMobile

"One of the best iOS party games." - iMore

"SketchParty TV is a real gem." - MacStories

"If you like Pictionary but hate cleaning up all those scraps of paper, SketchParty TV is the game for you." - Macworld

"There are some games, like SketchParty TV, that really sing on the Apple TV." - Mashable

"SketchParty TV really shines. Huge family fun." - Sixcolors

"SketchParty TV is a great way to get the whole family involved together in a fun game." - TWiT

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Made by Matt Braun | magnate interactive


Ratings & Reviews

4.7 out of 5 with 1423 Counts
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Age Rating 4+

Screenshots

SketchParty TV screenshot 1SketchParty TV screenshot 2SketchParty TV screenshot 3SketchParty TV screenshot 4SketchParty TV screenshot 5SketchParty TV screenshot 6SketchParty TV screenshot 7SketchParty TV screenshot 8SketchParty TV screenshot 9SketchParty TV screenshot 10SketchParty TV screenshot 11

SketchParty TV is the ultimate drawing and guessing game. Using AirPlay or an HDMI adapter, you can turn your TV into a canvas. Two teams compete to see who can guess the most sketches before time runs out. With over 1,000 words across multiple difficulty levels, it's a social experience that everyone from kids to grandparents will love.

Features

1

Apple TV and AirPlay support

2

Over 1,000 built-in words

3

Customizable team names and colors

4

Retina-ready drawing tools

Tips

Promotion Videos

SketchParty TV 4.0 for Apple TV - YouTube

Related Videos

Recommended Links

SketchParty TV Official Website

The main site for support and setup instructions.

Official

News on this game

SketchParty TV drawing game for iPhone and iPad now has a free version

Magnate Interactive has released a free version of SketchParty TV, its fun drawing game for the iPhone and iPad that uses AirPlay to let you play the game on...

iMore - Sun Apr 29 2018

SketchParty TV for iPad is Pictionary on Steroids With AirPlay

SketchParty TV is a fun iPad party game that combines AirPlay Mirroring with Pictionary style gameplay for pass and play drawing fun.

Gotta Be Mobile - Wed Aug 29 2012

SketchParty TV by Magnate Interactive Ltd

SketchParty TV is the fun Pictionary-style drawing and guessing party game to play on your iPad and Apple TV.

AppAdvice - Wed Jan 29 2014

Gameplays

Q&A

You need an Apple TV or a Mac/PC running AirPlay receiver software, as the game is designed for a 'Big Screen' experience.

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