Using Wireless Controller On Mac For Gaming

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Gaming on the Mac isn't as big as on PC, but there's still some great games out there for Apple computers. In some cases you'll be OK using a keyboard and mouse, but for a lot of people, kicking back and using a controller is the way to game.

If that sounds like you and you're looking for a good controller, look no further. Here's what to get.

Xbox One controller

We’ve previously covered a number of ways in which you can play games on your Mac but if, like me, you prefer to use a controller than the keyboard and mouse, help is at hand. In this tutorial we show you how you can set up and use a game controller with your Mac. May 06, 2013 How to connect game controllers to your Mac. Once the gaming controller is connected, you can use one of several software driver packages to configure its inputs. Which should work for.

You can't just plug and play the Xbox One controller on the Mac, but getting it working really doesn't take much effort. And when it's up and running you'll have one of the best controller experiences on any platform right there for your Mac games.

The Xbox One controller isn't all that expensive and has an offset design for its thumbsticks which many find much more comfortable than Sony's side-by-side arrangement. It's a great size, not too heavy and has nice big bumpers and triggers.

The standard black controller is around $45, but there are a ton of special edition designs out there for various prices that might be more to your liking.

Sony DualShock 4

While the Xbox One controller is preferable for many, others swear by Sony's DualShock 4. It's a very different design but equally proficient in its own right for Mac gaming. Again, it's not exactly plug and play, but the process of making sure it's working properly is very simple.

The DualShock 4 is very comfortable in the hand with great triggers and bumpers, albeit both a little smaller than on something like an Xbox controller. The biggest difference is the side-by-side analog sticks.

It's lightweight so it's great for long gaming sessions, and Sony also has an official adapter to allow you to use it with your Mac wirelessly, though they can be hard to find. But for around $50, this is another great controller and it works perfectly with Steam.

Steam Controller

Using Wireless Controller On Mac For Gaming Windows 10

Steam is more commonly associated with PC gaming but there's still a decent supply of Mac compatible games in there. If this is where you get most of your games from, them the official Steam Controller might be the one for you, and it has full, official Mac support.

It's a bit unusual compared to many controllers, thanks in no small part to the touchpad which you find where you might expect one of the analog sticks. The Steam Controller has been designed so you can play keyboard and mouse games comfortably with a controller.

There's a bit of a learning curve, but when you get used to it it's just as easy to use as any other controller. It sells for $50 but Valve is frequently discounting it, so there's always a chance of a bargain if you can wait until the next sale.

Using Wireless Controller On Mac For Gaming Computer

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Using wireless controller on mac for gaming windows 10

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Connect your wireless controller to play supported games from Apple Arcade or the App Store, navigate your Apple TV, and more.

Get started

  • Starting with iOS 13, iPadOS 13, tvOS 13, and macOS Catalina, Apple devices and computers support pairing with and using Xbox and PlayStation wireless game controllers.
  • If you need to update the firmware on your controller, check with your game controller manufacturer.
  • Check that you’re in range of your device and there isn’t interference in the area.

See which wireless controllers are supported

  • Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth (Model 1708)
  • PlayStation DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller
  • MFi (Made for iOS) Bluetooth controllers, like the SteelSeries Nimbus, Horipad Ultimate, and more may be supported.

Pair or unpair a controller with your iOS device

  1. Begin with your controller turned off. Then to put your controller in pairing mode:
    • With an Xbox Wireless Controller, press the Xbox button to turn on the controller. Then press and hold the Connect button for a few seconds.
    • With a DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller, press and hold the PS and Share buttons at the same time until the light bar begins to flash.
  2. On your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, tap Settings.
  3. Select Bluetooth and check that it's turned on.
    • To pair, find the name of your controller under Other Devices. Tap the name to connect.
    • To unpair, tap Information next to the name of the device, then tap Forget This Device.

Pair or unpair a controller with your Apple TV

  1. Begin with your controller turned off. Then to put your controller in pairing mode:
    • With an Xbox Wireless Controller, press the Xbox button to turn on the controller. Then press and hold the Connect button for a few seconds.
    • With a DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller, press and hold the PS and Share buttons at the same time until the light bar begins to flash.
  2. On your Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
  3. Wait while your Apple TV searches for nearby Bluetooth Accessories.
    • To pair, select the name of your controller. You'll know that your controller is connected when a notification that says Controller Connected briefly appears on your TV.
    • To unpair, select the name of your controller, then select Unpair Device. You'll see a notification on your TV that says Controller Connection Lost.

Pair or unpair a controller with your Mac

  1. Begin with your controller turned off. Then to put your controller in pairing mode:
    • With an Xbox Wireless Controller, press the Xbox button to turn on the controller. Then press and hold the Connect button for a few seconds.
    • With a DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller, press and hold the PS and Share buttons at the same time until the light bar begins to flash.
  2. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences.
  3. Click Bluetooth and check that it's turned on.
  4. Find the name of your controller under Devices.
    • To pair, Control-click the name of your controller, then click Connect.
    • To unpair, Control-click the name of your controller, then click Remove.

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If your controller won't connect or doesn't work as expected

Pro Gaming Controllers

  • Unpair it, then pair it again. If you still can't pair or connect, get help pairing your Bluetooth accessory to your iOS device.
  • If your DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller pairs but then you see a Connection Unsuccessful notification, press the PS button in the middle of the controller and wait for it to connect.
  • Make sure that you're not trying to connect too many Bluetooth accessories at once. Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD support up to two controllers at once, and other Bluetooth limits vary by device.
  • Some controller functions aren't supported when paired with an Apple device, including the controller's audio jack. Contact Apple Support for more details.