When it comes to controllers, the Xbox One controller is regarded as one of the best ones out there. With the textured grip that has curves that slip into your palms comfortably, clicky durable buttons, and a sophisticated vibration system, who doesn't want to enhance their gaming experience with the Xbox One controller? After all, sometimes you tend to prefer a nice controller for gaming rather than the traditional keyboard and mouse. The Xbox One is tempting too, with its sleek, streamlined design, custom button mapping and up to twice the wireless range. But what if you want to use the Xbox One controller for gaming on a Mac, and do not know how to connect it to your Mac?
- Most standard controllers seem to work, but as with other games, there are rare reports of certain controllers not working. Expand to see if your Mac run it System Requirements: 64-bit Systems only, OS 10.10, 2.2 GHz Dual Core Processor, 2 GB RAM, 512 MB graphics card or better, 350 MB hard drive space.
- Mac OS X has limited support for playing games, thus the support for Game controllers i.e Gamepad & joysticks is limited too. But you may want to connect your PS2/PS3 or Xbox 360 gamepad / joystick controller to Play games on Mac for playing games or performing mouse or keyboard actions.
Now that you know how to pair a controller, try one out with some of the best games suited for controllers found on Apple Arcade and throughout the App Store, like these great picks.
For a Mac gamer who wants to use a controller as good as the Xbox One Controller to play games, it can be quite confusing as to how would one connect the controller to their Mac. But don't worry! Outlined below is an easy explanation to use your Xbox One Controller on a Mac Computer. Start reading!
Contents
- 1 Steps to Connect your Xbox One Controller to Mac
Steps to Connect your Xbox One Controller to Mac
Xbox One is a wireless controller, true, but instead of Bluetooth, it implements Microsoft's own proprietary wireless connectivity system. Because of this, it is not possible to use your Xbox One controller on the Mac wirelessly, by Bluetooth or the wireless adapter (MacOS does not support functionality for it yet).
However, you can use Xbox controller on Mac OS with the help of a micro-USB cable. Along with that, you will also require third-party drivers and configuration. The steps are easy, so follow them and let's get started!
1. Installing the Third-Party Drivers
- Open your Web Browser
- Follow the link given below for the 360 Controller Driver:
- https://github.com/360Controller/360Controller/releases
- Download the latest release of 360Controller that is available on the GitHub link. As of this article, the latest release is 360 Controller 0.16.10.
- Before you begin the installation, save your files or other ongoing tasks or work as your Mac Computer will be restarted as part of the installation process of Xbox 360 Controller Driver.
- The .dmg file 360Controllerinstall_*.dmg will be present in the downloads folder. Double click to open it, and open the pkg file.
- Click on continue. Then click continue to Agree to the License Agreement present in front of you (Go through it if you want). Then click install.
- You will be prompted to restart your Computer to continue installing the software, as mentioned before. Click on Continue Installation.
- Click on Restart. Your Mac will be restarted.
- After restarting, open System Preferences. You will now find Xbox 360 Controllers among the icons at the bottom. Click to open it.
- It will display ‘No devices Found' if your controller is not connected.
- The next step will be connecting your controller.
2. Connecting the Controller
- Plug in the Xbox One controller in the Mac. For the latest MacBook/MacBook Pro, use the USB-C to USB-A
- A System Extension Blocked warning might pop up. Click OK.
- In System Preferences, go to Security and Privacy. Open the General tab, and click on the lock in the lower left. Enter your password to Unlock.
- Click Allow.
3. Testing the Connection
- You can test if your controller is functioning properly with the Mac in the Controllers Test
- When your controller is connected and you press buttons on it, the image on the controller will respond. Test the buttons and check if they show up on the Preference pane. After checking all the buttons, you can be sure that the Xbox One controller is now functioning properly with your Mac.
4. Time to Put the Controller to Use
Your controller is Connected! Run your favorite Mac Games and start playing with the Xbox One Controller!
Configuring Xbox Controller on your Macbook
After your xbox 360 or xbox one controller has been connected, you can optionally set some changes according to your wish.
- On the front page, you can invert the X or Y axis of the controller, for both the left and the right stick. For example, in-game, if you press the joystick upwards the camera will move downwards. This is preferable to some Users.
- In the Binding tab, you can also link each control to a custom or default function, as per your desire. (Warning: this custom button mapping might prove to be buggy in the current version).
- Under the Advanced tab, the controller's sticks can be calibrated in order to fix the dead zones.
- If for any reason you wish to uninstall the driver from your Mac, there is an uninstall option present in the Advanced tab.
Final Take!
I hope your Xbox One controller was able to connect to the Mac successfully. If you require added troubleshooting help, you can refer to the ReadMe for 360Controller or visit Tattiebogle, who is the forerunner of the array of Xbox + Mac Drivers that are accessible.
If this is not helpful, or if you face any further problems regarding the connection of the controller, feel free to ask in the comments section below and we shall get back to you as soon as possible.
I hope this article was beneficial to you! That's all for today's article about How to connect your Xbox One Controller to Mac computer.
Controller Games For Mac
Keep on reading for more informative articles about topics that might interest you.
Related Posts:
Even though Mac is not a hardcore gaming OS, there are some exciting games to play. Gaming Keyboards and Mouse are okay to deal with, but nothing can replace the comfort of playing with a Game Controller on your Mac. The additional comfort is that you can lay down cozily on your Couch while you enjoy the game. A thing to note with gaming controllers is their design. No matter how pro you are in a game, if you aren't comfortable with your controller, you will likely lose the battle. If you are going through this trouble, better look at some of the best gaming controller for Mac we have handpicked down here in this list.
1. Thrustmaster
While playing a game on your Mac, you need superior comfort. For more extended gaming sessions, a gaming controller has to have wide hand-rest for optimal comfort. Thrustmaster's joystick highlights this feature. With easily accessible buttons, this controller provides you hassle-free gaming pleasure.
This gaming joystick comes with 12 buttons and five axels, which are fully programmable. If you love to play games related to civil aviation and military air strikes, this controller has a trigger for brakes and rapid fire.
USP: High-precision
Check out on Amazon
2. Nimbus SteelSeries
Nimbus SteelSeries brings a Bluetooth gaming controller for your Mac. This MFi-certified controller gives you a real wireless console experience on your Mac and other iOS devices. Pressure-sensitive buttons allow you to play games for hours without causing finger cramp.
Controller Games For Kids
Once you recharge this controller, it can be used for more than 40 hours to enjoy non-stop gaming. You can use the Nimbus Companion app to explore free and paid controller-enabled games on your mobile devices.
USP: 40+ hours battery
Check out on Amazon
3. iNNEXT
iNNEXT offers two pack retro USB super controller gamepad for your Mac. It is not Bluetooth-enabled but has five feet long cord to keep a reasonable distance between your Mac and the joypad. You can connect this generic USB controller with a standard USB port.
Sensitive buttons ensure precise control over your game. This joypad can be connected to your personal computer, Notebook, laptop, MacBook, and Android smartphones via USB OTG cable.
USP: 5-feet cable
Check out on Amazon
4. Miadore
Bring back your childhood memories with this classic USB controller for your Mac and NES gaming. This retro gamepad is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit computers. You can connect this controller to your Mac with a USB port.
It is effortless to plug and play this controller as it doesn't require drivers and software. Sensitive buttons ensure precision in controlling your game.
USP: No drivers required
Check out on Amazon
5. GameSir
GameSir presents officially MFi certified gaming controller, which is compatible with all Apple products like Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and more. Make sure your device is macOS 10.6 or later. Get the best professional gaming experience for shooting, fighting, action, and sports games.
For hassle-free connectivity, GameSir offers wireless 4.0 and excellent LED crystal buttons. A notable feature of this gamepad is 256 levels of pressure sensitivity, which gives you superior gaming control.
USP: Lag-free connectivity
Check out on Amazon
6. Urvoix
Urvoix wireless gaming controller boasts a classic design; but inside, it is packed with state-of-the-art technology to control games on Mac. This cordless controller allows you to play from 30 feet away. Simply plug and play; you are not supposed to install any driver.
You can charge this controller with a micro USB cable as it has built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The USB adapter is compatible with most emulators on Mac.
USP: Rechargeable Battery
Check out on Amazon
7. RunSnail
RunSnail has achieved greater performance value with new features like motion controls, vibration, USB-C, and turbo functionality. RunSnail's gaming controller is known for its broad compatibility, and this quality makes it the first choice of real gamers. This multi-compatible controller is perfect for gaming aficionados, who love to switch platforms at office and home.
A notable feature of this controller is built-in smart CPU. Its firmware can be upgraded to expand its function in the future. Enjoy its retro design and make the most of its clickable joysticks.
USP: Built-in smart CPU
Check out on Amazon
8. Gam3Gear
With its pocket-size profile, Gam3Gear wireless gamepad controller is your perfect companion while you are playing games on your Mac. Its petite body and delicate design can be moved around like a jewelry piece. Tie the lanyard (comes in the package) to the gamepad, and you can use it as a keychain.
Fully charge this gamepad for once and enjoy your games for 20 long hours. The product is compatible with all mainstream gaming platforms like macOS, Android, and Windows.
USP: Pocket-size profile
Check out on Amazon
9. CC&SS
CC&SS brings Mac gaming controller, which boasts super sensitive buttons. You can precisely control your game without missing any shot. With its six-feet long cord, you can play all games comfortably from your couch.
You are not supposed to install any driver as the controller comes with a plug-and-play feature. The design of this controller reminds you of a vintage gamepad, which you used to hold when you were a kid.
USP: Super sensitive buttons for precision control
Check out on Amazon
That's all, friends!
Are you in the game?
Mac offers an excellent platform for gamers to play their favorite games. A controller with ergonomic design and high-quality material, you can play games for a long time tirelessly.
You may also like to explore:
Which game controller would you like to buy for your Mac? Share your thoughts and feedback with us in the comment box.
Jignesh Padhiyar is the co-founder of iGeeksBlog.com who has a keen eye for news, rumors and all the unusual stuff that happens around Apple products. During his tight schedule, Jignesh finds some moments of respite to share side-splitting contents on social media. Best mac apps not on app store.
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/iosblogger/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/iosblogger/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/iosblogger/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/iosblogger/
