Gaming on a Mac is not what Apple is historically known for. However, with Apple delving into the fledgling virtual and augmented reality space, some traditional game interfaces and not so traditional interfaces (think HTC wands or Valve's knuckle controllers) now need to be supported on macOS to reap the VR/AR benefits to their fullest.
Once you find “Wireless Controller,” (yes, it is named wireless), you know that your PS4 controller is already connected to the Mac. Now it will be automatically detected when launched any controller-compatible game. Steam (one of the most popular gaming platform) for example, offers full controller support across Mac and Pc platforms. Select Notifications from the PS4 system function area, highlight the update file and press the OPTIONS button Delete. Next, select Settings System Software Update. If you experience multiple failed downloads, please update the PS4 system software using an External Storage Device. Jun 20, 2017 With Enjoyable open, press the button you want to configure on the PS4 controller. The app will select the right option from the list (for example, the X button on the controller is Button 2 in the menu). Press the key you want to map that button to in the right pane. Now, when you press that button, your Mac will register it as that keypress. Nov 26, 2018 Bluetooth: connecting PS4 controller to Mac via wireless is slightly more complicated. The first thing to do is to turn off the controller by holding down the PS button and turn it back on by pressing PS and Share together until the light becomes intermittent. The software is called DS4Windows, and it makes connecting the PS4 controller to your PC incredibly simple. It basically fools your PC into thinking the connected DualShock 4 is an Xbox 360.
Jan 16, 2013 Gaming on the Mac can be a rewarding experience, but there aren't a great deal of Mac game controllers available (especially that you know you can rely on). Plus, if you're already used to a Playstation 3 controller, using something different can be a confusing experience. Fortunately, you don't have to worry about it - you can use your existing PlayStation 3 controller with your Mac via.
To ready you for some amazing VR pilot games such as Eve: Valkyrie that utilize a traditional game Xbox game controller, we're here to show you how to connect one to your Mac! In the past this method only applied to the Xbox 360 controller, but the latest version of the software you'll be using also now supports the Xbox One controller.
How to download and install the drivers
We're assuming that you already own a wired Xbox controller, but if you're needing to buy, a standard controller is about $50. You'll need to connect it to your Mac using a microUSB cable which, sadly, isn't included. If you buy a third-party wired controller you won't have to worry about this.
Next, follow these steps.
- Launch Safari.
- Navigate to https://github.com/360/Controller/360Controller/releases.
Download the latest release of the 360Controller driver. As of this writing, the latest release is 0.16.5.
- Go to your Downloads folder in Finder.
- Double-click the 360Controllerinstall_*.dmg file.
Double-click the Install360Controller.pkg that pops up in Finder.
- Click Continue.
Again, click Continue.
- Select to Agree the license agreement.
- Click Install.
Agree to allow a restart of the computer by clicking Continue Installation.
- Click Restart.
You can optionally have the downloaded file Moved to Trash.
- Upon restarting the computer start System Preferences from the dock or the menu.
- Click on Xbox 360 Controllers.
How to connect your Xbox 360 controller
Once you've installed the drivers, you'll now logically see that there are No devices found, since we have yet to physically connect the game controller to the Mac.
- Plug in your controller to your Mac. If you have a current model MacBook or MacBook Pro, you'll need a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
- Click OK when the System Extension Blocked warning message pops up.
- Go into System Preferences via the dock or menu.
Click Security & Privacy.
- Under the General tab click the Lock at the bottom left.
Enter your password and click Unlock.
- Click Allow.
Your Xbox wired controller should now be connected!
Final thoughts
I am super stoked about developers climbing aboard the VR/AR hype train. As a mere consumer of VR, I can only hope for more and more creative minds to get on board. If you're a VR/AR developer, or even better yet, a macOS VR/AR developer, what other ways can Apple help promote virtual reality on their platform? Let us know in the comments!
Updated April 2018: Updated to reflect that this method also now supports the Xbox One controller.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
if only you knew the power of the dark side...Apple doubles trade-in value of select Android devices for a limited time
Apple has quietly upped the trade-in price of several Android smartphones for a limited time, doubling the value of some handsets.
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
- 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.
- On your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, tap Settings.
- 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
Software For Ps4 Controller On Mac Download
- 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.
- On your Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
- 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.
- 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.
Pair or unpair a controller with your Mac
- 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.
- On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
- Click Bluetooth and check that it's turned on.
- 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.
If your controller won't connect or doesn't work as expected
Ps4 Controller Download For Pc
- 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.