Download and install the best free apps for Game Controllers on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android from CNET Download.com, your trusted source for the top software picks. TigerGame Xbox Controller. May 17, 2020 Xbox 360 Controller Driver 0.16.11 for Mac OS X The Xbox 360 console software is updated periodically with new features, download the latest firmware to take advantage of them.

Make your Mac invincible

OneCast is an app available for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV (also with versions for Android and macOS) that streams your Xbox One games to any supported device, in high definition video with near-zero lag.

1. Win+G it with Xbox Game Bar, the customizable, gaming overlay built into Windows 10. Xbox Game Bar works with most PC games, giving you instant access to widgets for screen capture and sharing, finding new teammates with LFG, and chatting with Xbox friends across Xbox console, mobile, and PC—all without leaving your game.
2. Download Xbox Game Streaming and enjoy the creativity of Microsoft’s new Project xCloud (Preview). With this Xbox Game Streaming app, you can also stream all your Xbox One games installed on your console! With a strong WiFi or cellular network connection, you’re good to go! You can make use of an Xbox Wireless Controller and connect with.
3. OneCast is an app available for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV (also with versions for Android and macOS) that streams your Xbox One games to any supported device, in high definition video with near-zero lag.

Making the jump from console gaming to playing on a Mac can be a difficult transition, especially if you buy into the idea that the average Mac gamer is more skilled than their console equivalent.

Besides, you’ll also need to consider the fact that by moving to Mac you’ll no longer be able to use your library of console games, or play with friends you’ve made on there. Plus, you’ll have to learn to use a mouse and keyboard. Or will you?

If you’re wondering how to use Xbox One controller on Mac, or the one from PS4, you’re in the right place. This article is about using Xbox One controller on Mac, as well as PS4, to play games like Overwatch, Minecraft, Eve: Valkyrie, House of the Dying Sun, Thumper, Elite Dangerous, and Star Trek: Bridge Crew (be warned: you might need virtual PC software for some of these titles).

The great thing about having a choice in which controller to use is that, even though both of them are around the same price point, they have a few distinct differences, meaning every Mac user can pick the one more suitable for them. An Xbox One controller is, for example, a little heavier and boasts haptic feedback triggers, whereas the lighter Sony DualShock 4 has an additional (touchpad) button, integrated lithium ion battery, and motion sensitivity.

Upgrade gaming with Setapp

Setapp solves all connection problems. From connecting external devices to securing network connections. An all-in-one tool for Mac.

How To Connect PS4 Controller To Mac

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, many Mac gamers prefer the DualShock 4 to an Xbox One controller because there are a few different ways of connecting PS4 controller to Mac. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is to use an official wireless adapter.

Connecting PS4 controller to Mac wirelessly

It’s likely that many of you reading this, namely those who have struggled with unofficial products and sketchy workarounds in the past, will be breathing a sigh of relief to learn that an official DualShock USB Wireless Adaptor exists.

The official wireless connector is a decent solution for Remote Play or playing Mac games that support the use of external controllers. But the critics may be sceptical about the high price of the accessory — the top video on YouTube that mentions this product is titled “WHY DID THEY MAKE THIS???” — as much cheaper options are readily available: such as micro USB and Bluetooth.

How to use PS4 controller on Mac with micro USB

If you’re not, for whatever reason, picky about whether you play wirelessly or not, then you can just connect PS4 controller to Mac using the micro USB cable that you’d usually use to plug it into your PlayStation.

The extra benefit of using micro USB is that the cable also charges your controller while you play. When you plug it in, you’ll see an orange light appear on the touchpad indicating that it’s charging.

Pair PS4 controller with Mac via Bluetooth

The easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to start playing is to connect PS4 controller to Mac with Bluetooth via PS4 Bluetooth pairing. To do that:

1. Open System Preferences > Bluetooth
2. Press the PS and Share buttons simultaneously on your controller until you see a light on your DualShock 4 start blinking to indicate that it’s ready to pair
3. Look for the wireless controller in the list of Bluetooth devices on your Mac
4. Click Pair, and the light on your controller will go from blinking to lit

An even quicker and easier PS4 Bluetooth pairing option is to use ToothFairy, a utility that lets you add and manage all your Bluetooth devices:

1. Simply launch ToothFairy
2. Highlight the controller from the list of devices
3. Click Select

In Settings, you can also choose to add an icon to your menu bar that will connect to your chosen device (in this case, your PS4 Bluetooth controller) with a single click. At this time, there’s no controller icon, but you could use something like a keyboard symbol or the magic wand in its place.

Get ToothFairy for quick connection

Install ToothFairy for free and forget about any Bluetooth trouble. Any device will be paired with your Mac in a click.

If you love shortcuts, ToothFairy gives you an option to record a hotkey to connect or disconnect your controller, and show how much battery life your DualShock 4 has left next to its icon. As long as your controller is awake, ToothFairy is really handy for connecting it to your Mac with a single click!

Best of all, ToothFairy is available for free during your trial with Setapp, along with more than 150 top Mac utilities and apps. Try it out for seamless PS4 Bluetooth experience.

How to connect Xbox One controller to Mac

Since it’s so easy to connect a PS4 controller to a Mac, and since Xbox One controllers have built-in support for connecting to Windows, you could be forgiven for thinking that connecting Xbox One controller to Mac would be simple. Unfortunately, you’d be wrong — consider it a casualty of the ongoing Windows vs. Mac war!

It’s possible to connect Xbox One controller to Mac, but doing so requires a little bit of extra work. For a start, you can’t use Bluetooth to connect, so that’s the wireless route blocked right off the bat. You’ll also need to purchase a micro USB cable, since one isn’t included with Xbox One controllers like it is with a PS4 handset.

Once you’ve got your controller and cable in hand, you’ll need to download an Xbox One controller driver for Mac before you can plug anything in:

1. Head to GitHub (yes, it’s shocking that mapping an Xbox One controller requires unofficial drivers downloaded from GitHub)

2. Download the latest release

3. Double click the .dmg file that appears in your Downloads folder

4. Run the .pkg file

5. Follow all of the instructions, check out the Read Me file, and then click Install to progress to the next step

6. Restart your computer and you’ll find an Xbox controller icon in your System Preferences menu

Now it’s time to (finally) plug your controller in, using a USB-C to USB-A adapter if necessary, and head to Security & Privacy to bypass the popup that’ll appear when you plug the controller in.

Once all that’s done, you should be connected!

Xbox Beta App Mac

Which controller should you choose?

Just a quick glance at the instructions above shows that listing how to connect Xbox One controller to Mac takes up almost as much space as three different ways of explaining how to pair PS4 controller with Mac. So for some readers, that will make the decision of which controller to use a no-brainer.

If you already own an Xbox controller, it’s worth remembering that, while the above may look like a bit of a headache, the process is something that you only need to go through once.

Download Xbox 360 Controller Driver For Mac

Console and Mac gaming often tend to be treated as polar opposites, as if they are on different ends of the spectrum, and never the twain shall meet. But in reality, there’s a huge grey area in the middle that offers up a lot of fun.

Using a controller can, for example, be a really compelling way to enjoy VR titles that aren’t “on rails.” In fact, until someone starts mass producing those omnidirectional treadmills from Ready Player One, they are the best way to do so.

Whichever option you choose, using a controller offers an intuitive and familiar experience that’s backed up by all of the processing power a high-end Mac can offer. And don’t forget to make sure your Mac is properly optimized for games.

There are certain viewpoints that are widely held by gamers — those who play mobile games aren’t for “real” gamers, a Mac doesn’t make for an effective gaming laptop or desktop, and that “controllers are for consoles, mice and keyboards are for computers.”

Don’t buy any of that for a second! Gaming should be something that brings you joy and, whether that means crushing candy all the livelong day or using a controller with your Mac, more power to you.

Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.

Sign Up

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

See which wireless controllers are supported

• Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth (Model 1708)
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
• Xbox Adaptive Controller
• PlayStation DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
• Other MFi (Made for iOS) Bluetooth controllers might be supported

Pair a controller with your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV, or Mac

Use the instructions that came with your wireless controller to put it into pairing mode. Then learn how to pair a controller with your iOS or iPadOS device, Apple TV, or Mac.

Pairing mode steps, button controls, and button customization vary across game controllers. Check with your game controller manufacturer for details.

If your controller doesn't connect or work as expected

• Make sure that you have the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, or macOS.
• 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.
• If you still can't pair or connect, get help pairing your Bluetooth accessory to your iOS device.

Download and install the best free apps for Game Controllers on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android from CNET Download.com, your trusted source for the top software picks. TigerGame Xbox Controller. May 17, 2020 Xbox 360 Controller Driver 0.16.11 for Mac OS X The Xbox 360 console software is updated periodically with new features, download the latest firmware to take advantage of them.

Make your Mac invincible

Making the jump from console gaming to playing on a Mac can be a difficult transition, especially if you buy into the idea that the average Mac gamer is more skilled than their console equivalent.

Besides, you’ll also need to consider the fact that by moving to Mac you’ll no longer be able to use your library of console games, or play with friends you’ve made on there. Plus, you’ll have to learn to use a mouse and keyboard. Or will you?

If you’re wondering how to use Xbox One controller on Mac, or the one from PS4, you’re in the right place. This article is about using Xbox One controller on Mac, as well as PS4, to play games like Overwatch, Minecraft, Eve: Valkyrie, House of the Dying Sun, Thumper, Elite Dangerous, and Star Trek: Bridge Crew (be warned: you might need virtual PC software for some of these titles).

The great thing about having a choice in which controller to use is that, even though both of them are around the same price point, they have a few distinct differences, meaning every Mac user can pick the one more suitable for them. An Xbox One controller is, for example, a little heavier and boasts haptic feedback triggers, whereas the lighter Sony DualShock 4 has an additional (touchpad) button, integrated lithium ion battery, and motion sensitivity.

Upgrade gaming with Setapp

Setapp solves all connection problems. From connecting external devices to securing network connections. An all-in-one tool for Mac.

How To Connect PS4 Controller To Mac

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, many Mac gamers prefer the DualShock 4 to an Xbox One controller because there are a few different ways of connecting PS4 controller to Mac. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is to use an official wireless adapter.

Connecting PS4 controller to Mac wirelessly

Xbox Live Mac App

It’s likely that many of you reading this, namely those who have struggled with unofficial products and sketchy workarounds in the past, will be breathing a sigh of relief to learn that an official DualShock USB Wireless Adaptor exists.

The official wireless connector is a decent solution for Remote Play or playing Mac games that support the use of external controllers. But the critics may be sceptical about the high price of the accessory — the top video on YouTube that mentions this product is titled “WHY DID THEY MAKE THIS???” — as much cheaper options are readily available: such as micro USB and Bluetooth.

How to use PS4 controller on Mac with micro USB

If you’re not, for whatever reason, picky about whether you play wirelessly or not, then you can just connect PS4 controller to Mac using the micro USB cable that you’d usually use to plug it into your PlayStation.

The extra benefit of using micro USB is that the cable also charges your controller while you play. When you plug it in, you’ll see an orange light appear on the touchpad indicating that it’s charging.

Pair PS4 controller with Mac via Bluetooth

The easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to start playing is to connect PS4 controller to Mac with Bluetooth via PS4 Bluetooth pairing. To do that:

1. Open System Preferences > Bluetooth
2. Press the PS and Share buttons simultaneously on your controller until you see a light on your DualShock 4 start blinking to indicate that it’s ready to pair
3. Look for the wireless controller in the list of Bluetooth devices on your Mac
4. Click Pair, and the light on your controller will go from blinking to lit

An even quicker and easier PS4 Bluetooth pairing option is to use ToothFairy, a utility that lets you add and manage all your Bluetooth devices:

1. Simply launch ToothFairy
2. Highlight the controller from the list of devices
3. Click Select

In Settings, you can also choose to add an icon to your menu bar that will connect to your chosen device (in this case, your PS4 Bluetooth controller) with a single click. At this time, there’s no controller icon, but you could use something like a keyboard symbol or the magic wand in its place.

Get ToothFairy for quick connection

Install ToothFairy for free and forget about any Bluetooth trouble. Any device will be paired with your Mac in a click.

If you love shortcuts, ToothFairy gives you an option to record a hotkey to connect or disconnect your controller, and show how much battery life your DualShock 4 has left next to its icon. As long as your controller is awake, ToothFairy is really handy for connecting it to your Mac with a single click!

Best of all, ToothFairy is available for free during your trial with Setapp, along with more than 150 top Mac utilities and apps. Try it out for seamless PS4 Bluetooth experience.

How to connect Xbox One controller to Mac

Since it’s so easy to connect a PS4 controller to a Mac, and since Xbox One controllers have built-in support for connecting to Windows, you could be forgiven for thinking that connecting Xbox One controller to Mac would be simple. Unfortunately, you’d be wrong — consider it a casualty of the ongoing Windows vs. Mac war!

It’s possible to connect Xbox One controller to Mac, but doing so requires a little bit of extra work. For a start, you can’t use Bluetooth to connect, so that’s the wireless route blocked right off the bat. You’ll also need to purchase a micro USB cable, since one isn’t included with Xbox One controllers like it is with a PS4 handset.

Once you’ve got your controller and cable in hand, you’ll need to download an Xbox One controller driver for Mac before you can plug anything in:

1. Head to GitHub (yes, it’s shocking that mapping an Xbox One controller requires unofficial drivers downloaded from GitHub)

2. Download the latest release

3. Double click the .dmg file that appears in your Downloads folder

4. Run the .pkg file

5. Follow all of the instructions, check out the Read Me file, and then click Install to progress to the next step

6. Restart your computer and you’ll find an Xbox controller icon in your System Preferences menu

Now it’s time to (finally) plug your controller in, using a USB-C to USB-A adapter if necessary, and head to Security & Privacy to bypass the popup that’ll appear when you plug the controller in.

Once all that’s done, you should be connected!

Which controller should you choose?

Just a quick glance at the instructions above shows that listing how to connect Xbox One controller to Mac takes up almost as much space as three different ways of explaining how to pair PS4 controller with Mac. So for some readers, that will make the decision of which controller to use a no-brainer.

If you already own an Xbox controller, it’s worth remembering that, while the above may look like a bit of a headache, the process is something that you only need to go through once.

Download Xbox 360 Controller Driver For Mac

Console and Mac gaming often tend to be treated as polar opposites, as if they are on different ends of the spectrum, and never the twain shall meet. But in reality, there’s a huge grey area in the middle that offers up a lot of fun.

Using a controller can, for example, be a really compelling way to enjoy VR titles that aren’t “on rails.” In fact, until someone starts mass producing those omnidirectional treadmills from Ready Player One, they are the best way to do so.

Whichever option you choose, using a controller offers an intuitive and familiar experience that’s backed up by all of the processing power a high-end Mac can offer. And don’t forget to make sure your Mac is properly optimized for games.

There are certain viewpoints that are widely held by gamers — those who play mobile games aren’t for “real” gamers, a Mac doesn’t make for an effective gaming laptop or desktop, and that “controllers are for consoles, mice and keyboards are for computers.”

Don’t buy any of that for a second! Gaming should be something that brings you joy and, whether that means crushing candy all the livelong day or using a controller with your Mac, more power to you.

Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.

Sign Up

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

See which wireless controllers are supported

• Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth (Model 1708)
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
• Xbox Adaptive Controller
• PlayStation DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
• Other MFi (Made for iOS) Bluetooth controllers might be supported

Pair a controller with your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV, or Mac

Use the instructions that came with your wireless controller to put it into pairing mode. Then learn how to pair a controller with your iOS or iPadOS device, Apple TV, or Mac.

Pairing mode steps, button controls, and button customization vary across game controllers. Check with your game controller manufacturer for details.

If your controller doesn't connect or work as expected

• Make sure that you have the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, or macOS.
• 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.
• If you still can't pair or connect, get help pairing your Bluetooth accessory to your iOS device.