How to Connect Any Console Game Controller up to a Windows Computer or Mac

Console controllers don’t always work as s n while you plug them as a Windows Computer or Mac. We’ve compiled a list of guides so you can learn to make your favorite controller make use of your pc.

Most controllers designed to be used conservative dating sites Germany on PCs, like USB Logitech controllers, will be devices that are HID-compliant offer the XInput or DirectInput protocol, which you are able to use in many games. Some may work out of the package as well as others may require a driver that is custom. For system controllers, particularly older people, you may need a equipment adapter if it doesn’t plug into USB, as Bluet th support is hit or miss.

This guide covers Windows and macOS, but HID controllers that are most will continue to work on Linux, t . It’ll simply take a small setup, with which Linux users are probably familiar.

PlayStation 4 (DualShock 4)

Windows supports Sony PS4 controllers without additional pc software as long in via USB as you plug them. You’ll need an equipment adapter to wirelessly use the controller.

Macs also help Sony’s latest controllers by standard, even with a cordless connection. Regrettably, these controllers arrive as being a input that is generic, which may maybe not work in all games.

PlayStation 3 (DualShock 3)

Windows needs a driver that is custom PS3 controllers. It’s a bit complicated to set up, but we’ve got the instructions.

Macs support these controllers with no software that is extra. Just wirelessly link via Bluet th or connect it in by having a USB cable.

PlayStation 1 and 2 (DualShock 1 and 2)

Sony’s PS1 and PS2 controllers are older and don’t use USB. You will get an adapter, nonetheless it’s probably far better select a DualShock up 3, as it’s very nearly totally equivalent however with wireless and USB help.

Xbox One

Windows is supported fully out of the field, seeing as that is Microsoft’s flagship controller. Simply play and plug, or link over Bluet th. You can also update the controller’s firmware from your PC if you’re using Windows 10.

Macs support Xbox One controllers wirelessly without any such thing extra, but need that is you’ll software if you want to plug your controller in via USB. Specifically, you’ll need the driver that is 360Controller which expands help for wired USB Xbox One controllers.

Xbox 360

Windows supports wired 360 controllers by standard, but wireless controllers need A usb that is special adapter.

Mac needs a driver that is custom. Due to problems with kernel extensions (kexts,) wireless help causes kernel panics, and is disabled in this motorist.

Original Xbox (Xbox “1”)

You’ll need an adapter and some custom drivers, nonetheless it does not seem entirely simple. MacOS comes with an older driver, nonetheless it may maybe not work with more recent variations of macOS. Also, if you’re crazy, it is possible to altogether forego the adapter and splice together a couple of cables, although we don’t recommend this.

Nintendo Change Pro Controller

Nintendo’s change Pro controller works automatically when you link it via Bluet th on Windows and macOS, but you’ll have setting it up in Steam to make use of in games.

Wii Remotes and Wii U Pro Controllers

Windows will connect the controller by standard, but it might not be usable as being a controller in all apps. Dolphin, the Wii emulator, supports using them as inputs, but we didn’t have any readily available to check system-wide use.

Mac is supported into the way—only that is same Dolphin. System-wide usage is theoretically supported, but we greatly suggest getting a brand new controller. MacOS Sierra broke help for the sole motorist, Wjoy, however it ended up being updated for a fork that is new. However, the present launch does not work either, therefore you’ll have to build the commit that is latest from source in Xcode, update a bunch of create targets, fix a few errors, sign it by having an Apple designer account, then after all that you have to start into healing Mode and disable system integrity security to set up it. Just then is it possible to properly link the controller.

GameCube Controllers

You’ll need an adapter needless to say, but Windows and Mac is supported by standard through HID. Help may vary though depending on the adapter you receive. An official can be got by you one, however the Mayflash adapter seems to work fine for half the cost. This adapter features a switch to help you utilize it on PC in addition to console, that will transform it into an HID device rather than a proprietary console only one. Dolphin can communicate with it straight, though, and will support the Wii U mode, that may fix some bugs utilizing the extra ports.

Note that macOS’s HID implementation overrides Dolphin’s direct communication with these devices, so it does not help having multiple controllers plugged in. There is a workaround, but it might perhaps not work with every adapter. It does include disabling SIP, though admittedly just for kext extensions, which really is a little safer.

Guitar Hero Controllers

This one’s a little weird, as Guitar Hero has many console that is different, but there’s still a thriving community on Computer with CloneHero. Most should work with an adapter, so it’s better to always check their wiki for guidelines.

Other Controllers

Other Retro Controllers frequently require adapters, until you get updated USB versions of those. Most adapters should utilize XInput that is standard and connections and really should be configurable in Steam and any of the apps below.

Alternative Party Controllers will be different according to everything you get, but the majority should make use of the exact same standard XInput connections. Often, it shall list its compatibility on Amazon, so make sure to purchase the one that’s compatible, or get something more conventional.

A quick G gle search for the controller name plus your OS version and “driver” should lead you to decent results if your controller isn’t listed here, or you can’t get it to work with these guides.

You can use Steam’s built-in Big Picture Mode to do so if you need to remap your controller. If you want to utilize it in a non-Steam game, you can l k at AntiMicro for Windows and Enjoyable for macOS, both free.