I'm able to connect via bluetooth, but none of the buttons work. My Nimbus + Controller won't work with Apple Arcade after updating to Monterey 12.3. From the Apple Developer Forums:Īlso experiencing the same issue. Some with problematic controllers have been able to use the controllers on the web, but for some, the controllers do not work at all.
Those who are experiencing problems connect their controllers to their Macs using Bluetooth and then are unable to use the controllers in Mac games. Not all users appear to be affected, as some people have said that their controllers are operating as expected, so it's not quite clear what's going on.
The pairing process for the DualShock 3 is a little complex (and not guaranteed to work, judging from reports from other users), which is why I’ve listed it last.Following the macOS 12.3 update that was released on March 14, some Mac users have run into issues with game controllers after installing the new software.Ĭomplaints on the Apple Developer Forums and Reddit suggest that some Xbox, PlayStation, and other third-party controllers are not functioning over Bluetooth. You just won’t have support from Sony’s official adapter and you’ll likely need to play it wirelessly. The DualShock 4 is your best bet for playing Mac games with a PlayStation controller, but you’ll be fine if you only have its predecessor. The problem is that the Mac will register them as two separate controllers-which, of course, they technically are.
Here, you’ll find support for the Pro Wireless Controller under Preferences > Controller, where you’ll select Use Nintendo button layout so you don’t have to deal with the confusion of a Nintendo controller acting like one for the Xbox.Īnd yes, if you were wondering, you can use the Switch’s regular Joy-Con controllers with your Mac if you pair them through the Bluetooth interface in System Preferences. You can’t even pair a wireless version through Bluetooth thanks to Microsoft’s proprietary software, so you’ll need to keep it plugged in with the cable regardless of which model you use.Ĭonnected through a USB-C cable, it’s ridiculously easy to set up-at least if you’re playing your games through the Steam beta client. Alas, it’s not through any effort on the part of Microsoft itself. Plenty of folks still claim the aging wired Xbox 360 controller is still the best gamepad for the PC, and as far as I’m concerned, that remains true for the Mac as well. The controller should appear in the Bluetooth menu, and hopefully you’ll soon be shocked by how well it works. Hold it down for a couple of seconds.Īfter that, activate the DualShock 4’s Discovery Mode by holding the Share and PlayStation button at once for a few seconds. Then reset the DualShock 4 by slipping a paperclip into the tiny hole near the DualShock’s L2 button (on the back).
First, open the Bluetooth menu under your Mac’s System Preferences.
If you’re having trouble, you can see if your Mac is properly recognizing the device by opening About This Mac, clicking System Report, then USB, and seeing if Wireless Controller is listed (yes, even if you have it plugged in).Īlternatively, you can simply pair it through Bluetooth. As with the rest of the controllers, you shouldn’t need any special mapping app to use the DualShock 4.īut if you don’t feel like paying $60 for what’ll likely amount to a dongle for another dongle, you can plug the controller directly into your Mac with a Micro USB cable.