It’s surprisingly easy to connect your favorite video game controllers to your Mac

I love gaming on my Mac, but after a long day of writing, the keyboard is the last thing I want to touch. Connecting my laptop to my TV and gaming from the couch is much more appealing.

Fortunately, macOS Ventura (13.0) makes this incredibly easy. For the first time, there's a dedicated gamepad section in System Settings, allowing button remapping and custom profiles for different games. It supports controllers from all major consoles (Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch), plus most Bluetooth and USB controllers. Whether you're playing retro games via emulation, Steam titles, or App Store purchases, you can ditch the keyboard entirely.

Connecting Your Controller

For wireless controllers, navigate to the Bluetooth section within System Settings.

Pairing your controller varies slightly depending on the model. Console controllers can be particularly tricky, so here's a guide:

• Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: Locate the small, unlabeled connect button on top, near the USB-C port. Press and hold until it appears in your Mac's "Nearby Devices" list.
• Nintendo Switch Joy-Con: The minuscule sync button is on the side of each controller, between the SR and SL buttons, below the indicator lights. Hold this button until both Joy-Cons appear in "Nearby Devices." They'll function as a single unit and can't be used separately.
• PlayStation 4 & 5 DualShock Controllers: Simultaneously press and hold the PS and Share buttons. Your controller will then appear in "Nearby Devices."
• Xbox Series X/S Controllers: Press and hold the connect button (marked with three radio waves). It will then appear in "Nearby Devices."

Remember: re-pairing is required if you switch between your Mac and console. This is a minor inconvenience to keep in mind.

[Related: Gaming is for everyone – rediscover the joy of playing.]

While most Bluetooth controllers should work, older console controllers might be problematic. For instance, I couldn't get a Wiimote to work, but a PlayStation 2 controller connected easily via a USB adapter.

Once connected, most gamepad-compatible games should work seamlessly. I tested this with several indie games and was very pleased with the results.

A handy feature is the "home" button on most gamepads, which opens your Mac's Games folder in Launchpad. You can select games without mouse or keyboard input.

Customizing Your Controllers on macOS

Want to customize button assignments? Go to the Game Controllers section in System Settings. You'll see all connected controllers and their connection status.

Click Identify to make a controller vibrate. Click the controller to remap buttons. Swap "A" and "B" buttons, for example.

Changes can be system-wide or saved as individual profiles for specific games. This is helpful if a game's default button layout isn't to your liking.

This level of controller customization significantly enhances the Mac gaming experience, promising more relaxed and enjoyable sessions. Maybe I'll finally beat that last level of Celeste!

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