Just how to link Any Console Game Controller to a Windows Computer or Mac

Console controllers do not always are soon into a Windows PC or Mac as you plug them. We’ve put together a listing of guides to help you learn to make your controller that is favorite work your computer or laptop.

Many controllers designed to be applied on PCs, like USB Logitech controllers, would be HID-compliant products and offer the XInput or DirectInput protocol, which you are able to utilize in many games. Some may work out from the field as well as others might need a custom driver. For system controllers, particularly older people, you might need an equipment adapter if it doesn’t connect into USB, as Bluetooth support is struck or skip.

This guide covers Windows and macOS, but HID controllers that are most will be able to work on Linux, too. It will take a configuration that is little with which Linux users are most likely familiar.

PlayStation 4 (DualShock 4)

Windows supports Sony PS4 controllers without extra pc computer software for as long in via USB as you plug them. You may require an equipment adapter to wirelessly use the controller.

Macs also help Sony’s latest controllers by standard, despite having a connection that is wireless. Unfortuitously, these controllers arrive being an input that is generic, that might maybe perhaps maybe not work with all games.

PlayStation 3 (DualShock 3)

Windows needs a driver that is custom PS3 controllers. It is a bit complicated to setup, but we have the directions.

Macs support these controllers without the software that is extra. Simply wirelessly link via Bluetooth or connect it in with a USB cable.

PlayStation 1 and 2 (DualShock 1 and 2)

Sony’s PS1 and PS2 controllers are older and use that is don’t. You may get an adapter, however it’s probably better to select a DualShock up 3, because it’s nearly completely the exact same however with cordless and USB help.

Xbox One

Windows is supported completely from the package, seeing that this is certainly Microsoft’s flagship controller. Simply play and plug, or connect over Bluetooth. You may also upgrade the controller’s firmware from your own Computer if you should be utilizing Windows 10.

Macs help Xbox One controllers wirelessly without such a thing additional, but need that is you’ll computer computer computer software if you’d like to connect your controller in via USB. Particularly, you may need the driver that is 360Controller which expands help for wired USB Xbox One controllers.

Xbox 360 Console

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

Mac requires a driver that is custom. Because of issues with kernel extensions (kexts,) wireless help causes kernel panics, and it is disabled in this motorist.

Original Xbox (Xbox “1”)

you are going to need an adapter plus some customized motorists, nonetheless it does not appear completely effortless. MacOS has an adult motorist, however it might perhaps perhaps not focus on newer variations of macOS. Additionally, if you are crazy, you can easily forego the adapter entirely and splice together a few cables, although we do not suggest this.

Nintendo Change Professional Controller

Nintendo’s Switch Pro controller works automatically when you link it via Bluetooth on Windows and macOS, however you will have to create it in Steam to utilize in games.

Wii Remotes and Wii U Professional Controllers

Windows will link the controller by standard, nonetheless it might never be usable as being a controller in every apps. Dolphin, the Wii emulator, supports with them as inputs, but we didn’t have readily available to check system-wide usage.

Mac is supported within 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 when it comes to only motorist, Wjoy, nonetheless it had been updated on a fork that is new. Nevertheless, the existing launch does not work either, therefore you’ll have actually to create the commit that is latest from supply in Xcode, upgrade a couple of create goals, fix a couple of errors, signal it by having an Apple designer account 420 dating service, after which most likely you need to start into healing Mode and disable system integrity security to set up it. Just then are you able to properly link the controller.

GameCube Controllers

You may need an adapter needless to say, but Windows and Mac should really be supported by standard through HID. Help may differ though with respect to the adapter you can get. You may get the official one, however the Mayflash adapter generally seems to work fine for half the purchase price. This adapter features a switch to help you utilize it on Computer in addition to console, that will transform it into an HID device rather than proprietary system just one. Dolphin can keep in touch with it straight, though, and can offer the Wii U mode, which could fix some insects because of the extra ports.

Note that macOS’s HID implementation overrides Dolphin’s direct interaction with the unit, therefore it does not help having numerous controllers plugged in. There clearly was a workaround, nonetheless it may perhaps maybe perhaps not make use of every adapter. It does include disabling SIP, though admittedly only for kext extensions, which will be just a little safer.

Guitar Hero Controllers

That one’s just a little weird, as Guitar Hero has its own different system variations, but there is nevertheless a thriving community on Computer with CloneHero. Many should use an adapter, so that it’s better to check always their wiki for guidelines.

Other Controllers

Other Retro Controllers often require adapters, until you have updated USB variations of those. Many adapters should make use of XInput that is standard and connections and really should be configurable in Steam and some of the apps below.

3rd party Controllers will change according to everything you get, but the majority should utilize the standard that is same connections. Frequently, it will record its compatibility on Amazon, therefore be sure to get one that’s appropriate, or get something more mainstream.

A quick Google 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. In a non-Steam game, you can try AntiMicro for Windows and Enjoyable for macOS, both free if you need to use it.