Are Xbox controllers compatible with Mac?

Answered by Willian Lymon

Xbox controllers are compatible with Mac computers, but there are a few requirements and steps you need to follow to make it work.

Firstly, it’s important to note that you can only use an Xbox One or Xbox 360 controller with a Mac via a wired connection. Unfortunately, wireless connectivity is not supported on Mac computers.

To get started, you will need a microUSB cable to connect your Xbox controller to your Mac. This cable is the same one used for charging the controller. Make sure you have a compatible cable on hand before proceeding.

Next, you will need to install some third-party software to enable the Xbox controller to work with your Mac. The most popular and widely used driver is called “360Controller.” This driver allows you to use both Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers with your Mac.

To install the 360Controller driver, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of the 360Controller project (https://github.com/360Controller/360Controller/releases) and download the latest version of the driver.

2. Once the download is complete, open the disk image (.dmg) file.

3. Inside the disk image, you’ll find the installer package. Double-click on it to start the installation process.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. This usually involves agreeing to the terms and conditions, selecting the destination disk, and entering your password.

5. After the installation is finished, restart your Mac to ensure the driver is properly loaded.

Once your Mac has restarted, you can connect your Xbox controller using the microUSB cable. Plug one end of the cable into the controller and the other end into an available USB port on your Mac.

Your Mac should recognize the controller, and you should be able to use it in games and other applications that support game controllers. You can test the functionality of your Xbox controller by opening the “System Preferences” on your Mac, selecting “Xbox 360 Controllers,” and clicking on the “Test” button.

It’s worth mentioning that the Xbox controllers should work with most games that support game controllers on Mac. However, there may be some games that require additional configuration or have limited controller support. In such cases, you may need to consult the game’s documentation or forums for specific instructions.

While Xbox controllers are compatible with Mac computers, you need to use a wired connection and install the 360Controller driver to make them work. Once set up, you can enjoy gaming on your Mac using an Xbox One or Xbox 360 controller.