While many of the best Mac games can be played with a keyboard and mouse (and many with a trackpad), there’s something to be said for settling in with a great gaming controller on Mac for a marathon session.
While Macs haven’t necessarily been known for their gaming prowess, the likes of the newly released Resident Evil 4 will feel closer to a console than ever when using a gaming controller. These are the six top gaming controllers that fully support macOS.
Our Favorite Mac Game Controllers
1. Xbox Wireless Controller
Microsoft’s controller hasn’t changed a great deal since the Xbox 360, but the current version is much more akin to the Xbox One controller. Now tuned for Series S and Series X, it connects via Bluetooth or an included dongle, and offers plenty of buttons with the addition of a new ‘Share’ button that’s a mappable option.
Sadly, it still requires AA batteries, so you’ll need some handy – unless you happen to have a USB-C cable to plug it in for wired play.
Mac Specs: macOS Catalina or higher.
2. PlayStation DualShock 4 Controller
You can’t go wrong with the DualShock 4. While it doesn’t boast the over-the-top capabilities of the Dualsense controller, it’s robust, comfortable, and worth the salt. The only downside is that it still needs a USB-B cable to get things up and running, which is a bummer.
Still, the ergonomics are spot on, and connecting it to your MacBook is pretty simple. Simply connect your USB cable to your MacBook and your DualShock controller and that’s it! On the flip side, Bluetooth connectivity still works. Just press the Share and the Home button to put it into pairing mode. Connect it on your Mac and you’re done.
System requirements: macOS Big Sur 11.3 or later.
3. 8BitDo SN30 Pro+
The 8Bit Do Pro 2 steps into 2023 with a retro aesthetic and design, reminiscent of the 90s. It comes with a dedicated 8bitdo Ultimate App, which is available on Mac. That means you can customize button mapping and placements to your heart’s content.
What you get is a controller that fits the bill. It features a responsive d-pad with the right amount of pivot, the analog sticks are durable and the face button click sound is satisfying. If you’re the type of person who wants to emulate some retro games on your MacBook or try out some newer fighting games, then the 8Bit Pro 2 is worth the salt.
System Requirements
System requirements: macOS 13.2 or above.
4. Steam Controller
Valve may have started life as a software company, but its recent Steam Deck console is certainly taking the world by storm. Much of the technology from its input methods, however, comes from the Steam Controller.
While it’s no longer readily available, the Steam Controller is impressively versatile thanks to remappable buttons, and two clickable trackpads that make even playing some strategy games more comfortable. There’s even a gyroscope inside to allow for tilt controls.
It connects via Bluetooth.
System requirements: macOS 10.8 and above.
5. SteelSeries Nimbus+
Another controller with a plus in its name, the Nimbus+ comes from legendary periphery maker SteelSeries and offers up to 50 hours of battery life. It’s also officially licensed by Apple for Apple Arcade games, but it’ll work just fine on games found elsewhere, too.
It connects via Bluetooth, and even comes with a clip for your iPhone for the moments where you need to take your game with you. Add in a recognizable controller layout akin to the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, and there’s a lot to like at an attractive price point.
System requirements: Any version of macOS.
6. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Speak of the devil, but Nintendo’s own Pro Controller works great as a Bluetooth controller for your Mac (or iPhone and iPad). It’s got a pretty standard layout, with asymmetric thumbsticks, and while you won’t get any of the fancy HD rumble features out of it, it’s a solid option.
It also charges via USB-C, which Apple laptop users are likely to have a power cable for, too.
System requirements: Native support with macOS Ventura.
7. Gulikit Zen Pro Wireless Controller
While the Gulikit (funny name) Zen Pro is made for the Nintendo Switch, it features compatibility with macOS as well. It comes with different colorways that pop and some shiny triggers for some additional flare. The controller comes with a standard USB-C cable, which works just like the one for the Nintendo Switch Pro controller.
The overall design, button placement, and silhouette take inspiration from the Xbox Core controller. It’s sturdy and can take a beating. The metal Joy sticks are a nice touch, though they don’t bring anything new to the table. Overall, The Gulikit Zen Pro is just as good as the Core controller.
System requirements: macOS Monterey 12.7.2 or above.
8. Nintendo Joy Cons
To the surprise of many, Nintendo’s very own Joy Cons work well on macOS. Just simply put them in pairing mode and connect them via Bluetooth, and you’re all set. You can freely use the Joy Cons in each hand or use a Joy-Con Grip.
However, don’t game too hard because Nintendo’s not going around fixing that longstanding stick-drift issue any time soon. With a new d-pad, decent analog sticks, and some flexibility when it comes to ergonomics, the Joy Cons are a viable controller for gaming on a MacBook.
System requirements: macOS Ventura 13.6.3 or above.
9. Retro-Bit Tribute 64 USB Controller
Time for a trip down memory lane. If you’re looking for a nostalgic controller that works flawlessly with macOS and OpenEMU, the Retro-Bit Tribute 64 is worth the salt. It largely resembles an amalgam of Sega’s Dream cast and Nintendo’s N64 Controller.
What’s great about this controller is that the plastic feels nostalgic and great to the touch. The buttons are incredibly responsive. The analog stick position is a bit wonky for a few games, but not everything can be perfect for this price point. We just wish there was placement for a rumble pack.
System requirements: macOS.
If you have one… Google Stadia Controller
The Stadia was supposed to be a standalone game streaming controller but it came packed with tons of flaws. Fully priced games, latency issues–everything seemed off. Stadia servers will soon kick the can, but the Stadia controller will still work just fine as a regular controller now. The controller in itself is surprisingly ergonomic, with some beautiful orange accents and a nice matte finish.
Traditionally, you can update the Stadia controller and use it just fine over USB-C. But if you want to use it wirelessly, you’ll have to switch it to Bluetooth mode over Chrome using on the Stadia website and follow the instructions. Afterward, connect it to your MacBook by holding the Stadia Home Button and Y Button for 2 seconds.
System requirements: macOS Monterey 12.13 or above.
An improved experience since macOS Ventura
Connecting a controller to a Mac hasn’t been difficult per se, but it’s just become a lot easier thanks to the redesigned System Settings app in macOS Ventura.
Scroll far enough down on the list of options, and you’ll find a specific “Game Controllers” pane. From here, you can not only check battery life and which controllers you have attached, but you’ll also find options like button remapping and adjusting controller vibration.
It’s still a far cry from PC-level customization, but it’s still a big step forward for Mac gaming.
Our Criteria
Gaming can be extremely subjective. You may like games and/or hardware that I’m not a fan of. And vice versa. For that reason, we identified we identified a set of criteria that every single one of our picks has to meet:
Native support: This should go without saying, but each and every one of the controllers mentioned here has to be officially supported on macOS and does not require any hacks to function properly.
Proven quality: Controller preferences can be subjective, but to keep this guide as relevant as possible, we only consider proven controllers with positive reviews from both professional reviewers and gamers.
Pricing: We all want quality, but pricing also plays an important role. We always keep in mind price tags and bang for your buck. Some controllers may have a more limited feature set but are much cheaper than the competition. That is worth taking into account.
Your Turn
Which one is your favorite? Did we miss any you think belong on this list? Let us know in the comments section.
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I have 4 Nimbus+ and I’m quite disappointed. The first generation was great, this one has few crap button combination for tvOS, they turn on when charging sometimes making tvOS crazy… but still good. Better on macOS in which you usually use it only in games. Still hoping to see an official Apple controller one day.
Definitely think the PS4 controller should be on the list too.
The Steam controller description says that it will nor work on Mac Catalina or above