How To Use Bluetooth Controller On Pc

collection of PS4 and Xbox controllers on table

Console controllers don't always work equally soon every bit you plug them into a Windows PC or Mac. We've compiled a list of guides so yous can acquire how to brand your favorite controller work with your reckoner.

Most controllers intended to be used on PCs, like USB Logitech controllers, will be HID-compliant devices and support the XInput or DirectInput protocol, which you can utilise in most games. Some may work out of the box and others may need a custom driver. For console controllers, especially older ones, yous may demand a hardware adapter if information technology doesn't plug into USB, as Bluetooth back up is hit or miss.

This guide covers Windows and macOS, merely most HID controllers volition work on Linux, too. It'll just take a little configuration, with which Linux users are probably familiar.

PlayStation 4 (DualShock 4)

PS4 dual-shock controller

Windows supports Sony PS4 controllers without additional software as long as y'all plug them in via USB. You'll need a hardware adapter to use the controller wirelessly.

Macs also support Sony's latest controllers by default, even with a wireless connectedness. Unfortunately, these controllers show upwardly as a generic input device, which may not work in all games.

PlayStation 3 (DualShock 3)

Windows needs a custom driver for PS3 controllers. It'southward a scrap complicated to gear up, just we've got the instructions.

Macs support these controllers without whatever extra software. Just wirelessly connect via Bluetooth or plug it in with a USB cablevision.

PlayStation 1 and 2 (DualShock 1 and 2)

Sony's PS1 and PS2 controllers are older and don't utilize USB. You tin go an adapter, simply it's probably best to pick up a DualShock 3, equally it'southward almost entirely the aforementioned only with wireless and USB support.

Xbox Ane

Xbox one controller

Windows is supported fully out of the box, seeing as this is Microsoft'south flagship controller. Just plug and play, or connect over Bluetooth. You tin fifty-fifty update the controller's firmware from your PC if you lot're using Windows x.

Macs support Xbox One controllers wirelessly without anything actress, only y'all'll need actress software if yous want to plug your controller in via USB. Specifically, you need the 360Controller driver, which extends support for wired USB Xbox Ane controllers.

Xbox 360

Windows supports wired 360 controllers by default, but wireless controllers will need a special USB adapter.

Mac needs a custom commuter. Due to bug with kernel extensions (kexts,) wireless support causes kernel panics, and is disabled in this driver.

Original Xbox (Xbox "i")

You'll demand an adapter and some custom drivers, only information technology doesn't seem entirely like shooting fish in a barrel. MacOS has an older commuter, but it may not work on newer versions of macOS. Also, if y'all're crazy, yous can forego the adapter altogether and splice together a couple of cables, although we don't recommend this.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Nintendo Switch controller

Nintendo'south Switch Pro controller works automatically later on you connect information technology via Bluetooth on Windows and macOS, merely you'll have to set it up in Steam to use in games.

RELATED: How to Connect the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con or Pro Controllers to Your PC

Wii Remotes and Wii U Pro Controllers

Windows will connect the controller by default, but it may not be usable as a controller in all apps. Dolphin, the Wii emulator, supports using them as inputs, only we didn't have whatsoever on hand to test system-wide use.

Mac is supported in the same manner—only in Dolphin. Arrangement-wide utilize is technically supported, but we heavily recommend finding a new controller. MacOS Sierra broke support for the only driver, Wjoy, merely it was updated on a new fork. However, the current release doesn't work either, so you'll have to build the latest commit from source in Xcode, update a bunch of build targets, ready a few errors, sign it with an Apple tree programmer account, so later on all that you have to kicking into Recovery Mode and disable system integrity protectionto install information technology. Only and then tin you properly connect the controller.

GameCube Controllers

You'll need an adapter of course, but Windows and Mac should be supported by default through HID. Support may vary though depending on the adapter you go. Yous can get an official one, but the Mayflash adapter seems to work fine for half the price. This adapter has a switch so y'all can use information technology on PC as well equally console, which volition turn it into an HID device rather than a proprietary console simply one. Dolphin tin communicate with information technology directly, though, and volition support the Wii U mode, which can fix some bugs with the boosted ports.

Note that macOS's HID implementation overrides Dolphin's directly communication with the device, so it doesn't support having multiple controllers plugged in. There is a workaround, just it may not work with every adapter. It does involve disabling SIP, though admittedly just for kext extensions, which is a little safer.

Guitar Hero Controllers

guitar hero controller

This one'south a little weird, every bit Guitar Hero has many different console versions, simply there's still a thriving community on PC with CloneHero. Most should piece of work with an adapter, so it'southward best to check their wiki for instructions.

Other Controllers

Other Retro Controllers usually demand adapters, unless you get updated USB versions of them. Most adapters should utilise standard XInput and DirectInput connections and should be configurable in Steam and whatever of the apps below.

Third Political party Controllers will vary depending on what y'all get, merely most should use the same standard XInput connections. Usually, it will list its compatibility on Amazon, and then make sure to buy one that'south compatible, or pick up something more than mainstream.

If your controller isn't listed here, or yous can't become it to work with these guides, a quick Google search for the controller proper noun plus your Bone version and "commuter" should atomic number 82 you to decent results.

If you demand to remap your controller, you tin can use Steam's built-in Big Picture show Fashion to practise and then. If you lot demand to utilize it in a non-Steam game, you can try AntiMicro for Windows and Enjoyable for macOS, both free.