OS X Using a Playstation controller with Mac

[ZuroPxi]

I wanna buy a controller of some sort to use it to play games on my Mac but I was not sure what is the best choice. Is it the Xbox, PS3, or PS4 controller? I'm mostly debating between the PS3 and the PS4 although I would get the Xbox controller if there was a good enough reason.

My highest priority for the controller is compatibility with games in the Mac. Does the PS4 controller support less games on the Mac because it is newer? or does it support anything that the PS3 controller supports because it is the same technology just a few tweaks on the design? What kind of games have you played with those controllers (all of the call of duties, GTA etc.) and how was the experience different from console?

Right now I feel like the PS3 controller is the one I wanna go for but I thought if I'm buying a new controller I might as well get the better one, but my definition of better is not just a new design and features that only work on console (Share button, touch pad, built-in speakers etc.)

Also, will this controller work with an emulator for PS1/PS2 games on the Mac? I'm playing harvest moon on my Mac (mouse and keyboard) but I was wondering if the PS3/4 controller would support it. I have a feel that the PS3 controller is the only one that will support it just because I actually played that title on PS3 with a PS3 title and it worked but I'm not certain.

 

[Beastgiga]

Regardless of which controller you choose, you might have to use some sort of controller mapping software depending on whether the game you want to play supports that particular controller.

You'll find most games support Xbox/PS3 controllers out of the box; not as many have implemented DS4 controller support yet.

There's also the issue of whether you want to play wirelessly or not. If you want to play with a wireless controller, I believe PS3 controllers are easier to connect with your Mac because they use Bluetooth. Just turn it on, establish a connection, and you're done. Wireless Xbox controllers require you to have/purchase a separate Xbox Wireless Receiver.

I use a PS3 controller to play emulators on my Mac as well, and it works fine. I've read that DS4's might be a little harder to use with emulators because those older games might not recognize the controller.

Hope this helps.

 

[MartinAppleGuy]

I wanna buy a controller of some sort to use it to play games on my Mac but I was not sure what is the best choice. Is it the Xbox, PS3, or PS4 controller? I'm mostly debating between the PS3 and the PS4 although I would get the Xbox controller if there was a good enough reason.

My highest priority for the controller is compatibility with games in the Mac. Does the PS4 controller support less games on the Mac because it is newer? or does it support anything that the PS3 controller supports because it is the same technology just a few tweaks on the design? What kind of games have you played with those controllers (all of the call of duties, GTA etc.) and how was the experience different from console?

Right now I feel like the PS3 controller is the one I wanna go for but I thought if I'm buying a new controller I might as well get the better one, but my definition of better is not just a new design and features that only work on console (Share button, touch pad, built-in speakers etc.)

Also, will this controller work with an emulator for PS1/PS2 games on the Mac? I'm playing harvest moon on my Mac (mouse and keyboard) but I was wondering if the PS3/4 controller would support it. I have a feel that the PS3 controller is the only one that will support it just because I actually played that title on PS3 with a PS3 title and it worked but I'm not certain.

My PS3 automatically connects to my iMac via Bluetooth when I switch it on and works with all the games I have tried. I pair a PS3 controller and have it work as a Bluetooth input, do this: http://theultralinx.com/2014/02/connect-playstation-3-controller-mac-os-mavericks.html

 

[edddeduck]

Regardless of which controller you choose, you might have to use some sort of controller mapping software depending on whether the game you want to play supports that particular controller.

All new Feral games support the PS3 and PS4 pads and most older games are also supported. However some of the older games you will have to email us to request an updated support file for the PS4 pad.

 

[n0cus]

I would personally recommend getting a PS2 to 360 adapter. They are dirt cheap and have a wide range of compatibility. You get a PS2 controller with the compatibility of the 360 controller. I got one of these the other day, and they are absolutely great. I was about to drop about $30 on a USB 360 controller, until I came across this at a thrift shop. I plugged in the adapter and my controller (which I also got there for $1) and it worked like a charm. Just my take.

 

[akbarali.ch]

Hi Guys,

I'm in a similar situation. Reading the post above and on various other websites it seems that both xbox and ps3 controller work great. I don't want to go for xbox wireless as it requires another hardware to be purchased.

Just wanted to know, comparatively, which controller is more compatible with games?

Wired Xbox controller OR PS3 Controller (over bluetooth of course)

I'm on iMac Late 2012.

 

[edddeduck]

Hi Guys,

I'm in a similar situation. Reading the post above and on various other websites it seems that both xbox and ps3 controller work great. I don't want to go for xbox wireless as it requires another hardware to be purchased.

Just wanted to know, comparatively, which controller is more compatible with games?

Wired Xbox controller OR PS3 Controller (over bluetooth of course)

I'm on iMac Late 2012.

They are similar but I would say the 360 has a slight edge on support with some companies. However with Feral games they have the same level of support on all newer titles.

It should be noted that rumble support isn't supported on the PS3 pad (at the moment) but it is supported on the 360 pad.