Which game controller will work on a Mac M2?

[Levina]

Hello,

I play a Steam game every now and then. I used the wired xbox 360 controller (with the driver) for years. Worked perfectly fine on my classic Mac Pro. It doesn't work any longer on my new Mac Mini M2Pro. I bought a new one, the xbox wireless controller X as I read it would work on newer Macs. I'm sorry to say it doesn't. My Mac doesn't see it. Steam doesn't see it.

So which controller will work with a M2 Mac (and Steam)?

Thanks!

 

[bousozoku]

I'm using a wireless xBox controller. It lists everything but macOS as compatible, but it works just fine.

 

[diamond.g]

Hello,

I play a Steam game every now and then. I used the wired xbox 360 controller (with the driver) for years. Worked perfectly fine on my classic Mac Pro. It doesn't work any longer on my new Mac Mini M2Pro. I bought a new one, the xbox wireless controller X as I read it would work on newer Macs. I'm sorry to say it doesn't. My Mac doesn't see it. Steam doesn't see it.

So which controller will work with a M2 Mac (and Steam)?

Thanks!

PS5 controllers work. I have a 8-bitdo Switch controller than macOS sees but not all games work with it.

The Series X controller should work (check to see if your phone sees it when put in pairing mode).

 

[salamanderjuice]

Series X controller should work, you can either use it wired or in Bluetooth mode. You have to hold the pair button for at least 3 seconds to put it in Bluetooth mode. The Xbox logo flashing will change to signify that.

 

[Levina]

PS5 controllers work. I have a 8-bitdo Switch controller than macOS sees but not all games work with it.

The Series X controller should work (check to see if your phone sees it when put in pairing mode).

Series X controller should work, you can either use it wired or in Bluetooth mode. You have to hold the pair button for at least 3 seconds to put it in Bluetooth mode. The Xbox logo flashing will change to signify that.

Ah, okay. Hold the pair button!! I will try that. Thank you both.

I'll report back later.

 

[Levina]

Okay, pairing the controller and the Mac was successful. Steam's test was also successful. And sure enough, it works navigating from game to game and it opens a game but that's where it ends. It does nothing in the games, despite Steam telling me the controller should work very well with them.

It's the same on my iPad. Navigating from app to app works, opening an app works. But that's it.

Could it be a firmware update I need to do? I hope not because it can't be done on a Mac.

 

[kaioshade]

Okay, pairing the controller and the Mac was successful. Steam's test was also successful. And sure enough, it works navigating from game to game and it opens a game but that's where it ends. It does nothing in the games, despite Steam telling me the controller should work very well with them.

It's the same on my iPad. Navigating from app to app works, opening an app works. But that's it.

Could it be a firmware update I need to do? I hope not because it can't be done on a Mac.

Try toggling Steam input for the Xbox controller. I remember some games not recognizing it until I did that.

 

[Levina]

Try toggling Steam input for the Xbox controller. I remember some games not recognizing it until I did that.

Thanks. Will try that.