Connect a game controller to Mac
You can connect a compatible game controller to your Mac using Bluetooth® or a wired connection. You can customize the buttons and even add a second controller to get help from a friend.
Pair a Bluetooth game controller
Follow the instructions that came with the controller to put it in discovery mode.
Go to the System Settings app
on your Mac.Click Bluetooth
in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)Hold the pointer over the device in the list, then click Connect.
If asked, click Accept (or enter a series of numbers, then press Enter).
Connect a wired game controller
You can connect a compatible wired game controller to your Mac. Depending on your Mac model and controller type, you may need a USB adapter (sold separately).
To set up the controller, follow the instructions that came with it.
Customize the game controller buttons
If your game controller supports it, you can specify actions to occur on your Mac—for example, take a screenshot or record a brief video of gameplay—when you press designated buttons on the game controller. You can set these options when your game controller is connected to your Mac.
Open Game Controller settings for me
Go to the System Settings app
on your Mac.Click Game Controllers
in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)Select the controller you want to customize.
Select the actions and share gestures you want to use with your controller.
Add a second game controller and get help from a friend
With Buddy Controller, Mac lets two controllers work together to control the same player character, so a friend can help you navigate through challenging parts of a game. Buddy Controller is compatible with any game that supports game controllers.
Connect two compatible game controllers to your Mac using Bluetooth or a wired controller.
Go to the System Settings app
on your Mac.Click Game Controllers
in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)Click Buddy Controller.
Choose the primary controller, then choose the secondary controller.