Use PS4 DualShock 4 Controller on Mac - Setup & Guide
Gaming on a Mac: Utilizing Your PlayStation DualShock 4 Controller
The perception that Macs aren't for gaming is inaccurate. Many Mac users, particularly those in creative fields, possess powerful machines capable of running contemporary games.
However, achieving an optimal gaming experience can be hindered by the limitations of using a trackpad for control. For titles beyond the Civilization series, a dedicated controller is essential.
Connecting a DualShock 4 Controller to Your Mac
If you already own a DualShock 4 controller from your PlayStation, integrating it with your Mac is a straightforward process.
The controller is readily compatible with macOS, offering a convenient solution for gamers.
Optimizing Your Gaming Setup
For dedicated gamers, installing Windows via Boot Camp and utilizing the PS4 controller within that environment is often the preferred approach.
However, if your gaming is more casual – perhaps enjoying occasional adventures in historical settings or simulated political intrigue – dedicating 50 GB of SSD storage to a separate operating system may not be practical.
In such cases, leveraging the controller directly within macOS provides a streamlined and efficient gaming experience.
Further Resources
- For those interested in utilizing the DualShock 4 controller with a PC, additional information can be found in related guides.
Connecting Your PS4 Controller to a Mac: Wired and Wireless Options
There are two primary methods for establishing a connection between a PS4 controller and your Mac computer: a direct USB Micro cable connection, or a wireless Bluetooth pairing. Utilizing a USB cable is straightforward, requiring only that you physically connect the controller to your Mac. However, establishing a Bluetooth connection necessitates a few additional configuration steps.
Initially, ensure the controller is powered off if it is currently active. If the controller is already paired with a PlayStation 4 console, a disconnection is required. Press and hold the “PlayStation” button, then navigate to and select either “Log Out of PS4” or “Enter Rest Mode” from the menu displayed on your television screen. This will power down the controller.
On your Mac, access System Preferences by navigating to Bluetooth settings and confirm that Bluetooth functionality is enabled. Subsequently, take your DualShock controller and simultaneously press and hold both the PS button and the Share button. Observe that the light bar on the controller will begin to flash blue, indicating it is in pairing mode.
Allow a short period for the controller to be discovered. The designation “Wireless Controller” will then become visible within the list of available Bluetooth Devices on your Mac. Select the “Pair” option to initiate the connection process between the two devices.
Configuring Controller Buttons for Gaming on Your Computer
After successfully connecting your controller, customizing its functionality for use with games is the next step.
Many games distributed via platforms like Steam offer native controller support. For classic gaming experiences, the OpenEmu emulator provides integrated controller compatibility. However, manual configuration is often necessary for other titles.
Several options exist for this purpose, and Enjoyable, a free and open-source application, is a recommended solution. It allows you to map each button or analog stick to a specific key press or mouse action.
Download, install, and launch the application. A unique mappings profile is required for each game you intend to use the controller with. Initiate a new profile by pressing Command+N and assigning it a descriptive name related to the game or emulator.
Switching between configured profiles is easily achieved by clicking the menu bar icon and selecting the desired profile.
Individual assignment is required for each button and analog stick axis. With Enjoyable running, depress the controller button you wish to configure. The application will then highlight the corresponding option in the list – for instance, the X button is identified as Button 2.
Subsequently, press the key on your keyboard that you want to associate with that button. The system will then register the controller input as that specific keypress.
Continue this process for all remaining buttons. It’s important to note that the L2 and R2 buttons are recognized as joysticks: L2 corresponds to Axis 5, and R2 to Axis 6. A partial press registers as the Low axis, while a full press is the High axis.
This allows for the assignment of two distinct key presses to each shoulder button, if desired. If not, ensure both axes are mapped to the same key.
Configuring the analog sticks can present some complexity. The axes are defined as follows:
- Axis 1 Low: Left analog stick moved to the left.
- Axis 1 High: Left analog stick moved to the right.
- Axis 2 Low: Left analog stick moved upwards.
- Axis 2 High: Left analog stick moved downwards.
- Axis 3 Low: Right analog stick moved to the left.
- Axis 3 High: Right analog stick moved to the right.
- Axis 4 Low: Right analog stick moved upwards.
- Axis 4 High: Right analog stick moved downwards.
Select the desired axis and assign it either a directional button or a mouse movement.
Upon completing the assignment of all buttons, you are prepared to begin playing your games.
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