Whether you’re trying to no-scope that enemy on COD or score a last-minute slam-dunk on NBA, the touchpad just doesn’t do it.
So, we thought we’d share the best tips on how to connect an Xbox 360 controller to your Mac, to make them tense gaming moments a little easier.
Before you do: Clean up your Mac
Experience both generations of games on Xbox One, including digital and disc-based titles. Enjoy custom button mapping, plug in any compatible headset with the headset jack, and play across Xbox One consoles and Windows 10 PCs with Bluetooth® technology. Play with friends on the most advanced. View all results for Xbox 360 Headsets. Search our huge selection of new and used Xbox 360 Headsets at fantastic prices at GameStop. Users who have the Xbox One or Xbox 360 disc can use the emulator to run the game on their desktop computer. A second method involves downloading an.iso file and loading it into the emulator. The third and easiest way is to load the game directly from the BolXEmu server, so you can play right away. MOST UNIQUE - Games Played With Xbox Controllers More Than Any Other Type.
BUT, before we get into all the juicy techy stuff, let’s remind you of how beneficial cleaning up your Mac can be.
Before installing any new hardware, it’s important to have an un-cluttered file space so the new software can run efficiently, and you can keep an eye on what’s where.
With CleanMyMac X, it’s easy. It’s one-click cleaning approach and powerful scanning means you can swiftly dispose of useless documents and apps which may be slowing your Mac down.
So, to get optimal controller connectivity, you should download CleanMyMac and tidy up your digital space – prior to any installations. Now, onto how to use an Xbox 360 controller on a Mac.
How to use the Xbox 360 controller on Mac
Not many of us know it, but there could be a handy use for all those old Xbox 360 or Xbox One controllers lying around. But, before you get set up, you need to have the correct hardware installed on your Mac to enable connectivity.
Here’s how.
First of all, you will need either a wired or wireless Xbox controller. Both work fine, but for all those passionate gamers with a tendency to erupt, a wireless device would be best to save any damages to wires (or opponents). These wireless receivers can be bought for around $20 on Amazon, and can handle up to 4 Xbox 360 controllers.
Free Drivers
Obviously, Macs don’t have an in-built driver for Xbox controllers as Apple are in no way affiliated with Microsoft. Similarly, Microsoft doesn’t supply drivers for Mac users for their hardware, which leaves us wanting users having to find our own way.
So back in 2006, it was music to gamer’s ears to hear that Tattie Bogle had developed their own driver free of charge to users across the gaming globe. However, this driver hasn’t been updated since 2012, and is therefore sticky when it comes to compatibility with MacOS X.
For a more streamlined approach to this conundrum, download GitHub’s free driver – it’s maintained and updated frequently and is free to all Mac users.
Xbox 360 Games Online
1. Install the driver
After opening the GitHub link, double click on the DMG file visible under ‘Assets’. This will start the installing process, where you will have to follow the appropriate instructions.
Remember though, as with any new program installation, it will reboot your Mac, so don’t panic. After the restart, you should be able to find ‘Xbox 360 Controllers’ in the system preferences.
2. Connect the Xbox 360 Controller to your Mac
Now you’ve installed the driver, the next step is to connect the controller, which is simple and only needs to be done once.
Firstly, you need to plug the USB receiver into a free USB port on your Mac. Once plugged in, the USB receiver’s light should start blinking
Press the big Xbox logo button on the controller so it lights up green
Press the button on the USB receiver
Press the connect button on the controller, which can be found at the top - in-between the left and right toggles
File cleaner for mac. The top left quarter of the circle around the Xbox button should now light up, indicating you are the first controller connected
Now the controller and Mac are linked - so in the future if you want to connect again, all you need do is press the big Xbox logo button to get going. Told you it was simple!
3. Test the Controller
As with all things techy, there’s always loopholes. So, it’s important to test the connections to ensure the controller works before we embark upon a mobile-gaming-gallivant.
Go to ‘System Preferences’, ‘Xbox 360 Controllers’ and you’ll see a screen like below.
This is a control pad, which indicates whether all the buttons on the controller are working properly. That’s about all you can do on this, as well as shutting the controller down by clicking ‘power off’.
4. Configuring for multiple games on your Mac
We all have different tastes in games - some of us like sports and some of us like military, there’s no right or wrong (asides from Half-Life, that’s just awesome and it’s not up for debate).
With these different games come different control configurations, which can get tedious when you only have one type of controller.
For full flexibility of use, there are many tools and apps available which allow you to play any game with any Mac compatible joystick or controller – even the ones that are not compatible with joysticks.
5. Use Joystick Mapper
Out of the many apps to choose from, Joystick Mapper is our pick. And at only $4.99 from the App Store, it’s real value for money – especially when considering the amount of effort it takes to develop such a complex tool.
Here’s how it works –
Once you download the Joystick Mapper app, you need to create a pre-set for your game preferences. To do this, open the app and click ‘Add new pre-set’.
Enter a name for future reference such as ‘My Game’, and for each joystick, click ‘Add a new joystick’.
Now that you’ve identified the joystick, you need to ‘bind’ joystick inputs to keyboard or mouse movements - which is easier than it sounds.
Click on ‘Add new bind’, and then ‘Scan’, and press the button of your game controller that you’d like to use. Next select a mouse or keyboard action, and that will ‘bind’ the chosen inputs.
Simply repeat this process until you’ve bound all the buttons you’d like to use.
If by chance you’re using a controller other than an Xbox 360 or Xbox One, you can replicate these actions and apply them to different controllers. To do this, simply click the ‘Clone’ icon in the top right corner. To put the pre-set into action, set a checkmark before the preferred pre-set/profile you’ve created for the game you’re about to play. Now, you’re good to go!
BUT – don’t close the Joystick Mapper app before starting the game, it needs to keep running to work. Simply select ‘cmd + H’ to hide the window.
Xbox 360 Games For Pc Free
Declutter your Mac to make more room for games
Remember, all of these processes won’t work as effectively if you have a messy Mac.
On average, there is a whopping 62GB of junk found on Macs, with jam-packed caches and folders full of useless documents cluttering the hard drive.
This considerably slows down the performance of your Mac, preventing quick and easy installations, and can even hinder the controller connectivity.
CleanMyMac X is an app dedicated to cleaning your Mac head-to-toe. It scans everything on the computer - even old folders that have been evading your wrath for years - identifying what needs to be removed.
The Mac is inspected rigorously, and with its smart one-click clean-up, CleanMyMac sweeps away the unwanted rubbish to organize folders and speed up performance.
New Games On Xbox 360
Furthermore, CleanMyMac X is free to download. So, what are you waiting for? Download it for free here.
These might also interest you:
The Xbox One is one of the most popular gaming consoles around. Even its younger sibling, the Xbox 360, is still a favorite among gamers. However, not everyone is able to get to a system whenever they want to play. Maybe you’re traveling, or your Xbox gave you the dreaded red ring of death. Maybe you are a devoted PlayStation fan but are itching to play an Xbox exclusive. Whatever the reason, the BolXEmu emulator is the perfect way to play your favorite games wherever you want.
Runs on Multiple Platforms
Unlike a ton of emulators on the market, the BolXEmu software works, and runs well, on multiple platforms. This includes PC and Mac, so as long as your computer is up-to-date and has a decent video card, you can play your games without being forced to upgrade or partition your hard drive.
BolXEmu also works on android and iOS, making it the perfect way to take your gaming on the go. Even better? You don’t need to jailbreak your iOS device to use the app, keeping you and your phone protected and under warranty. The app is frequently updated as well, so you know that you are always going to be able to access your games.
No Additional Software Required
One of the best parts of the BolXEmu app is that once you download it, there is no need to further modify your device or download additional software. Some emulators require you to download BIOS, which can clog up your memory and slow down your device. BolXEmu is ready to use as is. Users benefit from a high FPS and the ability to set their own screen resolution in accordance with preference and device needs. The app also automatically syncs with your device’s configuration, so everything from screen size to sound is tailored to your particular device.
Where to Find the BolXEmu App
You can download the emulator from its website: www.bolxemu.net or visit its Instagram page where there you should see “Get the app” button.
Easy to Use
To make things as easy for as many users as possible, there are three was you can find and upload games to your emulator. Users who have the Xbox One or Xbox 360 disc can use the emulator to run the game on their desktop computer. A second method involves downloading an .iso file and loading it into the emulator. The third and easiest way is to load the game directly from the BolXEmu server, so you can play right away. You can also download the game for offline use later.
The BolXEmu server is very user friendly, making it perfect for gamers and those looking to try out something new alike. All you need to do is download the app and follow the prompts. There is no need to have advanced knowledge of emulators or code required.
A support team is easily reachable as well, unlike with some other emulator apps. All you need to do is send them an email describing your problem, and they get back to you as soon as they can to walk you through a solution. You are able to access help during installation and throughout your use of the emulator. Adding a screenshot or two and describing your problem can be helpful but aren’t required.
Tested and Confirmed Games
BolXEmu went through extensive beta testing before it was widely released, so you know that any problematic bugs have already been worked out. Additionally, this means that there are a ton of games that have been confirmed to work perfectly. This list includes the Gears of War series, Halo: Reach, Halo Wars, Halo 3, the Mass Effect series, Perfect Dark Zero, Forza Motorsport 5, and Dead Rising 3 among many others. With such a wide variety of popular games and the latest releases, you are bound to find one of your favorite games.
For full lists of games which are supported to run with the BolXEmu program you check out:
– Xbox 360 supported games list
– Xbox One supported games list
While there are other emulators on the market, this Xbox One emulator is by far one of the best. It can work on nearly any device, regardless of your operating system, and delivers the same framerate and screen resolution you are used to when you play your console. An ever-growing library of tested and confirmed games as well as frequent updates make this an app worth sticking with as well. You can trust BolXEmu to continue growing and improving to meet your gaming needs.