macOS 13 PS and Xbox Controller Support

Apple's macOS 13 (Ventura) natively supports modern PlayStation and Xbox controllers over Bluetooth without requiring third-party software or drivers. This guide covers which models are compatible, how native integration functions, the process for pairing them, and how to customize controller mappings directly within the operating system settings.

Supported Controllers

macOS 13 includes built-in support for the following controllers over Bluetooth:

  • PlayStation: DualShock 4 (PlayStation 4), DualSense Wireless Controller (PlayStation 5), and DualSense Edge.
  • Xbox: Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth (Model 1708 and later, including Xbox Series X|S controllers), Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and Xbox Adaptive Controller.

Older Xbox 360 and original Xbox One controllers do not feature standard Bluetooth connectivity and cannot connect wirelessly to a Mac without proprietary adapters or third-party solutions.

Native Integration and Features

Controllers paired with macOS 13 communicate through Apple’s native Game Controller framework. This enables low-latency input, standard analog and button detection, and native rumble functionality in supported titles across Apple Arcade, Steam, and standalone Mac games.

macOS 13 also includes a dedicated Game Controllers menu within System Settings. Once a controller is paired, users can:

  • Remap physical buttons, thumbsticks, and triggers.
  • Create distinct profiles for specific games.
  • Adjust rumble and haptic feedback intensity.
  • Capture gameplay screenshots or video clips using dedicated capture buttons.

How to Pair a PlayStation Controller via Bluetooth

  1. Open System Settings on your Mac and navigate to Bluetooth. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
  2. Put the controller into pairing mode:
    • DualShock 4: Press and hold the PS button and the Share button simultaneously until the light bar begins to flash.
    • DualSense / DualSense Edge: Press and hold the PS button and the Create button simultaneously until the light bar flashes rapidly.
  3. Locate the controller under the "Nearby Devices" list on your Mac and click Connect.

How to Pair an Xbox Controller via Bluetooth

  1. Open System Settings on your Mac and select Bluetooth.
  2. Turn on the Xbox controller by pressing the Xbox button.
  3. Press and hold the dedicated Pair button located on the top edge of the controller for three seconds until the Xbox button flashes rapidly.
  4. Locate the Xbox Wireless Controller under "Nearby Devices" on your Mac and click Connect.

Once connected, macOS automatically configures the inputs, allowing the controller to be used immediately in any compatible application.