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macOS Gamepads

Overview

This page contains details regarding the various controllers that have been tested for compatibility with webЯcade on a Mac. The table below provides a high-level overview of each controller including whether it is compatible with the Chrome or Safari browsers.

Clicking on the name of a Gamepad in the table will navigate to a section containing additional details about the particular controller, including how to pair it via Bluetooth (if applicable).

Gamepad Connectivity Chrome Safari Comments
8BitDo Lite Bluetooth ✅ ✅ Does not work correctly with USB.
8BitDo Zero 2 Bluetooth ✅ ✅ Does not support alternate controls (lacks thumbsticks).

Does not work correctly with USB.
PlayStation DualShock 4 Bluetooth and USB ✅ ✅
Xbox 360 Controller USB ✅ 🟥 Safari does not detect the controller.
Xbox Wireless Controller Bluetooth and USB ✅ 🟥 Does not work correctly in Safari. Appears as two different controllers simultaneously.

Screen Recording (Use alternate controls)

macOS supports the ability to initiate screen recording by double pressing on the PlayStation DualShock 4 "Share" button (or equivalent button on other controllers).

When this button sequence is pressed, the following dialog will be displayed.

In addition to the annoyance of the dialog being displayed, other functions that are mapped to this button (select, etc.) are inconsistent in their behavior. Therefore, when using a Mac it is recommended that the following alternative buttons be used as they have been proven to work consistently.

Name
Gamepad
 Comments
Start
  and  Hold down the Right Trigger and click (press down) on the Right Thumbstick.
Select
  and  Hold down the Right Trigger and click (press down) on the Left Thumbstick.
Show Pause Screen  and  Hold down the Left Trigger and click (press down) on the Left Thumbstick.
Show Pause Screen
(Alternate)		  and  Hold down the Left Trigger and click (press down) on the Right Thumbstick.

Controllers

The following sections provide details regarding controllers that have been tested for compatibility with webЯcade on a Mac.

8bitDo Lite

This section contains information related to the 8BitDo Lite Controller by 8BitDo.

Bluetooth Pairing

To connect the controller to a macOS system via Bluetooth perform the following steps:

  • On your Mac, choose the Apple menu > System Preferences..., then click Bluetooth.
  • To enter pairing mode on the controller:
    • Move the controller's Mode switch (middle top of controller) to X (rightmost location).
    • Press the Home button to turn the controller on (near bottom right of controller).
    • Press the controller's Pair button for 2 seconds to enter pairing mode (Small button on back edge near the R2 button).
  • The controller should appear under Devices in the Bluetooth dialog as show in the image below.
  • The device should have a name similar to, "8BitDo Lite gamepad".
  • Press the Connect button to the right of the device name to establish a connection from the controller to the Mac.

8bitDo Zero 2

This section contains information related to the 8BitDo Zero 2 Controller by 8BitDo.

Bluetooth Pairing

To connect the controller to a macOS system via Bluetooth perform the following steps:

  • On your Mac, choose the Apple menu > System Preferences..., then click Bluetooth.
  • To enter pairing mode on the controller:
    • While pressing and holding the A button press and hold the Start button to turn on the controller.
    • Press and hold the Select button for 3 seconds to enter pairing mode (the LED should rapidly blink).
  • The controller should appear under Devices in the Bluetooth dialog as show in the image below.
  • The device should have a name similar to, "DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller".
  • Press the Connect button to the right of the device name to establish a connection from the controller to the Mac.

Alternate Controls

The Zero 2 does not have the necessary inputs to support the alternative controls detailed in the Screen Recording section above. Therefore, it is possible to combine the use of the Zero 2 with the keyboard controls listed below.

Name Keys Comments
Start
Select The Right Shift Key.
Show Pause Screen

PlayStation DualShock 4

This section contains information related to the PlayStation DualShock 4 Controller by Sony.

Bluetooth Pairing

To connect the controller to a macOS system via Bluetooth perform the following steps:

  • On your Mac, choose the Apple menu > System Preferences..., then click Bluetooth.
  • To enter pairing mode on the controller:
    • While pressing and holding the Share button (upper left on controller) press and hold the PS button (bottom center) until the light bar on the back flashes.
  • The controller should appear under Devices in the Bluetooth dialog as show in the image below.
  • The device should have a name similar to, "DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller".
  • Press the Connect button to the right of the device name to establish a connection from the controller to the Mac.

Xbox 360 Controller

This section contains information related to the Xbox 360 Controller by Microsoft.

Simply connect the Xbox 360 controller to the Mac via the USB cable.

Xbox Wireless Controller

This section contains information related to the Xbox Wireless Controller by Microsoft.

Bluetooth Pairing

To connect the controller to a macOS system via Bluetooth perform the following steps:

  • On your Mac, choose the Apple menu > System Preferences..., then click Bluetooth.
  • To enter pairing mode on the controller:
    • Turn on the controller by pressing the Xbox button (Xbox logo near the center top of the controller).
    • Press the controller’s Pair button for 3 seconds and release (small button on back near the Left Bumper button).
  • The controller should appear under Devices in the Bluetooth dialog as show in the image below.
  • The device should have a name similar to, "Xbox Wireless Controller".
  • Press the Connect button to the right of the device name to establish a connection from the controller to the Mac.

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