Although the DualSense controller was natively designed for the PS5, you can also connect it to your Mac. Indeed, since the release of macOS Big Sur 11.3, Apple has introduced the possibility of using the new generation of Sony controllers on its computer, and this with any compatible title.
Through this tutorial, we explain how to connect your PS5 DualSense controller to your Mac and how to configure it...
First of all, here is what you need:
- A DualSense joystick
- A Mac running macOS Big Sur 11.3 or later
- A USB-C to USB-A/C cable (optional)
Connect a DualSense controller to a Mac
There are two ways to connect a DualSense controller to a Mac, either using Bluetooth or a USB-C cable.
Bluetooth
As with the PS5, the best way to hook up your DualSense to your Mac is via Bluetooth. To do this :
- On your controller, press and hold the PS and Share buttons until the LED around the trackpad flashes.
- On your Mac, go to System Preferences → Bluetooth.
- Find your controller in the list of available devices, then click Connecter.
It's worth noting that if you want to use the DualSense controller with your PS5, then you'll need to turn on your console first and attach it via a USB-C cable.
Cables
Although most gamers prefer the Bluetooth solution, you can also choose to use USB-C to USB-A on older Macs, or USB-C to USB-C for those with Thunderbolt 3.
There are no particular advantages in terms of performance, however it allows you to keep a significant autonomy. To take advantage of it, just plug it in with a USB-C cable and start playing.
Use a DualSense controller with Steam on macOS
While the DualSense works automatically with PlayStation Remote Play and the library of MFI-enabled games, available with the Apple Arcade, you'll need to configure it manually for Steam.
Don't worry, it's not as complex as it looks, just enable the right setting.
- Connect your DualSense controller to your Mac.
- Open the Steam app.
- At the top left of your screen, click Steam, And then Preferences.
- In the left navigation pane, go to CONTROLLER.
- Click on General controller settings.
- Check the box for PlayStation configuration support.
Now you should be able to enjoy Steam compatible games.
The limits of using a DualSense controller on Mac
Please note that using your PS5's DualSense controller on your Mac has limitations.
First of all, it doesn't work with all titles available on macOS. It specifically supports MFIs on the App Store, including those available in Apple Arcade, Sony's Remote Play app, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GeForce Now.
Also be aware that the technology available in the DuelSense is limited. While you can take advantage of the advanced haptic and force feedback triggers for games available on the PS5, these features aren't available on macOS.
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