#Connecting a xbox 360 controller to mac how to#
#Connecting a xbox 360 controller to mac windows#

#Connecting a xbox 360 controller to mac windows#

But if you already have one, we’ve got your back–scroll down for detailed instructions on getting it up and running, even when Windows doesn’t want to place nice. In general, we don’t recommend buying these.

Note the purposeful omission of any copy or trademarked names like “Microsoft”, “Xbox 360”, or “Windows”. The knockoffs are almost always branded “X360”, seen above right, and usually say “PC Wireless Gaming Receiver” or a variation on the back. The official Microsoft Xbox 360, seen above left, is always branded as “Microsoft” on the front and says “Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows” on the back. Typically, you’ll find them ranging in price from $7-15 and they’re either flawless clones that are indistinguishable from the official adapter dongle or they’re terrible knockoffs that will give you a headache setting them up. On the opposite side of things, you’ll find piles upon piles of knockoff USB receivers sold separately all over Amazon, eBay, and other big online marketplaces.

(Remember, “fulfilled by Amazon does not guarantee a genuine product.) The Dubious Aftermarket Clones: Cheap and Doable, but a Headache If you must shop on Amazon, be sure you’re buying a product marked “fulfilled by Amazon” and be ready to return it if it ends up that the product is not an official model. If you can find it cheaper from a reputable retailer, then by all means jump on it. The MSRP of the official bundle $59.95, and you’ll usually find it at close to that price at places like Best Buy. RELATED: I Got Scammed by a Counterfeiter on Amazon. And hey, if you only need the USB receiver, you can always sell the controller on Craigslist and try to get your money back. Despite the Xbox 360 getting a little long in the tooth, you can still find official Xbox 360 “For Windows” controller packs both on the shelves at many electronics retailers, online, and directly from Microsoft. If you don’t mind paying a premium (and potentially buying an extra controller you don’t need) then the most frustration-free and guaranteed-to-work method is to buy the official Xbox 360 wireless controller for Windows bundle. The Official Bundle: Expensive, But Headache-Free

They sell it in a bundle with a wireless controller–but if you already have a wireless controller, you probably don’t want to buy another one just to get the adapter. Microsoft doesn’t sell the adapter by itself. This is where the decision making process gets slightly complicated.

#Connecting a xbox 360 controller to mac how to#

RELATED: How to Use an Xbox 360 Controller On Your Windows PC Xbox 360 controllers use a propriety 2.4Ghz communication method that need a specific a USB adapter made for the Xbox 360 controller–no substitutes allowed. That’s right, you can’t just connect a wireless Xbox 360 controller to your PC using Bluetooth, or anything like that. A wired controller is pure plug and play with no hassle–but if you absolutely must have wireless play at your PC, you’ll need to buy a USB-to-wireless adapter. If you’re sitting at your computer desk and not across the living room, for example–then you might just want to skip the whole hassle, just buy an official wired Xbox 360 controller for $27, and be done with it. When it comes to wireless Xbox 360 on Windows you have three options: the expensive and easy way, the cheap and somewhat frustrating way, and the grey market middle ground. Let’s take a look at how you can enjoy wireless gameplay on your PC while minimizing the headaches. The wired Xbox 360 controller is USB, so using it for PC gaming is easy–but things get a bit more complex if you have a wireless controller.