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Introduction
I have created a USB driver which allows you to use wired XBox 360 Controllers via USB, and wireless XBox 360 Controllers via the Microsoft Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows, on your OSX machine, including support for the Apple Force Feedback library. The driver is licenced under the GPL.
ChatPad
I have got the Microsoft ChatPad working with my wired controller. The latest release of the driver includes support, and I'll be updating the USB information section of this website shortly. I've not yet checked the wireless receiver for compatibility.
Other info
Sadly, my PowerMac has died, which as my primary development machine has slowed progress.
I have added a version of the driver without support for the Guitar Hero controller, to allow the Guitar Hero for Mac game to work (it attempts to access hardware directly, which doesn't work if a real driver has claimed the device). It works by automatically tweaking the driver's Info.plist, but a reboot will be required after any changes.
The Driver disk image contains an installer, which when run will install the driver, and a Preference Pane to control it.
Revisions
20/02/13
0.12
Signed for Snow Leopard, lots of device support, ChatPad fixes
Source
10/01/12
0.11
Minor tweaks
Source
02/07/11
0.10
Experimental fixes
Source
21/11/09
0.09
Experimental ChatPad support, rearchitecture
10/09/09
0.08
Snow Leopard fix, experimental 64-bit support
16/12/07
0.07
10.4 bugfix, New controllers: RockBand, DDR
Source
10/11/07
0.06
Bug fixes, new features
Source
21/4/07
0.05
Bug fixes, new Guitar Hero controller
Source
27/2/07
0.04
Wireless Gaming Receiver support (source code to follow)
22/7/06
0.03
Extra vendor/product IDs
Source
12/2/06
0.02
Universal binary, new vendor/product IDs, D-pad as buttons, more options
Source
0.01
initial release
Source
Help
If you find the driver does not work for you, please attempt and find out as much as you can about the device, preferably using the Apple 'USB Prober' application provided with the developer tools, but the output of System Profiler for the device may be enough. E-mail it back and I'll try and work with you to get it working.
Force feedback-enabled games
Games I've currently tested for force feedback support (only games that support basic rumble will probably function currently, as I've only implemented triangle, square and sine wave-type effects. I also lack any other force feedback device for comparison :) ):
Jammin' Racer - seems to work fine
Still needing implemented
More settings, e.g. trigger deadzone, button remap
Force feedback may elongate effects
Force feedback (DirectInput-style interface) emulator may need more work
Preference pane currently only tests rumble motors, by creating a force feedback interface but then just using the Escape functionality
Driver needs to handle more possible errors.
Screenshots
FAQ
Miscellaneous questions
Can I use a wireless controller without the Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows?
Sadly, the wireless controllers communicate with the XBox 360 using a propreitary RF protocol, and not Bluetooth, so the Bluetooth module built into your Mac won't help you out. Additionally, the Play n Charge cable only charges, and won't allow you to use the wireless controller as a wired one. If you want to buy a Wireless Gaming Receiver from Amazon, use the links below and part of your purchase will be donated to me!
Can I use the 360 controller with a game that doesn't explicitly support gamepads?
If you're using a game like WoW or an emulator that only supports the keyboard, I recommend ControllerMate to allow you to configure any HID device to appear as another device to the system. In addition to this, there are applications available if you want to generate a MIDI feed from your controller for creative purposes!
Compatibility
Controllers
The driver should also now be able to update itself to support (or remove support for) any given devices, using the new + button to the left of the connected device list.
Lion
A deadlock issue was present that causes any HID devices (e.g. keyboard and mouse) to freeze if the wired controller has been unplugged, in relation to the ChatPad support code. Someone kindly submitted a patch to temporarily remove the deadlock in 0.11.
Snow Leopard
I've released a version which will hopefully install and work fine on 32-bit Snow Leopard. It also contains 64-bit binaries, however I've been unable to test them because Apple have disabled my MacBook from booting into 64-bit mode. I have however been informed that 64-bit and 32-bit builds are both working.
Specific games
MacMAME
The driver should work with MacMAME, and indeed many users have used it successfully. However, I've not yet tried it myself and so Google will be your first stop. If, after looking, you can't get it to work, you can still try e-mailing me at the link at the bottom of the page.
Halo
I'm told you need to upgrade to version 1.5 of Halo before it will accept gamepads. Install the update, and I'm told it will work perfectly.
Buying a controller? Or something else?
If you're looking to buy an XBox 360 controller to use, or any other Amazon items, please consider using these links.
Amazon.com: XBox 360 wired controllerXBox 360 Store
Luckily enough, connecting Xbox One Controller to Mac is very simple. Sometimes it works natively and wirelessly, but sometimes it requires wired connection and third-party app (driver). This article has all you need to know about connecting Xbox One Controller to Mac. Xbox One Controller works better with Windows 10, so our advice is to. Your Mac might not have the massive library of games available to Windows gamers, but you can still play them in style by connecting an Xbox One controller – and you don't need any extra.
Solution 3: Restart your PC
Select the Windows icon.
Select Power.
Select Restart.
Note If your PC resources are being used for other activities, it may take up to 2 minutes for your PC to recognize and/or bind your controller via Bluetooth. If you experience a delay with your PC recognizing and/or binding your controller via Bluetooth, wait up to 2 minutes to see if this resolves the issue.
I can’t hear anything through my Stereo or Chat Headset
When your controller is connected via Bluetooth, audio devices are not supported. To use a headset, connect your controller directly to your PC by using a USB cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows or connect your audio device directly to your PC.
The Xbox button on your controller blinks slowly and is unresponsive when using Bluetooth
Solution 1: Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your PC
On your PC, select the Start button, and then select Settings >Devices >Bluetooth.
If Bluetooth is not enabled, turn it on so your PC can discover Bluetooth devices.
Solution 2: Remove interference
Move closer to your PC and eliminate potential interference (such as from mobile phones or other Bluetooth devices).
Solution 3: Re-pair the device
Go to Settings >Devices >Bluetooth.
Select the Xbox Wireless controller, and then select Remove device.
Press the Connect button on your controller.
Solution 4: Try connecting again
Try connecting your Xbox Wireless Controller again and be sure to press and release the Connect button.
The Xbox button on your controller blinks fast and continuously and is unresponsive when using Bluetooth
Solution 1: Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your PC
On your PC, select the Start button, and then select Settings >Devices >Bluetooth.
If Bluetooth is not enabled, turn it on so your PC can discover Bluetooth devices.
Solution 2: Remove interference
Move closer to your PC and eliminate potential interference (e.g., mobile phones or other Bluetooth devices).
Xbox Controller Mac Driver
Solution 3: Try connecting again
To allow your PC resources to free up, wait 2 minutes and then try connecting your controller to your PC again.
I'm asked for a passcode when pairing via Bluetooth
Solution 1: Restart your controller
Power off the controller by pressing and holding the Xbox button on the controller for 6 seconds.
Press the Xbox button again to power it back on.
Connect your Xbox Wireless Controller to your PC using a USB cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows.
My input is not recognized when connected via Bluetooth
Xbox 1s Controller Driver Mac Windows 10
Solution 1: Check your controller using a different app
See if the controller works properly with a different app. If your controller works properly, it's likely the app you're trying to use doesn't support Bluetooth.
Check with the developer of the app to determine Bluetooth compatibility.
Xbox 1s Controller Driver Mac Pro
Solution 2: Use a USB cable
Try using the controller with a USB cable. If the controller works, the issue is with your Bluetooth connection.
Solution 3: Try connecting again
Xbox One Controller Mac
Try connecting your Xbox Wireless Controller again and be sure to press and release the Connect button.
