Despite the existence of touch panels or controllers such as keyboards and mice, playing with a specialized controller is still the favorite method of gaming for thousands of users. What you may not know is that both an iPhone and iPad, Mac and Apple TV can be used to play with controllers, whether they are popular game consoles or those known as MFi that make them fully compatible. In this post we tell you more about it, as well as we collect the best controls.
Are all games compatible?
Unfortunately not all games are adapted to play via a controller. However, there is a wide catalog of games in the App Store with which we can find compatibility. Even those of the Apple Arcade platform support the possibility of playing with a controller on any of Apple’s devices, so the range of possibilities is quite wide. Each type of controller has its own way of pairing with the devices, but all of them go through the Bluetooth settings as if they were just another accessory.
PlayStation and Xbox controllers that are compatible
Both Sony and Microsoft hold the throne with their respective game consoles and although the controls they design are designed by and for them, the truth is that some of them can also be used on computers like Apple’s. Whether from older or newer generations, all of them can be used. Although it should be noted that in order to use those of PlayStaion 5 and Xbox Series X, you must have at least these software versions: iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, macOS 11.3 and tvOS 14.5.
DualSense, the same as the PS5
If you have a PlayStation 5 you will already have this remote control as standard, otherwise you can find the original remote control or one of its variants in many stores such as Amazon. The original model has a redesign compared to its predecessors, with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that can also be used in games for Mac, iPad and company.
They also have an integrated speaker and the possibility of connecting wired headphones if desired. The distribution of the buttons is the classic Sony one, with the crosshead on the left side, the joystick on the central side and the now legendary triangle, square, X and circle on the right side. And of course with the also classic L1, L2, R1 and R2 on top of each side.
DualShock 4, another interesting option
If you don’t have the PlayStation 5 and if the 4 or for any other reason you like the controller that came with that generation better, you should know that this DualShock 4 is also compatible. It is not as advanced as the DualSense is, but you can still enjoy your favorite video games on Apple computers with this classic design in which haptic sensors or light effects were incorporated for the first time. It is also available in a multitude of colors, so you can customize it to your liking.
Xbox’s most recommended option
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller is one of the best options if you are a fan of the controllers that Microsoft makes for their Xbox. It has the purest design of the American company, with its classic distribution of buttons and joysticks, as well as a design in which we can find black, white, red or blue colors. Its connection method to Apple equipment is as simple as any other, just by pressing the pair button and accessing the Bluetooth settings. Its battery lasts quite long, so you can play for hours without worrying about having to charge it.
Other controllers that can be used to play
As we said before, there is another wide catalog of controllers qualified as MFi. These are the acronyms of “Made For iPhone”, but they are also extensible to iPad, Mac and Apple TV for this case, since they also have full compatibility with them.
SteelSeries Nimbus +, Apple’s favorite
The apple company itself sells this command in its physical and online Apple Stores, so its functionality is beyond doubt. Perhaps its price does not make it the cheapest, but we find a perfect fusion between the PlayStation and Xbox controls with a more even design to the latter, but a distribution that reminds those of Sony. It has an autonomy of up to 30 hours of uninterrupted gameplay and has touch-sensitive buttons and haptic responses that considerably improve the experience while gaming.
GameSir T4, the alternative to Xbox
If you like the Xbox controller style, but want a different design and even save money, this is one of the best options. It has a similar design to that of Microsoft, but with interesting additions such as its range of lights that will vary while playing. It also has a vibration motor to make the experience better, as well as other interesting features such as a 600 mAh battery or fast charging through the USB-C port. It is also compatible with other operating systems away from Apple, making it a great multipurpose device.
DarkWalker Wireless even has iPhone support
Although it is also compatible with iPad, Mac and Apple TV, we love this remote for offering in the same body a support in which you can place the iPhone to play without having to distance it. In this way, games can be played in a more comfortable way. Its connection is very simple and its construction leaves us a tremendously ergonomic and functional control that emulates in a way the style of PlayStation, with an identical keypad. Its 600 mAh battery will also provide for many games and all with a fairly affordable price taking into account the average price of this type of accessories.
The most groundbreaking of all: SHAKS S5i
If the previous designs do not go with you, perhaps this is the one chosen because of its completely different design from the previous ones. Either you love it or you hate it, but it will not leave you indifferent. It supports a wide compatibility among which obviously are Apple devices, with interesting specifications such as an extremely low latency of only 14 milliseconds, as well as a very powerful battery with which to get to play more than 30 hours without interruption. Far from what it may seem, its grip ends are soft and make it very ergonomic.
And where can you keep these controls?
You have already chosen your favorite controller, you have even been able to play a few games already, but… What do you do now with the controller? Surely you have many drawers or cabinets in which to store it, as well as backpacks to carry it. However, it is convenient that it is well protected and that is why we propose a series of cases that could be used for this.
USA GEAR universal holster
Although it is designed for the controllers of PlayStation 3, 4 and 5, this USA GEAR case is perfectly compatible with other controllers. Its padded interior guarantees the protection of the controls and also offers space to store other items such as cables. And although its external materials are also of good quality, the user is provided with a 3-year guarantee with which to solve any possible inconvenience that may arise.
Mega case by QIMEI-SHOP
Perhaps this is the most bulky due to its dimensions, but the truth is that in this way its usefulness is guaranteed by being able to store different accessories in it, among which are obviously the controls. It has an interior divided into different sections both on the inside and on the lid, transforming into a comfortable briefcase when closed. Its materials also make it resistant to wear and tear and dirt, as it is easily cleaned. It is also waterproof, so if a liquid is spilled nearby you can rest easy.
BONUS: Controller Organizer
If you want to reorganize all your controls in one place, it is very possible that you are interested in knowing an accessory like this. It is designed to be placed on the armrest of the sofa, being very accessible to hand and allows you to store everything from the TV controls to the video game controller in its largest space. Its material is imitation leather, but of very good quality. It is available in brown or gray and complies with the “3B” rule: good, pretty and cheap.
