How To Use An Xbox One Controller With Apple Arcade
For a long time, using an Xbox controller with your Mac was an iffy prospect. You needed third-party drivers, and you got inconsistent support from game to game. Using one with iOS? Forget it. Apple Arcade and the latest versions of Apple’s various operating systems have worked together to change that, providing seamless support for wireless Xbox One controllers. Here’s what you need to know to get Apple Arcade on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad playing nicely with your trusty Xbox gamepad.
Pairing The Third Party Controller With Your Apple Tv
Now that weve taken a peek at how to check for game compatibility and controller compatibility, its time to pair our controller to the Apple TV. Fortunately its a simple process and youll likely spend far more time picking out your controller and your games than you will setting up the controller.
To set up your controller start at your Apple TVs home screen and navigate, using the trackpad on your remote, to the Settings icon.
Select Remotes and Devices from the list in the main Settings menu.
Within the Remotes and Devices menu select Bluetooth.
Here you will see all the Bluetooth devices currently paired with your Apple TV. We have no devices currently pairs beyond the stock Apple TV remote .
Now is the time to grab your third party remote and initiate the pairing sequence. Typically your controller will be put into pairing mode either by pressing a dedicated pairing button or youll hold down the home/menu button.
In the case of the SteelSeries Nimbus there is a dedicated pairing button located on the top of the remote as seen in the photo above. Hold down the button for several seconds. After a few seconds the device should appear on the Bluetooth device menu under Other Devices.
Were almost done with the pairing process. The final step is to select the item that just appeared in your device list, as seen in the screenshot above, and click the trackpad button.
Identifying Games That Work With Controllers
All Apple TV games must support the new Apple TV remote but not all Apple TV games must support third party Bluetooth controllers. The easiest way to identify whether or not a game supports third party controllers is to reference the games entry in the the App Store on your Apple TV.
In the screenshot above you can see the description for the game Rayman Adventures. Each game entry in the App Store that supports third party game controllers will have the text in the app description Game Controller Optional.
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How Do They Adapt To Command
Depends. Some games simply offer the minimum options of the A button, which is equivalent to a press on the Siri Remote, and the left joystick, which is equivalent to sliding on the touch part of the Remote. Others They take advantage of the six buttons and three joysticks of the Xbox controller to allow us a much more intuitive game dynamics.
Highlights for example the game Oceanhorn 2, which is fully optimized to play with a controller, or Agent Intercept which is, at least in my opinion, much easier to play using it.
What Kinds Of Xbox Controllers Will Work With Apple Arcade
For now, at least, you’ll need a new or recent Xbox One S controller that supports Bluetooth connections.
Microsoft offers a simple visual test to see whether yours will work with Bluetooth: If the plastic around the circular Xbox button at the top of the controller is part of the face of the controller, rather than part of the top with the triggers and shoulder buttons, you’re good to go. In short, look for a controller like the one pictured below.
Sorry, old-school diehards, but Xbox 360 controllers won’t work on your Mac, neither will first- or third-party wired Xbox One controllers.
macOS Catalina, which you’ll need to use both Apple Arcade and Xbox One wireless controllers, appears to have broken the third-party 360controllers driver that once allowed Mac users to play games with Xbox 360 or One controllers. As of this writing, developers haven’t created a fix. So if you’re running Catalina, a wireless, Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One controller is your only option if you like this particular flavor of gamepad.
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Does Your Xbox Controller Have Bluetooth
Your iPhone connects to game controllers using Bluetooth. This means that any controller you connect needs to have Bluetooth, too.
Luckily, nearly all official Xbox controllers have Bluetooth. This includes the controllers that come with the Xbox One S, Xbox One X, and Xbox Series X/S. So if you’ve bought your controller within the last five years, you probably don’t need to worry.
If you’re still using the controllers that came with the original Xbox One, however, you might need to upgrade.
There’s an easy way to tell if your Xbox One controller has Bluetooth. A Bluetooth-capable Xbox One controller has plastic around the Xbox button that matches the rest of the controller’s color. Non-Bluetooth controllers instead have plastic that matches the color of the bumper buttons.
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How To Use Xbox Controller With Apple Tv
Here is how you can connect a wireless Xbox Controller to Apple TV:
Once the Xbox wireless controller is paired with Apple TV, its ready to be used in gameplay just like any other controller.
All of the gameplay buttons work with Xbox controller and Apple TV, though you may find some of the feedback and sound features do not. If
The process of setting up and using an Xbox controller with Apple TV is pretty easy as you can see, and its certainly much simpler than using an Xbox One controller with Mac that requires an enabler tool described here. Similarly, the latest Xbox One S controllers can be connected to iPhone and iPad for gaming on those devices too.
Note that you must use the latest Xbox One wireless controllers, as earlier Xbox One controllers do not appear to work for whatever reason. If you have a different experience, or know of a way to get earlier and older Xbox controllers working with Apple TV as well, then share that with us in the comments below.
Do you use a gaming controller with Apple TV? What do you think of the experience? Let us know in the comments below!
How To Pair An Xbox Series X Controller With Iphone
Gaming on iPhone and iPad continues to get better. With Apple’s upcoming updates you will be able to pair your Xbox Wireless Controller from the Xbox Series X with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Here is how.
Pairing your controller with a compatible iPhone and iPad is easy to do. To get started, you will need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5, as well as an Xbox Wireless Controller for the Xbox Series X.
The Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense controller can also be paired as part of the same update, but we’ll focus on pairing the Xbox Series X controller in this article.
Note: Currently, iOS 14.5 is still in beta testing. You will have to be a developer or enrolled in the public beta program to access this update before it is publicly released to users.
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Does Xbox 360 Controller Have Bluetooth
Xbox 360 controllers do not support Bluetooth, they use a proprietary RF interface which requires a special USB dongle. There are specific, newer Xbox ONE wireless controllers that do support Bluetooth to PC, but you need to make sure to get the one with Bluetooth support as all Xbox One controllers do not support it.
Use Multiple Game Controllers With Apple Tv
Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD support up to four Bluetooth game controllers simultaneously. If you’re using a Bluetooth audio accessory with Apple TV, only one game controller is supported.
Some apps let you use an iOS device as an additional controller, which doesn’t require a Bluetooth connection. For help using an iOS device as a controller in an app, contact the app developer.
Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.
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Jason Fitzpatrick is the Editor in Chief of LifeSavvy, How-To Geek’s sister site focused life hacks, tips, and tricks. He has over a decade of experience in publishing and has authored thousands of articles at Review Geek, How-To Geek, and Lifehacker. Jason served as Lifehacker’s Weekend Editor before he joined How-To Geek. Read more…
Lets face it, gaming with a TV remote is mostly a novelty and frustrating for anything more complex than simple games. If you want to unlock the gaming potential of your shiny new Apple TV you need to pair a real game controller. Read on as we show you how.
Note: This tutorial applies to the 2015 4th-generation Apple TV hardware update and the subsequent updates running tvOS.
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Is Xbox 360 Controller Compatible With Ipad
Apple is bringing Xbox and PlayStation 4 controller support to the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV this fall. Its a big change from the select MFi Bluetooth controllers that were supported before, and it means you can now easily connect any PS4 or Xbox One controller to your device to play games on the go.
How To Connect Xbox One Or Ps5/ps4 Controller To Iphone And Apple Tv
Are you a gaming fan and trying to connect your Xbox One or PS5 Controller to your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV? While the PS5 is a relatively new launch, connecting it is much more straightforward and similar to PS4 Controller. However, few users have faced errors in connecting it with their Apple Device. Keep scrolling to successfully pair your Xbox One or PS5 Controller to your device.
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Best Compact Controller: Steelseries Stratus
Sometimes you want a controller that is a bit more compact, and that’s why the SteelSeries Stratus is a great option for travel.
It comes with two joysticks, four triggers, A, B, X, and Y buttons, and a directional pad, meaning it has all the buttons and controls you want from a full gamepad, just in a smaller form. It is an older design. It still charges use MicroUSB and only has a 10-hour battery life, but its design is great for retro-style games because it’s similar to the controller on systems you had in the 90s.
It works on all the Apple devices you want, so whether you play Apple Arcade on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV, the SteelSeries Stratus will serve you well.
How Can I Switch My Xbox One Controller Between My Iphone Ipad And Mac
Once you’ve set up your Xbox One wireless controller with your iPhone and iPad, you can switch seamlessly between the two. But if you want to move it over to your Mac, you’ll have to re-pair it with Bluetooth there, and then re-pair it again with your iDevices afterward. As you can see above, this process is quick and relatively painless, so it shouldn’t annoy you too much. If you’re planning to switch back and forth constantly, maybe buy two controllers — one for the iDevices, and another for your Mac.
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Why You Might Want To Do This
Why might you want to do this at all? For one it saves a HDMI connection on the back of your TV, which is always useful, and if you’re using the Xbox One a lot in your household having one device controlling everything is a good way to streamline.
But there’s also the fact that Apple’s redesign of the TV app should prove very useful when it comes along. It’s a great central hub, and as you watch content it will populate with recommendations, which makes getting at your favorite movies and shows much easier and elegant.
And if you’re outside the U.S., there’s a strong case to buy digital content from the iTunes Store. There’s no Movies Anywhere service and often you’ll find the best prices on iTunes, as well as free 4K HDR upgrades.
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Should I Buy An Xbox One S Controller Specifically To Use With Apple Arcade
Xbox One S controllers cost about the same as Sony PS4 DualShocks or other high-quality Mfi-compatible controllers, so you likely won’t be paying a premium if you choose this option over another. Note that DualShocks have a reputation for being easier to connect to, and more compatible with, Macs and their games. If you’re hoping to play older titles on a Mac as well as the new ones on Arcade, keep that in mind.
That said, if you’re only planning to play Apple Arcade titles if you’re mostly planning to play on iOS or AppleTV and if you’re used to gaming on any flavor of Xbox, and you like the shape and feel of the controller, go ahead and get one.
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How To Connect Apple Tv With Xbox Controller
Here is how you could join a wi-fi Xbox Controller to Apple TV:
- Turn on the Apple TV when you have not executed so already
- Press the Xbox button to strength at the Xbox wi-fi controller
- Press and maintain the Connect button on the Xbox controller for numerous seconds
- Open the Settings app on Apple TV, then pick Remotes and Devices and visit Bluetooth
- Select the Xbox controller from the to be had Bluetooth devices to pair it with the Apple TV
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How To Connect An Xbox Controller To Apple Tv
Tim Brookes is a technology writer with more than a decade of experience. He’s invested in the Apple ecosystem, with experience covering Macs, iPhones, and iPads for publications like Zapier and MakeUseOf. Read more…
Your Apple TV is much more than a media-streaming box. It has built-in games, and it works with the Xbox controller and other popular game controllers. Power up your Apple Arcade experience with a physical controller.
Hook Up An Xbox One Or Ps5/ps4 Controller To Your Iphone Ipad Or Apple Tv
Pairing the Controller with your Apple devices is more or less a similar process. However, PS5 is relatively new, and users have noticed connectivity issues with tvOS 14.3 Beta 1 and 2. The version is expected to release somewhere in mid of December. You can hope to have a solution by then.
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How Is The Battery Of The Controller And The Iphone / Ipad / Mac
The energy consumption of the control itself is minimal. After several hours of using it or simply leaving it connected to an iPad or Mac the battery is still at full capacity.
Regarding the consumption of extra battery in an iPhone, iPad or Mac, taking into account that it is a Bluetooth connection such as that of an Apple Watch or AirPods, the impact is imperceptible.
While we wait for rumors of a game controller developed by Apple itself and that it would be sold alongside a new Apple TV, we have several third-party options for enjoying games on Apple platforms. And among all these options, this Microsoft remote is the best of the best.