Apple has been putting a lot of focus into the mobile gaming experience on the iPhone and iPad. Even with forcing Xbox Game Pass subscribers to use a workaround, it’s still quite enjoyable, and doesn’t require you to jump through a bunch of hoops just to play games. However, while PlayStation and Xbox controllers have always worked almost perfectly, the same can’t be said for Nintendo controllers.
Ever since the Nintendo Switch debuted, the idea of portable gaming with AAA titles has skyrocketed. But part of the appeal of the Switch is that you can use it as a traditional console with a dock connected to your TV, or you can remove the Joy-Cons and play multiplayer games. Unfortunately, even Nintendo’s official Pro Controller has not seen the same level of support compared to other controllers. Thankfully, that’s all changing with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura.
How to use Nintendo Switch Pro Controller with Mac
Apple is finally bringing native support for all of Nintendo’s controllers to its various platforms. This includes macOS Ventura, along with tvOS 16, so you can use your favorite controller, regardless of what kind it is. Here’s how can connect and use Nintendo Switch Pro Controller with Mac:
Grab your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
At the top of the controller, press the small pairing button next to the USB-C charging port.
Open the System Settings app on your Mac.
Navigate to the Bluetooth section.
Scroll to the bottom until you reach the Nearby Devices section.
Locate and select your Pro Controller from the list of available devices.
Wait a few moments.
Once paired, the Pro Controller will appear under the My Devices section of the System Settings app. Now, you can go about playing your favorite emulators, or other games, all while using the Pro Controller.
How to use Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons with Mac
Of course, not every Nintendo Switch owner also has a Pro Controller, which is kind of the point with Joy-Cons. These can be removed from your console, and can be operated as two separate controllers, or used as one, depending on your needs. Apple has also provided native support for Joy-Cons with the latest release, and here’s how you can use Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons with Mac:
Remove the Joy-Cons from your Nintendo Switch.
On the inside of each Joy-Con, press the small pairing button until the light continuously flashes.
Open the System Settings app on your Mac.
Navigate to the Bluetooth section.
Scroll to the bottom until you reach the Nearby Devices section.
Locate and select your Joy-Cons from the list of available devices.
Wait a few moments.
It’s important to note something here for those who want to use Joy-Cons with the Mac. Instead of being recognized as a “single controller” like the Pro Controller is, macOS recognizes each individual Joy-Con as a separate controller. This means that you are not able to use them the same way that you do when the Joy-Cons are connected to your Nintendo Switch.
Andrew Myrick is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is having a never-ending supply of different keyboards and gaming handhelds that end up collecting more dust than the consoles that are being emulated.
Do you know what to do if this doesn’t work? For example, my switch controller was working this morning, but now it’s not. My computer shows it as connected, but the controller is flashing like it’s trying to connect but never does. I’ve tried disconnecting and reconnecting, forgetting and re-adding the device, but nothing is working. It works on switch and it has fresh batteries. I’m not sure why it stopped working all of the sudden.
Do you know what to do if this doesn’t work? For example, my switch controller was working this morning, but now it’s not. My computer shows it as connected, but the controller is flashing like it’s trying to connect but never does. I’ve tried disconnecting and reconnecting, forgetting and re-adding the device, but nothing is working. It works on switch and it has fresh batteries. I’m not sure why it stopped working all of the sudden.