Video game consoles are just computers that have been custom-built for a very specific purpose. So it's not a huge leap to make a console controller play nice with your desktop or laptop.
It's especially easy if you're talking about plugging an Xbox controller into a Windows machine. Obviously. But even Mac users can take advantage of Xbox controllers for their gaming, albeit with a pretty notable limitation. Setup is very easy though.
First, know that it doesn't matter too much which generation of console controller you want to use, unless we're talking about an original Xbox controller. Those plugged in using a proprietary connector, so you'd need to buy an adapter like this to make the connection. (That adapter doesn't officially support MacOS or Windows 10, either.)
Beyond that, every Xbox controller since the Xbox 360 days relies on a USB connector. So using them with your computer of choice is as simple as plugging into a USB port. If you're using a Mac, know that may need to take the extra step of installing a freely available custom driver. (Try it without the driver first. I unfortunately don't have an older controller to test this with myself.)
If you like to play games on your Mac you may tire of using the keyboard and mouse and not like the available third-party controllers available for OS X. Instructables user fungus amungus shows. RegeMoudal 360 PC Game Wired Controller for Microsoft Xbox 360 and Windows PC (Windows 10/8.1/8/7) with Dual Vibration and Ergonomic Wired Game Controller (Black 1) 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,350 Office Product.
That's really it. All you need for wired gaming with an Xbox controller on PC is the USB cord you use to charge your controller. Plug it into a free USB port on your computer and you'll be off to the races. Yes, it's that simple.
Microsoft 360 Controller For Mac Pro
Wireless gaming is a little bit trickier. For one, you'll need an Xbox controller that features Bluetooth support. This is a feature that wasn't introduced until 2016, so it's very possible you don't have the right model of controller. Fortunately, it's easy enough to tell the two apart.
Pick up your controller and look at the round Xbox logo-bearing 'Guide' button situated in the center. Is the plastic around that button part of the controller's body, or does it look more like a separate piece that connects to the two shoulder buttons (LB/RB)? The latter is only the case for older controllers, the ones that don't have Bluetooth.
For the newer controllers that offer built-in support for Bluetooth — which includes all Xbox Series X|S controller — all you really need on the computer side is a Bluetooth receiver, whether it's built in or delivered via USB dongle. This goes for both Windows machines as well as MacOS machines.
Microsoft 360 Controller For Mac
To pair your Bluetooth controller, simply turn it on and press and hold the pairing button on top for a few seconds. It's situated right next the controller's USB port and you'll know it worked if the Xbox Guide button starts to rapidly flash on and off. (If it's not paired with anything when you first turn it on, the Guide button will still flash but more slowly than when it's in pairing mode.)
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From there, go into your computer's Bluetooth settings menu, which you should be able to locate easily using the Windows Start Menu search or the MacOS Finder. Go through the process of pairing a new device and, regardless of which operating system you're using, you should see 'Xbox Wireless Controller' pop up as one of the available options. Click on that and the flashing Guide button should go from flashing to steadily on; that's how you know it worked.
The older, first generation Xbox One controllers require a bit of extra hardware for wireless play, and it only works with Windows machines. You'll need an Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10, which connects via USB. Pairing is simple, though. Once you've got the adapter plugged in, first hit the pairing button on your controller and then hit the sync button located on the adapter. The controller should pair a few seconds later.
Congrats, you're now ready to game.
