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Minecraft Game Controller on MacOS

I have the "8BitDo Ultimate 2.4g Wireless Controller with Charging Dock, 2.4g Controller for PC, Android, Steam Deck & iPhone, iPad, macOS and Apple TV (Pastel Pink)" from Amazon. I connected it to my MacBook by Bluetooth, but its not working with Minecraft Java. Do I have to use it through steam or something, I have never used steam anything before. I have a new MacBook air and the ios is 16.3. I could really use some help, thanks!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.3

Posted on May 3, 2023 3:57 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 24, 2023 9:27 AM

To use a game controller for Minecraft on a MacOS system, you'll need to ensure a few things:

Compatibility: Make sure your game controller is compatible with MacOS. Most modern controllers, like those from Xbox or PlayStation, usually have good compatibility.

Connecting the Controller: Connect your controller to your Mac. This can be done either via USB or Bluetooth. For Bluetooth, you'll need to pair the controller with your Mac through the Bluetooth settings.

Minecraft Configuration: Once the controller is connected and recognized by your Mac, open Minecraft. Minecraft Java Edition, by default, doesn’t support gamepad controls. You might need to use additional software like Joystick Mapper or Gamepad Companion, which allow you to map keyboard and mouse actions to your game controller.

Mapping Controls: With mapping software, you can assign various Minecraft controls to buttons on your game controller. This will involve some trial and error to find a setup that feels comfortable for you.

Testing and Adjustments: Test the controller in-game and adjust the mappings as necessary for the best gaming experience.

If you encounter any issues, check the support resources for your specific controller, the Minecraft community forums, or the support pages for any mapping software you are using. They can be valuable resources for troubleshooting and advice.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 24, 2023 9:27 AM in response to yogurtcloset

To use a game controller for Minecraft on a MacOS system, you'll need to ensure a few things:

Compatibility: Make sure your game controller is compatible with MacOS. Most modern controllers, like those from Xbox or PlayStation, usually have good compatibility.

Connecting the Controller: Connect your controller to your Mac. This can be done either via USB or Bluetooth. For Bluetooth, you'll need to pair the controller with your Mac through the Bluetooth settings.

Minecraft Configuration: Once the controller is connected and recognized by your Mac, open Minecraft. Minecraft Java Edition, by default, doesn’t support gamepad controls. You might need to use additional software like Joystick Mapper or Gamepad Companion, which allow you to map keyboard and mouse actions to your game controller.

Mapping Controls: With mapping software, you can assign various Minecraft controls to buttons on your game controller. This will involve some trial and error to find a setup that feels comfortable for you.

Testing and Adjustments: Test the controller in-game and adjust the mappings as necessary for the best gaming experience.

If you encounter any issues, check the support resources for your specific controller, the Minecraft community forums, or the support pages for any mapping software you are using. They can be valuable resources for troubleshooting and advice.

Jul 7, 2024 9:34 PM in response to Yu_Fatha

Yu_Fatha wrote:

The supplied response to this issue is not at all helpful and provides no support.
Does Mac Os incorporate Java in order to support the controller or does it need additional supporting software to function?


I believe that Apple stopped including Java as part of their operating system kits a long time ago. These days, I believe that Oracle provides Java.


https://www.java.com/en/


If the controller works with IOS then it should work with MacOs.


That's not a given. Microsoft, for instance, sells at least one controller that seems to be supported on their own platforms, iOS, and Android, but not macOS.


However, the description of this particular controller says that it works with "Phone, iPad, macOS and Apple TV". The manufacturer's User Guide (linked to on the Amazon site) says that it requires "macOS 13.2 or above) (that means Ventura or Sonoma), and describes how to get the device to do Bluetooth pairing with the Mac.


https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Wireless-Controller-Raspberry-Gaming-Console/dp/B0B9BTXHSM?th=1


That's the first part of the equation. Whether any particular game supports this controller might depend on how the game application was written. The User Guide is silent on that issue.


Please provide an Apple based solution in the upcoming IOS update.


You're not speaking to Apple here … and the "upcoming iOS update" is for iPhones, not for Macs. Sequoia is the upcoming macOS update.


Apple has a feedback page here:

Product Feedback - Apple


It sounds to me like running Minecraft on the Mac requires Java. With or without the use of this controller.

https://macpaw.com/how-to/download-minecraft-macbook In that case, it's up to

  • The Minecraft developers to release a version of Minecraft that runs on Macs without the use of Java,
  • You, to install Java on your Mac so that you can run the version of Minecraft that is available, or
  • You, to go without Minecraft, if the Minecraft developers will not release a version that works without Java, and you are unwilling to install the Java runtime environment that their game needs.

Jul 7, 2024 8:54 PM in response to yogurtcloset

The supplied response to this issue is not at all helpful and provides no support.

Does Mac Os incorporate Java in order to support the controller or does it need additional supporting software to function? I have found articles on Steam and Forge. But i didn’t buy a Mac to burden it with fragmented 3rd party software that raises concern for privacy and security.


If the controller works with IOS then it should work with MacOs.


Please provide an Apple based solution in the upcoming IOS update.

Minecraft Game Controller on MacOS

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