Step 3: Pair the PS3 controller via Bluetooth The controller will then appear as PLAYSTATION (R)3 Controller under the device listings in the Bluetooth settings menu. You can pick one up at your local electronics store or order one through Amazon - they shouldn't cost more than $7 - but you probably have one if you own a PS3. With Bluetooth now activated on your Mac, plug your PS3 controller into your computer via a mini USB cable. Step 2: Connect the PS3 controller to your Mac Once that’s done, click the Turn Bluetooth On button to activate your Mac’s Bluetooth functionality. We also recommend keeping the Bluetooth settings window open while attempting to connect the PS3 controller to your Mac, so you can better track your progress. To do this, click the Apple logo in the upper-left corner of the desktop, select System Preferences, and choose Bluetooth when the associated window opens. This helps to avoid accidentally turning on the console while syncing the controller to your computer.īefore connecting the controller to your Mac, activate the computer’s Bluetooth capabilities. Note: We recommend completely powering down and unplugging your PS3 system prior to beginning this walkthrough. All you need is a wired or wireless PS3 controller, a Bluetooth-capable Mac, and a mini USB cord. So we’ve put together a simple guide to help you connect a PlayStation 3 controller to your Mac.

New things to play means more demand for console-style controls as opposed to a mouse and keyboard. But these days, Macs have never looked better for gaming, and the people that make the games are responding in kind. In the past, insufficient specifications, lack of developer support, and a limited game selection suggested that Apple’s rigs would never achieve true gaming nirvana. Twin DesignIt’s no surprise many computer gamers consider gaming on a Mac to be a second - or hell, a third - fiddle compared to gaming on a Windows-based machine. The controller will now appear connected in the list and can be used in applications. Then select 'Add To Favorites' and then 'Update Services' from the little gear icon menu. Enter '0000' (without the quotes) and click 'Accept.'Ĭlick the 'PLAYSTATION3 Controller' item in the Bluetooth list in the preferences. Press 'PS' button for 1-2 seconds until the red lights flash.Ĭlick the '+' icon in the preferences to open the Bluetooth Setup Assistant.Ī window will appear asking you to enter an access code.

Reset PS3 controller by inserting paperclip into pinhole near L2 button.Ĭonnect PS3 controller to Mac with USB cable. Open Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Bluetooth and disable Bluetooth on Mac as well as any other nearby Macs or devices which will try to pair with and confuse the controller. How to use a PS3 controller on Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)

How to use a zdc ps3 controller on mac