¿How to use console controllers with Apple Arcade? The key is knowing which controllers are compatible, how to pair them via Bluetooth, and what extra features Apple offers., such as the "Assistant Controller" (also called Copilot Control), which allows two controllers to control the same player to lend a hand in the more difficult levels. Let's take a look at it calmly, but without beating around the bush, and using the clearest and most accessible language possible.
Which controllers can you use with Apple Arcade and Apple devices
The good news is that Apple has loosened up its controller compatibility policy.So you're not limited to just official or very specific accessories. If you already have a console at home or a modern gaming controller, you can most likely use it without spending any more money.
Among the most common console controllers that work with iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV 4K These include those for PlayStation 4 (DualShock 4), PlayStation 5 (DualSense) and a good portion of Xbox controllers with Bluetooth (including models like the recent Xbox Wireless Controller and the Xbox Elite Series 2).
Many MFi (Made for iPhone) controllers are also still compatible.These are the ones that were once sold as "for iOS," along with other third-party controllers that incorporate standard Bluetooth. On Mac, you can also use more advanced accessories such as racing wheels, shifters, and pedals, for example, wired models like the Logitech G920 or the Logitech G29.
The minimum requirement is usually that the controller has a built-in Bluetooth connection. and make sure your Apple device's operating system is updated to relatively modern versions, because Apple limits driver support for older versions via software.
How to put console controllers into pairing mode
Before connecting any controller to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV 4K, you need to activate Bluetooth pairing mode.The process varies slightly depending on whether it's a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or a compatible Xbox controller, but they all involve holding down certain buttons until the lights start flashing.
It is essential that the controller is switched on, has sufficient battery power, and no cables are connected. to properly enter pairing mode. If it's plugged into a console or other device via USB, it usually won't appear as a Bluetooth accessory on your Apple device.
Activate pairing mode on DualSense (PlayStation 5)
The DualSense is the PS5 controller and can be used seamlessly with Apple devices. To take advantage of most controller-compatible games both on and off Apple Arcade. To put it into pairing mode, do the following:
- Make sure the light bar on the controller is turned off. and that there is no USB cable connected to the DualSense.
- Press and hold the “Create” button (top left) along with the center PS button until the light bar starts flashing rapidly.
At that moment, the DualSense enters Bluetooth pairing mode And you'll be able to watch it from your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV 4K in the Bluetooth settings.
Activate pairing mode on DualShock 4 (PlayStation 4)
The PlayStation 4 controller, the DualShock 4, also works with Apple devices And it's ideal if you have it at home and want to reuse it to play on Apple Arcade.
- Check that the indicator light on the remote control is off. and that it has no cables connected.
- Press and hold both the PS button and the Share button. (the small one at the top left) until the light bar starts to blink.
When the light flashes, the DualShock 4 is ready for pairing. from the Bluetooth menu of your Apple device.
Activate pairing mode on Xbox controllers
With Xbox controllers, keep in mind that not all of them are compatible.You must ensure that the model includes Bluetooth (for example, the newer Xbox One controllers, Series X|S, or the Elite Series 2). Older models without Bluetooth will not appear in the accessories list.
- Check that the remote control is turned off. and without cables connected via USB.
- Press and hold the pairing button (the small button located next to the USB port or on the top) until the front light starts flashing rapidly, after about 3 seconds.
When the LED on the Xbox controller flashes rapidly, it is already in pairing mode. and it should show up as an available Bluetooth device on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV 4K.
Software requirements on iPhone, iPad, and Mac for using controllers
Although console controllers have existed for years, Apple requires minimum system versions. To ensure good compatibility with Bluetooth controllers. If your device is very old or outdated, it may not detect the controller or some functions may not work properly.
On iPhone, Apple requires at least iOS 16 or a later version. For console controller support to work officially. With previous versions, many of these features are unavailable or may cause problems.
On the iPad, the minimum version indicated is iPadOS 16 or later.From there, the system recognizes compatible controllers and allows you to use them in Apple Arcade as well as other games that support external controllers.
On Mac, Apple sets macOS 13 Ventura as a recommended requirement. For full compatibility with modern console controllers, as well as classic MFi controllers and other gaming devices. On very old versions of macOS, controllers may not be detected correctly or may appear as generic devices without full functionality.
If you want to avoid headaches with controllers and Apple ArcadeYou should first check your system version and, if possible, update it before you start pairing accessories.
How to connect a console controller to your iPhone for Apple Arcade
Once the controller is in pairing mode, the process on iPhone is very simple.Basically, you'll need to go to your Bluetooth settings and pair it as if it were wireless headphones or any other accessory.
The first thing to do is make sure that Bluetooth on your iPhone is turned on. and that neither the controller nor the phone are connected to other devices that may interfere (such as consoles, computers or cars with hands-free systems).
- Put the controller into pairing mode using the appropriate button combination (PS + Create, PS + Share, Xbox pairing button, etc.).
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone and go to the “Bluetooth” section..
- Wait a few seconds for it to appear in the accessories list Name your controller (for example, “DualSense Wireless Controller” or similar) and tap it to start the connection.
If everything is working correctly, you will see the controller appear as "Connected" in the list. From that point on, you can open Apple Arcade or any game that supports a controller to start using it. In many titles, as soon as you move the joystick or press a button, the game automatically detects the controller.
Keep in mind that not all iOS games take advantage of external controllers.Apple Arcade is quite geared towards it, but some free games on the App Store only support touch controls, so don't be surprised if in certain cases the controller doesn't do anything.
How to connect a game controller to an iPad
On iPad the procedure is virtually identical to that of the iPhoneHowever, the menu may look slightly different depending on the version of iPadOS and the iPad model you have.
The basics are the same: controller in pairing mode and Bluetooth activated on the iPad so they can see each other. Once everything is ready, the steps would be:
- Activate pairing mode on the console controller, with the corresponding button combination.
- On the iPad, open “Settings” and go to the “Bluetooth” section..
- Wait for the iPad to detect the controller and show it in “Other Devices”, and tap it to link it.
Once the connection is confirmed, the controller will be registered on the iPad.so that the following times it will connect automatically when you turn it on near the device and have Bluetooth enabled.
If you use the iPad to play with Apple Arcade with a console controllerThe experience is usually very similar to playing on a portable console, especially if you have an iPad with a large screen and a stand to place it at a good height.
How to connect a console controller to a Mac
The Mac is probably the most flexible device when it comes to using game controllers and accessories.Since in addition to Bluetooth controllers you can also use wired steering wheels and other peripherals, such as the Logitech G920 and G29.
As for console controllers, the pairing process is also based on Bluetooth.The only difference is that the settings panel is organized differently compared to iOS and iPadOS.
- Make sure the controller is in pairing mode and that the Mac has Bluetooth enabled.
- Click on the Apple menu and go to “System Settings” (or “System Preferences” in slightly older versions).
- Go to the “Bluetooth” section and wait for your Mac to detect the controllerWhen it appears in the list, tap "Connect".
Once paired, the controller can be used in Apple Arcade for macOS and many other compatible games.both those downloaded from the Mac App Store and from other platforms. Some titles even allow you to remap buttons from their own settings.
Remember that on Mac you can also connect certain controllers via USB cableSometimes, if Bluetooth support isn't perfect or you're experiencing interference, using a cable can provide a more stable experience, especially in games that require precision.
How to use console controllers on Apple TV 4K and take advantage of "Assistant Controller"
If you have a Apple TV 4KApple Arcade is especially enjoyable on the living room TV.And this is where using traditional console controllers makes the most sense. Furthermore, tvOS includes a very interesting feature called "Assistant Controller" (or Co-pilot Control in some translations), designed for cooperative play where both players control the same character.
The system allows two controllers to be combined so that they act as if they were one.This is perfect for having a friend or family member lend a hand on difficult levels, or for helping less experienced players learn the controls while you contribute from the second controller.
On the Apple TV 4K, only one remote can be designated as primary at a time.From there, a secondary controller is added to form the "Assistant Controller". Both control the same character or player on screen.
Activate “Assistant Controller” (Copilot Control) on Apple TV 4K
To set up this feature on your Apple TV 4K, you first need to have two compatible game controllers connected.This could be two DualSense controllers, two Xbox controllers, a mix of both, or any combination of controllers recognized by tvOS.
- Open the Apple TV 4K Control Center by holding down the corresponding button on the Apple TV remote or go to the Settings app and enter “Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth”.
- Connect two compatible game controllers to your Apple TV 4KIf you have any questions, in that same menu you can choose the option "How to link video game controllers" and follow the on-screen instructions to connect them via Bluetooth.
- Once both controllers are connected, select the controller you want to use as the primary one. in the device list.
- Activate the "Assistant Command" (Copilot Control) option and choose the controller you're going to use as a secondary controller.
From that moment on, the two controllers will operate together. to control a single player. It's as if every button pressed on either controller is sent to the game from the same controller.
If at any time you want to disable the "Assistant Remote"You just have to go back to the same menu, enter the Helper Remote option and select "Undefined" or "Unconfigured", depending on the language displayed by your Apple TV.
“Assistant controller” also on iPhone: play the same character with two people
The idea of the Helper Remote isn't limited to just the Apple TV 4KOn the iPhone you can also do something very similar, linking two controllers so that they act as one and can control the same player within a compatible game.
This feature is designed, once again, to allow someone to accompany you while you overcome difficult sections. or to help a less skilled player control the character without getting so frustrated. The requirement is that the game supports external game controllers.
- Connect two compatible game controllers to your iPhoneeither via Bluetooth or cable, depending on the controller model and your adapter.
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone and go to the “General” section.
- Tap on “Video Game Controller” to access the driver settings.
- Select the “Assistant Controller” option.
- Choose which of the two controllers will be the primary one and which one the secondary one. within the list of connected devices.
Once the Assistant Remote is set up on the iPhone, both remotes control exactly the same thing.In other words, if one person presses jump and the other presses move right, the game interprets it as if everything is coming from a single controller.
Advantages of using console controllers with Apple Arcade
Beyond convenience, using a console controller with Apple Arcade opens the door to extra features which are not always noticeable at first glance, but which make important differences compared to touch controls or the keyboard.
One of the clear advantages is haptic feedback or vibration.which many controllers like the DualSense or Xbox controllers offer. Not all games take full advantage of it, but when they do, the difference in immersion is immediately noticeable.
Another very useful feature is the ability to customize the button layout In some systems or games, you can change which button jumps, shoots, or runs, adapting the controller to your play style for a more comfortable and natural feel.
On Mac, it's also common to combine controllers with features like screen recording.This allows you to easily record your games while playing with the controller, without needing to use more complex programs.
Furthermore, the fact that Apple Arcade is available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV 4K This allows you to jump from one device to another with a single, well-configured console controller, maintaining a very similar gaming experience, almost as if it were the same console in different formats.
Common problems when connecting controllers and how to solve them
Not everything is perfect on the first try, and sometimes console controllers have problems when connected to Apple ArcadeThe controller may not appear in the list, it may disconnect on its own, or the game may not recognize the button presses even though Bluetooth says it is connected.
The first thing to check is that you meet the software requirementsiOS 16 or later on iPhone, iPadOS 16 or later on iPad, and macOS 13 Ventura or later on Mac. Without these versions, controller support may be incomplete.
It is also important to check the battery level of the controllers.If the battery level is very low, some controllers may behave erratically or disconnect shortly after pairing. Charge them for a few minutes before trying again.
Also make sure that the controller is still in pairing mode.Sometimes we release the buttons too soon, or the controller exits pairing mode if too much time passes without connecting.
If all of that is correct and it still doesn't work properlyYou can do the following on iPhone, iPad, or Mac:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth and locate the controller in the list of devices..
- Tap the "i" or the information options next to the controller's name and choose “Forget device” or “Forget this device”.
- Reactivate pairing mode on the controller and repeat the connection process from scratch.
On Apple TV 4K, if an Apple Arcade game seems unresponsive to the controller Despite being connected, go back to “Controllers and Devices > Bluetooth” to check that the Apple TV recognizes it as a game controller and not just as a generic accessory.
In the specific case of some less common controllers, such as the Google Stadia controller in Bluetooth modeIt's possible that the system will recognize the controller, but certain Apple Arcade games won't respond to the inputs. In those cases, the controller may not be fully compatible with the specific game in terms of button mapping.
If you find yourself in that situation, unfortunately, the options are limited.You can try creating new Bluetooth profiles, restarting your Mac or the device in question, and even turning Bluetooth off and on, but if the game doesn't include that controller in its compatibility list, it may never work properly.
In general, if you want to minimize problems, it's best to opt for well-known PlayStation, Xbox, or MFi-certified controllers.which are the ones that Apple and many developers use as a reference when providing support for external drivers.
By playing with all of this, what you ultimately achieve is transforming Apple Arcade into something much more like a traditional console.You sit on the sofa, grab your PlayStation or Xbox controller, turn on your Apple TV, Mac, iPad, or iPhone, and forget about screen taps or awkward keys. And if you also take advantage of features like the Assist Controller to get help from another person, the experience becomes more social and accessible for all types of gamers.
