Are you a gamer who is looking for a way to play your favorite games with ease? Macbooks are laptops that offer a lot of value and options for users, primarily due to their variety of features. Macbooks are highly recommended among the gaming community and even offer cutting edge professional graphics cards to enhance the gaming experience.
You can play games in high resolution to get the best experience possible with a versatile Macbook. You will also benefit from Macbooks' solid-state drive, which makes it a leader among laptops. Not only can you play with enriched graphics, but you can get the power you need when you need it most.
You may be surprised to know that there are numerous controllers to choose from for your Macbook. Whether you are more focused on price, compatibility, design, or quality, you have options. Here is a review of some of the leading gaming controllers on the market.
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Microsoft Xbox One Controller
This gaming controller is one of the easier ones to set up and gets extra points because of how versatile and compatible it is. You can customize the Xbox One Controller so that it fits your needs and allows you to switch between controls for different games. It gives you the same controls that you are used to when playing other consoles (like the Xbox One!) and is available with an attached USB cable or it can be used wirelessly.
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Steam Controller
This is one of the most advanced, compatible, and user-friendly gaming controllers that works on games for all different consoles and games that require just a mouse and keypad. You can get precise controls with its dual-stage triggers and trackpads. It comes built with HD haptic feedback, grip buttons, and fully-customizable control schemes to meet your needs and preferences.
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Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
This controller connects to your laptop with ease thanks to its wireless connectivity options utilizing Bluetooth. It can also be wired via a Micro-USB cable. It fits in averaged sized hands comfortably and allows you to traverse the controls without thinking about it. The DualShock 4 also comes equipped with haptic feedback so you can really get into the game you are playing. On the flip side, this controller is not very compatible and does not work with most games on OSX, macOS, or your Mac. Even though, this is still an affordable controller that can complement your setup and allow you to play comfortably for hours.
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Logitech F310 Gamepad
Logitech is one of the top tier brands when it comes to tech equipment such as mice, keyboard, and of course, controllers. The Logitech F310 is a wired controller (USB), which is one of the best in the Logitech controller’s lineup. It features a "traditional" controller layout which is similar to your regular Xbox or PS4 controller layout. It also has excellent compatibility with a lot of games, and even goes well with games on your Android TV. You also have the option to bind keys to customize and adapt it to your liking. The Logitech F310 Gamepad is a perfect product for the price.
Retro - Bit 8Bitdo RB8 - 64 Wireless Bluetooth N64 Styled Controller
If you want to game in style with a more retro, traditional controller from the popular Nintendo64, consider using this model that is widely compatible with different consoles and devices. It has a 6-foot cable and supports Bluetooth and USB connections to keep you connected and playing with ease. This model offers dual mode options where you can play with a joystick or touch screen simulator to be more interactive with your games for an affordable price.
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GameSir G3s Bluetooth Wireless Controller
There is no controller on the market quite like this multi-platform model that is highly compatible with your favorite devices so that you can access your games anywhere. It offers high sensitivity and accuracy so that you don't miss a second of your game and even utilizes a 32-bit MCU chip that has a peak computing power of up to 48 million times per second. The Realtek Bluetooth solution allows you to automatically connect and jump right into your game with ease.
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Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick
There are many user-friendly features that were built into this gaming controller with avid gamers in mind. It has a rotating handle, wide hand-rest, and high-precision joystick for your comfort and is highly programmable with 12 buttons and 5 axles. You can get the best out of your games with this detachable, realistic sized ergonomically-designed controller with a throttle control for high-intensity gaming.
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Retro-Link Wired NES Style USB Controller
Have fun playing your favorite games while reliving the olden days with the NES experience that you have been longing for. You can connect this gaming controller to any computer, Mac, or USB port and all of the buttons can be configured to your playing preferences. It has a simple yet comfortable design that lets you access all the buttons at your leisure.
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Choosing the Best Gaming Controller
When you want the best bang for your buck when gaming on your Mac, you can choose between all of the added features of these game controllers to find exactly what will meet your needs. Whether it is design, price, or compatibility, you will find that these game controllers give you the flexibility that you demand at a modest price. With this being said, you can compare features, prices and identify what you need to advance your gaming to the next level.
If you are willing to spend a bit more money, the Apple MFi Certified Bluetooth Gamepad is ideal for you because it provides the control you dream of to play games smoothly. However, if you are going for strictly price and design, you will enjoy the simple yet durable NES style USB controller, modeled after the classic NES console. The choice of what game controller will best complement your games and gaming style is solely up to you as the power is literally in your hands.
Does the above also apply to desktop Macs?
Yes
I have a couple of the retro SNES controllers and they are awesome when emulating old games. As for a traditional controller, I’m torn between the Xbox and Steam controller. I’m not sure if I’d enjoy the Steam controller without the traditional analog sticks. If only I could try before buying.
I wanted to love the Steam controller but I just can’t get used to it. I’ve been using the PlayStation controller since I was a child and I guess I’m just too used to it, the button layout is simply better than anything else on offer. I do recommend getting an older style controller if you want to play older games, though.
The Steam controller can be quite jarring at first but after a while you get used to it. Actually, it’s really nice to game on and now I don’t miss the traditional analog sticks at all. It’s my most used controller and I only switch to a NES for N64 controller when playing games on those consoles.