The Microsoft Xbox controller has been the default for computer games for a while. But you don’t have to just use the Xbox controller. You can also opt for the Sony DualShock 4 instead. You can configure this controller for both Windows and macOS.
The ergonomic design of the PlayStation 4 controller is undeniable. Performance is actually directly proportional to game types. But still, in general, this controller does a pretty good job in almost any game. Anyone who already has a PlayStation can use the same controller on their computer after a simple process.
First, you need to disconnect the controller from PlayStation. Then connect to Windows or macOS with the original cable or use Bluetooth.
Download DS4Windows on Windows and use this application to pair the DualShock 4 controller. macOS Catalina makes the integration process as easy as possible. Steam or other applications for Mac also provide this support. Below we describe the whole process in detail.
Disconnect with PlayStation 4
If you have purchased a new DualShock 4, you can continue by defining it directly for the computer. But for the current controller you use on PlayStation, you need to unpair first. For this, open the PS4 and go to the Settings menu. Scroll down and the Devices menu opens. Select Bluetooth Devices and then DualShock 4. Then click on ‘Disconnect’.
Then press and hold the pairing button on the controller for three seconds to begin the installation for Windows or macOS. When the light on the front of the controller starts to flash white, you will enter the pairing mode.
Connecting DualShock 4 to Windows
With the controller in pairing mode, go to the Bluetooth settings in Windows. Click the ‘Add Bluetooth or other device’ button. When you scan here, you will see options. Click on the controller designated as ‘Wireless Controller’ and complete the pairing with the next screen.
Once the DualShock 4 is connected, you might think you’re ready to play. But that’s not the case. As we just mentioned, you need to trick the system into making this controller look like it’s using an Xbox 360 controller. You can do this by installing the open source application called DS4Windows.
DS4Windows comes as a compressed file. When you open it, you see two .exe files. Here DS4Udater.exe only downloads the latest drivers. The main program is DS4Windows.exe. Run this; Your DualShock 4 will immediately become functional in Windows. You can even use the DS4’s touchpad to move the cursor.
With DS4Windows running in the background, you will have no problem playing games locally on your computer using DualShock 4. However, you can customize the in-game settings to suit your button preferences.
Connecting DualShock 4 to macOS
With the controller in pairing mode, go to your Mac’s Settings and open Bluetooth Preferences. You may wait a few seconds while the Mac searches for a signal, be patient. The naming may change on the options that appear here. However, when you see DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller, make the connection. After a few seconds, the light on the controller turns light blue. Now you are ready to use.
Problems Experienced
There may sometimes be compatibility problems between the computer and the Dualshock 4. The reason for this is that the DualShock 4 is actually shown as an Xbox 360 controller with DS4Windows. DualShock 4’s Steam tests are quite successful. So it works in full screen mode without any issues. You can also check the ‘PlayStation Configuration Support’ via the Steam Settings and make the controls healthier.
