Xbox Wireless Controller
Apple now sells Xbox Wireless Controllers. (Pictured: The Phantom Black (L) and the the grey/blue (R) Xbox controllers that were announced by Microsoft.) Microsoft

Apple is now selling Xbox Wireless Controllers for use with games included in Apple Arcade. The move comes after the Cupertino tech giant released software updates for its devices.

Those who don’t own an Xbox and want to purchase an Xbox Wireless Controller to play Apple Arcade titles can order one from Apple’s Online Store for $59.95. It can be paired with the iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV using Bluetooth, and will allow users to play their games better than when they play without one.

The Verge noted that although Apple has also added support for Sony’s DualShock4 controller, it isn’t selling the PlayStation peripheral in the Apple Store just yet. The DS4 can also be connected to the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, provided they are running on the latest software versions: iOS 13, iPadOS 13, tvOS 13 or later.

The process for pairing an Xbox Wireless Controller to an Apple device is easier compared to the process of pairing an Apple device with a DS4 controller. Unlike the latter, the process won’t require users to download an app from the makers of the controller, which in this case is Microsoft. Here’s how to connect the Xbox Wireless Controller to any Apple device:

  • First, open the Bluetooth settings on the iPhone, iPad or Apple TV.
    • Apple TV users need to go to Settings>Remotes and Devices> Bluetooth.
    • iPhone and iPad users need to open Settings then tap on Bluetooth.
  • Next, put the Xbox Wireless Controller in Pairing mode. Press the Xbox button to turn it on, then press the connect button for 3 seconds or until the Xbox button begins to flash. The flashing logo indicates that the controller is ready to be paired with the Apple device.
  • Lastly, select the “Xbox Wireless Controller” when it appears on the Bluetooth device list.

Apple noted that the Xbox Wireless Controller offers up to two times the wireless range “compared to previous controllers.” It’s worth noting that the Cupertino tech giant didn’t specify what those “previous controllers” are. Players can also plug their wired headset onto the controller’s 3.5mm jack to listen to game audio.

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