Reader Bruce Harris would like to get double-duty from a gaming device.

He writes.

I rarely use the second controller and wondered if I could use it to play games on my Mac.

Before we get to that lets start with the hardware configuration.

As you know, the DualShock 4 controller has a micro USB port on the back, just below the status light.

You use this port to initially pair the controller with the PS4.

But it can also operate as a link between the controller and your Mac.

Just string a USB cable between the two and the controller is ready to use.

The DualShock 4 performs its wireless magic via Bluetooth so, in some instances, you can control your Mac games from across the room.

To set up the controller for Bluetooth use, detach the USB cable, launch System Preferences, select the Bluetooth preference, make sure Bluetooth is switched on, and then press and hold the PlayStation and Share buttons on the controller until its status light blinks rapidly.

Note, however, that not all games support a wireless connection.

You can pair your DualShock controller with a Mac via Bluetooth.

With some games, the connected controller will work from the get-go.

For example, Feral Interactives Rayman Origins works perfectly with the controller without you having to do a thing.

For instance, with Valves Portal and Portal 2 (available via Steam ) you cant use the controller to move around or look up or down, even though Steam itself recognizes the controller and lets you assign functions to it.

And Aspyrs Doom 3 is entirely unaware of a connected DualShock.

So its really a matter of the original developer making their game compatible with these kinds of controllers.

Because you could wait a long time for this to happen (in some cases, forever) you should consider taking matters into your own hands by using a third-party controller utility.

With it you assign functions to the controllers joystick or buttons.

These generally come in the form of mouse movements or keystrokes.

For example, you might assign the Macs W key to the forward motion of the left joystick and the Fire function to the controllers O button.

According to the developers notes, wireless control from a DualShock 4 is not yet supported.

If a game doesnt natively support your controller, use a tool such as Joystick Mapper to get the job done.

This is a far more sophisticated utility that allows you to create triggered actions by stringing together building blocks.

Dual Controller Software For Mac