Apple TV getting PS4 and Xbox One gamepad support

Good news for Apple Arcade?

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Applehas confirmed that PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controller support is coming to Apple TV as part of the new tvOS update.

The news was revealed duringWWDC 2019and means bothSonyPlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 controller andMicrosoft’s Xbox One controllers will be compatible with Apple TV.

Therefore it’s likely that this support will also extend toApple Arcade- Apple’s new mobile and Mac gaming subscription service that brings the best of the App Store to gamers for a monthly fee.

Tim Cookintroduced controller support saying, “Apple Arcade is also going to look amazing on the Apple TV4Kthis Fall”.

How will this benefit Apple Arcade?

Allowing users to connect to Apple TV means it’s likely we will see native controller support for Apple Arcade. But why would that be beneficial?

Well, being able to use PS4 and Xbox One controllers with Apple Arcade would give players more control over their gaming experience and would mean you don’t need to purchase a new controller for the service.

This gives Arcade the advantage over one of its competitors,Google Stadia, which comes with its own separate controller, particularly as players would simply be able to connect any previously owned PS4 or Xbox One controller to Apple TV and (probably by extension the Apple Arcade service).

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Apple Arcade support for PS4 and Xbox One controllers would also mean users can play Apple Arcade games without the fiddliness that typically comes with mobile gaming. Simply connect your controller and away you go – providing that support extends to mobile devices in time, we hope.

Could controller support extend to Mac?

Apple introducing controller support for Apple TV not only means it could be extended to Apple Arcade but also that the feature may become native for Mac. This means Mac users wouldfinallybe able to use PS4 and Xbox One controllers on Mac, making for a much smoother gaming experience.

We expect controller support will be made native across all Apple devices in time. However Apple has not confirmed when, or if, this will occur.

An award-winning games journalist, with seven years of experience in games journalism and a degree in journalism from City University, London, Vic brings experience from IGN, Eurogamer, The Telegraph, VG247, Dot Esports and more to the TechRadar table. You may have even heard her on the radio or speaking on a panel, as she’s previously appeared on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5, BBC Radio Ulster and more. Not only is Vic passionate about games, but she’s appeared on both panels and podcasts to discuss mental health awareness. Make sure to follow her on Twitter for more.

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