Mouse Controller is a macOS menu-bar companion that lets you drive the pointer, scrolling, and shortcuts with a game controller. It listens to standard GameController inputs and maps sticks and buttons to mouse actions and keyboard/system shortcuts so you can navigate the desktop from the couch.
⚠️ Note: Mouse Controller is not yet optimized for playing games. It is designed for desktop navigation and quick actions.
- Controller-driven pointer with adjustable speed, acceleration, and deadzone.
- Scroll with the second stick (vertical + optional horizontal scroll).
- Custom shortcuts: map controller buttons (including D‑pad and stick directions) to mouse clicks or keyboard/system shortcuts.
- macOS 26(Tahoe)+
- A compatible controller (extended or micro gamepad supported by macOS).
- Accessibility permission so the app can control the mouse and send input.
The author’s installation walkthrough is available here:
- 🎥 Installation tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veaml3lK3_8
- Go to the Releases
- Download the latest .dmg file
- Drag the App into the Applications folder
- Open "Mouse Controller" from the Applications folder
- A warning will show up
- Go to System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Scroll down until you see ""Mouse Controller" was blocked to protect your Mac." -> Click on "Open Anyway"
-> It should work now!
If it doesn't work or you have questions, join my Discord Server.
- Connect a controller (Bluetooth or USB). The app will display the controller name in the Menu.
- Enable Mouse Controller using the toggle at the top of the General tab, it should be enabled automatically.
- Adjust pointer and scroll settings:
- Cursor speed, acceleration, and deadzone (put deadzone to 0 if you want the best experience)
- Scroll speed, vertical/horizontal scroll, and inversion
- (Optional) Swap sticks if you want the right stick to control the pointer.
The Shortcuts tab lets you map controller inputs to actions.
- Click Add Shortcut and press a controller button or stick direction.
- Assign the action:
- Mouse: left/right/middle click
- Keyboard/System: combinations with modifiers or special keys (e.g., Mission Control, volume, media keys)
- Use Delete All Shortcuts to reset mappings.
Default mappings are provided for:
- Button A → Left Click
- Button B → Right Click
- If nothing happens when moving sticks, confirm Accessibility permission is enabled.
- If scrolling feels too fast or too slow, tune Scroll speed and Deadzone.
- Custom shortcuts temporarily disable pointer/scroll on the mapped stick while they’re active to prevent conflicts. If you remove them tho, pointing/scrolling works again.