Unlocking Your Mac Gaming: The Best GamePad Companion Alternatives

For many Mac gamers, GamePad Companion has been a go-to utility. Available exclusively on the Mac App Store, GamePad Companion 3.1 makes it easy to configure your GamePads (controllers, joysticks, etc.) to play your favorite OSX games. You can configure your controller to work as your mouse cursor and buttons, or to map to any key on your keyboard, and you can save your layouts for the next time you want to play your favorite game! However, whether you're seeking more advanced features, different pricing models, or simply exploring other options, finding a reliable GamePad Companion alternative can significantly enhance your gaming experience. This guide will help you navigate the top choices available.

Top GamePad Companion Alternatives

While GamePad Companion offers solid functionality, several powerful alternatives provide unique advantages for customizing your controller setup on macOS. Let's dive into some of the best.

ControllerMate

ControllerMate stands out as a powerful "building block" controller programming tool that allows you to join blocks for complex functions. This commercial Mac application offers extensive Gaming features, making it a robust GamePad Companion alternative for users who require highly customized control schemes.

USBOverdrive

USBOverdrive is a device driver for Mac OS X that handles any USB mouse/trackball/joystick/gamepad/media keyboard and any Bluetooth mouse from any manufacturer. As a freemium Mac application, it provides a solid foundational layer for many USB input devices, serving as a reliable GamePad Companion alternative for basic controller remapping, even if it lacks specific gaming-focused features beyond general device support.

Joystick Mapper

Joystick Mapper is a commercial Mac application that allows you to configure your joysticks or gamepads to simulate keyboard keys/mouse movement/mouse click/mouse scroll. This makes it an excellent GamePad Companion alternative, especially with its features like Gamepad mapping, Inventory management, and Multiplayer support, offering comprehensive control customization for a variety of games.

Controllers

Controllers is a commercial Mac application that allows you to configure your gamepad or flightstick to work with your keyboard settings. With specific features like Gamepad Mapping and Gaming support, Controllers provides a straightforward and effective GamePad Companion alternative for those seeking dedicated gamepad configuration capabilities.

Each GamePad Companion alternative offers distinct advantages, from granular control customization to broad device compatibility. Evaluate your specific gaming needs, budget, and desired level of complexity to select the best fit for your Mac setup.