'Controlly' App Turns a Game Controller Into a Remote Control for Macs

Monday February 8, 2021 1:26 pm PST by Juli Clover

Controlly, a new app available in the Mac App Store, is designed to turn a gaming controller into a full-featured remote control that can be used with a Mac.

controlly app
With the app installed and a gaming controller connected, the different keys on the controller can be mapped to various functions such as displaying the desktop, adjusting screen brightness, tweaking volume, controlling media playback, accessing Launch Pad, launching Mission Control, and more.

There's even an option to use the controller in lieu of a mouse with controls for moving the mouse pointer, clicking, right clicking, and scrolling. You can essentially set any function on the Mac to be performed with a click of a controller button, which is handy if you want an alternate input method. There's also an option to create custom shortcuts that can be launched with a controller.

Note that to use the app, you must enable the Accessibility feature that allows apps to control your computer. This is available in System Preferences, and the app setup will walk you through it. Without the control option enabled, Controlly does not work.

Most wireless controllers should be able to work with Controlly after being paired via Bluetooth to a Mac. We tested with the PlayStation 4 DualShock controller and the app worked flawlessly, with the controller able to perform all of the appropriate mapped actions.

I wanted to use a game controller as a remote for Mac, but I couldn’t find an app for that. So I’ve built one myself and it’s now available on the App Store 🎮🥳: https://t.co/HEkFXUtMeL Special thanks to @siracusa for finding an interesting bug just before launch! pic.twitter.com/2QVwvZjjvI — Hugo Lispector (@hugolispector) February 8, 2021

Controlly can be downloaded for free and used for seven days to test it out, but after that, there's a one-time $3.99 in-app purchase to unlock full functionality. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

Unggoy Murderer

34 months ago

NO. We do not need apps to turn every device into every other device.

Perhaps others see value in things you don’t...? Using a controller might be a decent ergonomic choice for people with large hands, or perhaps folks with disabilities or dexterity issues.

No harm in getting more out of something.

Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)

MrGimper

I love these posts which sound like someone is holding a gun to your head and forcing you to use/purchase it :rolleyes:

Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)

nathan_reilly

I think this is so misguided. You might not need it but someone else could really benefit from it. And does it hurt you that it exists now? Or are you like imagining this developer could have solved some important (to you) problem instead of this unimportant (to you) problem? My god.

Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Wowfunhappy

I would, um, say that's precisely what we need. :)

I do wish they were Preference Panes instead of apps though, from an UI/aesthetic standpoint. But you can't sell those in the App Store...

Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

System Of A Down

oh ok.

we'll just tell the developers to take the app of the store because you said we don't need it. smart! /sarcasm

Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Sharewaredemon

Yep, or simply being able to do a few things with your computer using the controller that's already in your hands after you finish playing a game, when you might not be physically close to your computer, or it's not somewhere ergonomic for the trackpad and keyboard.

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