macOS and iOS now support Nintendo's classic controllers

Apple added a surprise for gamers in the tvOS, macOS, iOS, and iPadOS updates, with them all now supporting a pair of nostalgic Nintendo controllers.

Developer Steve Troughton Smith found that the 16.1 update for iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS, as well as macOS Ventura, supports the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) controller. This is the modern version of the controller that Nintendo sells for use with the Nintendo Switch.

MacStories tested and confirmed that the modern Bluetooth version of the Nintendo 64 controllers also works with Apple devices.

Neat, iOS/tvOS 16.1 support the official BT/USB-C Super Nintendo controller for the Switch I don't have the N64 or NES versions to test with, but I believe they are supported now too pic.twitter.com/mfkTIHpXun
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) October 24, 2022

The modern versions of the SNES and Nintendo 64 controllers are the latest in the Nintendo line that Apple gamers can use in services such as Apple Arcade or supported games elsewhere on the App Store.

Nintendo sells the SNES controller for $29.99 and the Nintendo 64 controller retails for $49.99.

Apple devices support controllers from other brands as well, such as the Sony DualSense controller for $69.00 at Amazon and the Xbox wireless controller for $59.99 (on sale at Amazon).

At WWDC 2022, Apple announced support for the Nintendo Pro Controller and the Joy-Cons that come with the Nintendo Switch. We have a guide on how to use the Joy-Cons with the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.