Many people won’t realise that there are some pretty epic games to be played on Apple Mac computers, but the reality is that these only really start to perform as well as console games when you get a Mac compatible controller, which is where the brilliantly named Thrustmaster Dual Analog 4 comes in. There are a few controllers to choose from to make it easier to play games on your Mac, ranging from the more expensive wireless options like the SteelSeries to the cheaper and quirkier Nintendo 64 emulating controllers, but in terms of having a system setup that can compete with next gen consoles like the Wii U and the PlayStation 4, the Thrustmaster is one of the best additions.
For Mac owners or people looking to buy a Mac computer, there are a good number of pretty epic games to choose and the list is growing on a daily basis thanks to the easy coding availability to indie developers. However, it’s not all quirky, left-field indie releases as more and more bigger game franchises get Mac ports too, including the very recent launch of the very impressive Bioshock Infinity on the Mac. While the most recent releases for next gen consoles like Call of Duty: Ghosts and Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag haven’t yet been confirmed on the Mac App Store, their predecessors, Call of Duty: Black Ops and Assassin’s Creed II are already available and look very impressive when compared to their console alternatives.
All of the games play very well with the Thrustmaster Dual Analog 4 and the fact that you’ll need to set actions for each of the buttons before you play means that you set things set up exactly as you want to right from the very beginning. There are eight configurable buttons, similar to the PS3 controller, with 4 up front and four top trigger style buttons, so you shouldn’t run out of room for actions no matter how in-depth the controls of a game are.
There’s also two analog stick for detailed movement and camera angle controls, plus a traditional D pad for old school gaming and configurable start and select buttons. All of the controls are smooth and responsive, so your Mac gaming experience is only limited by the game you’re playing and not the controller you’re playing it with.
It’s not just the number and placement of buttons and controls that makes the Thrustmaster so convincing as a means to bring true gaming to your Apple Mac, it’s also very well designed. It’s sleek and ergonomic, fitting your mitts as well as, if not even better than, the PlayStation 3 controller. The angle of the outer frame and the addition of the hand shaped contours makes it very comfortable to hold and play with whether you’re whipping out the force in Lego Star Wars: The Clone Wars or slitting throats in Assassin’s Creed 2.
It’s also one of the most reasonably priced accessories you’re likely to find for you’re Mac at just £13 at the time of writing from both Very and Isme. While it’s a pound or so more expensive than the retro game pads, it’s a lot more stylish, ergonomic and modern gaming focused. It’s also around £25 cheaper than the wireless options, so unless you want to sit a good way away from your screen it’s a very inexpensive way to reinvent your Mac gaming possibilities outside of the narrow scope of keyboard controls. However, if they made a wireless version of it that would be a pretty impressive piece of kit.
The Thrustmaster Dual Analog 4 is a great controller that will easily turn your Apple Mac into the equivalent of a games console. While the games that you’ll be able to play will be dependent on the power of your computer, the controls will be pin point perfect every time with one of these between finger and thumb.
Thrustmaster Dual Analog 4 review: 4.7/5
