Tutorials/Playing with a controller

Here is a quick tutorial on how to use a controller (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.) as input while playing the Java Edition of Minecraft.

The Java Edition of Minecraft does not natively support controllers, but here there will be described easy workarounds that allows you to use a controller for playing Minecraft: Java Edition.

In order to play Minecraft Java with a controller, you need an app that can run in the background and transmit the controller’s input to the game, and you need to configure it so that the controls are transmitted correctly.

Method 1: Steam Big Picture
This method is the easiest, as it only requires you to download Steam and don't have to use mods. Here’s the simple process of setting up a controller to use with Minecraft Java on PC:


 * 1) Download Steam if you do not have it already downloaded.
 * 2) Open Steam.
 * 3) Add Minecraft as a non-Steam game by selecting "Library" and then clicking the "add a non-Steam game" button, and then selecting the Minecraft Launcher in the list.
 * 4) Open the Big Picture mode.
 * 5) Click the "Settings" button and make sure that your controller is connected before proceeding.
 * 6) Select Controller Settings. Now, select the controller you wish to use from the menu.
 * 7) Go back to Big Picture Mode’s main page.
 * 8) Select "Library" and then "Minecraft".
 * 9) Select "Manage Shortcut" then "Controller Configuration" to allow you to configure the controller layout. You can either do it manually or use "Browse Configs" to browse presets from other users.
 * 10) Start the game through Steam. You can now use your controller to play Minecraft!

Supported Controllers
Almost all controllers work this way with some exceptions.