Want to swap your keyboard and mouse for a controller to explore Minecraft’s blocky worlds? Whether you're on PC (Java or Bedrock), PS5, or Xbox, playing with a controller can transform your gaming experience—more comfort, smoother movements, and deeper immersion. Follow our guide to set up your controller in no time and discover how Nacon pro controllers can give you a decisive edge.
Why play Minecraft with a controller?
Comfort and ergonomics for long sessions
For long building, exploring, or mining sessions, using a controller is often more relaxing than a keyboard and mouse. Modern controllers are designed to reduce fatigue, allowing you to play for hours without discomfort.
Precision in movement and combat
While keyboard and mouse excel at precise block placement, a controller offers unmatched fluidity of movement. Analog sticks allow for smoother, more gradual control, which is especially useful when exploring or fighting enemies and in PvP (Player vs Player). Analog triggers also provide a more intuitive feel for certain actions.
Full immersion in the game world
Playing with a controller enhances immersion, making the experience feel closer to playing on a home console. Haptic feedback and vibrations (on supported controllers) increase the sensation of being in the game, whether it’s the sound of water, the impact of breaking a block, or an explosion.
Playing Minecraft on PC with a controller: two scenarios
Minecraft Bedrock: the simplicity of plug-and-play
Minecraft Bedrock, the cross-platform version of the game, is designed to work natively with controllers. This is the simplest and most straightforward experience.
- Connect: Plug in your controller via USB or connect it via Bluetooth to your PC.
- Launch: Start Minecraft Bedrock. The game should automatically detect the controller.
- Play: You can start playing right away. On-screen button icons will adapt to your controller.
To help you set up your device, check out our guides to connect a PS4 controller to PC or connect a PS5 controller to PC.
Minecraft Java: tips and third-party tools
The Java version of Minecraft does not have native controller support. However, there are several ways to work around this and enjoy an optimal gaming experience.
Solution 1: Key mapping via Steam
For players using Steam, this method is the easiest and most effective. Steam’s Big Picture mode allows you to map controller inputs to keyboard and mouse commands.
- Add the game: In Steam, click "Games" > "Add a non-Steam game to my library," then select the Minecraft Java executable.
- Big Picture mode: Enable Big Picture mode (the icon in the top right corner).
- Configure the controller: Go to your library, select Minecraft, then "Manage game" > "Controller configuration." You can assign each button to keyboard and mouse inputs.
- Launch: Once configured, launch Minecraft from Steam in Big Picture mode.
Solution 2: Dedicated software (DS4Windows)
If you use a DualShock 4 or DualSense controller, software like DS4Windows is essential. It “translates” your controller inputs so your PC recognizes them as an Xbox controller, ensuring compatibility with most PC games.
Solution 3: Mods (Controllable, MidnightControls)
For full integration, many players choose dedicated mods. Mods like Controllable or MidnightControls are specifically designed to add native controller support to Minecraft Java, with adapted menus and intuitive in-game configuration.
Playing on console (PS5 & Xbox): the experience is already optimized
If you play Minecraft on a console like PS5 or Xbox Series, you don’t need to worry about compatibility: the game is natively designed for controllers. The experience is smooth, intuitive, and perfectly optimized for consoles. Discover our full range of PS5 controllers and Xbox controllers.
The advantage of Nacon controllers for a pro experience
Even on console, a Nacon controller can give you a decisive edge. Nacon’s pro controllers, like the Revolution 5 Pro, let you go beyond the limitations of standard controllers.
- Additional buttons: Extra rear buttons let you keep your thumbs on the sticks at all times, giving you an advantage in building or combat.
- Full customization: Adjust stick dead zones, remap any button, and create custom profiles for different Minecraft activities (exploration, building, combat).
- Hall effect joysticks: Say goodbye to joystick drift! This technology uses magnetic fields, eliminating mechanical wear for long-lasting precision.
Fixing common issues
My controller won’t connect
- Drivers: Make sure your controller drivers are up to date. Windows usually installs them automatically, but a manual update may be needed.
- Bluetooth: Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your PC and that the controller is in pairing mode. Keep it away from interference sources.
The controls are incorrect
- Mapping: If you’re using third-party software or Steam, check your button mapping configuration. Wrong assignments are the most common cause. Make sure each button is mapped to the correct in-game action.
- Conflicts: Some mapping software can conflict with others. If you’re using more than one, only enable one at a time.
