Most of the time, we're content to sit at our desks, playing a Mac game on our beloved machines. But sometimes, you just want to relax on the couch and play a video game with a controller. Starting today, Valve has launched Big Picture Mode for all Steam users, and even placed some controller-friendly games on sale.
In recent years, Steam has grown ever more important to Mac gamers, as the service continues to offer an increasing amount of compatible titles. Big Picture Mode offers a streamlined user-interface to present the full Steam experience on your television.
The TV-centric mode has been available via the Steam Beta for some time, but now everyone can enjoy the client's selection of PC and Mac titles in the living room. Once your Mac is hooked up to the television (preferably through an HDMI cable), turning on Big Picture Mode is as easy as clicking on an icon in the Steam client.
Big Picture Mode also includes an interesting web browser, tailored for using a game controller. If you're interested in pairing an Xbox 360 controller with your Mac, you can download a driver from Tattieboggle.
Valve has marked the occasion by placing a number of "controller-friendly" games on sale, including quite a few Mac-compatible titles. Games like Tiny & Big: Grandpa's Leftovers, both Left 4 Dead titles, and Portal 2 are available for up to 75-percent off until December 10.
If you already have a library of games on Steam, all of your previous purchases are available in Big Picture Mode.
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