Glossary:Controller
Controllers are an alternative to keyboard and mouse input. Almost all recently released PC games support controllers, although many only support the newer XInput controllers by default.
For information on specific controllers, see the controller category.
Windows
XInput vs. DirectInput
XInput is Microsoft's new API for Xbox 360-compatible controllers such as the official Xbox 360 Controller.
DirectInput is Microsoft's older controller API. XInput controllers operate in DirectInput mode for these games. Logitech's F310 and F710 gamepads have a physical switch which should be set to "D" for these games.
DirectInput controllers with XInput-only games
x360ce makes DirectInput controllers show up as XInput controllers for games that only support XInput.
XInput force feedback rumble in DirectInput games
XInput controllers do not support the force feedback rumble support built into some older games. To re-enable this, install Force Feedback Driver for XInput (for Windows 8 use the Windows 7 version). Once this is installed many games will see the controller as force feedback-compatible and so those settings can then be used.
Some games will still not see the controller as force feedback-compatible even with this driver installed.
Non-PC controllers (PlayStation 3, Wii, etc.)
- For PlayStation 3 controllers use MotioninJoy; see PlayStation 3 DualShock Controller for instructions.
- For Wii controllers use FreePIE or GlovePIE with a compatible Bluetooth adapter.
- For other controllers use a USB adapter. The controller should then show up as a basic controller.
Controller with keyboard-only games
Some games have limited or no controller support built in. This mostly affects older games but there are also some recent releases with no native support, notably BioWare's Mass Effect and Dragon Age games.
See controller with keyboard-only game for solutions.
Mac OS X
Most Windows controllers are natively supported on Mac OS X. For XInput controllers, use Tattiebogle's Mac OS X Driver.
Linux
Most Windows controllers are natively supported by the major Linux distributions.