PC Controller Tester (XInput & DirectInput)
How to read this · August 22, 2026
To test a PC controller, plug in any USB gamepad or connect it wirelessly, then press a button so the browser detects it. This page uses the generic standard layout, which fits the great majority of PC pads because they report through XInput. Press each button to see it in the map, hold the sticks centered to test for drift, and pull the triggers to confirm their analog range. The polling readout gives an approximate report rate so you can compare wired and wireless links.
Everything runs locally in your browser with no install and nothing uploaded. PC controllers fall into two families: XInput devices use the standard mapping and line up perfectly here, while older DirectInput devices may report a non-standard mapping where the button numbers do not match the standard positions. The status strip tells you which mapping your controller uses, so if labels look scrambled, a non-standard mapping is usually the reason rather than a hardware fault.
Press any button on your controller
Wired controllers are detected right away.
On Bluetooth, press a button to wake the connection.
How to connect PC
- Wired: plug the controller into any USB port. XInput pads are detected without drivers.
- Wireless: connect a 2.4 GHz dongle or pair over Bluetooth, depending on the controller.
- Press any button after connecting so the browser exposes the gamepad.
Common PC problems
XInput versus DirectInput
XInput controllers use the standard mapping and match the on-screen labels. Older DirectInput pads can report a non-standard mapping, so button indices may not align. The status strip shows which mapping is active.
Deadzone varies by brand
Different brands ship different factory deadzones, so a small resting offset can be normal on a budget pad. Use the deadzone slider in the tester to see how a deadzone would mask a small offset.
Driver and dongle issues
A controller that is not detected is often a dongle in the wrong mode or a charge-only cable. Try a different USB port, a data cable, or re-seat the wireless receiver.
FAQ
My controller labels look wrong. Is it broken?
Probably not. Older DirectInput controllers use a non-standard mapping, so the button numbers do not match standard positions. Check the mapping shown in the status strip.
Do I need drivers to test a controller on PC?
XInput controllers work with no extra drivers in the browser. Some niche DirectInput devices may need vendor software to map correctly.
How accurate is the polling rate on PC?
It is an approximation bounded by the browser refresh loop, so treat it as a relative comparison between connections rather than an exact hardware figure.