What XOutput Does
XOutput bridges a gap that frustrates many PC gamers: modern games only support XInput (the Xbox 360 controller protocol), but lots of useful controllers — older PlayStation pads, generic USB gamepads, flight sticks, racing wheels, arcade sticks — only output DirectInput. XOutput translates between the two:
🎮 Map Any Controller
Use PS3/PS4 controllers, generic USB gamepads, flight sticks, or arcade sticks as Xbox 360 controllers.
⌨️ Keyboard as Controller
Map keyboard keys to controller buttons. Useful when no physical controller is available.
🔧 Custom Button Mapping
Remap any button to any other button. Configure dead zones, sensitivity, and axis inversion.
🎯 Multiple Controllers
Set up multiple virtual Xbox 360 controllers simultaneously for local multiplayer.
💾 Profile Save
Save different mapping profiles for different games or controllers. Switch between them quickly.
📦 Open Source
Source code on GitHub. No telemetry, no ads, no upsells. Completely free forever.
System Requirements
| Operating System | Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11 (64-bit recommended) |
|---|---|
| Dependency | ViGEmBus driver (free, installs alongside XOutput) |
| .NET Framework | .NET Framework 4.6.2 or later (usually pre-installed) |
| Disk Space | ~10 MB |
| Compatible Devices | Any DirectInput controller, gamepad, or keyboard |
| License | MIT License (open source) |
How to Install XOutput
- Download XOutput from the official source. Make sure you get the latest stable release.
- Install ViGEmBus driver if you don't already have it. ViGEmBus is the virtual controller framework that XOutput uses. The XOutput installer usually prompts you for this.
- Extract or run the installer. XOutput is sometimes distributed as a portable ZIP, sometimes as an installer. Either works.
- Connect your controller. Plug in your USB gamepad, joystick, or other DirectInput device. Windows should recognize it.
- Open XOutput and click "Add Controller." Choose your physical controller from the list.
- Map buttons by clicking each Xbox button slot, then pressing the corresponding button on your controller. XOutput auto-detects the inputs.
- Click "Start" to activate the virtual Xbox 360 controller. Your game will see it as a standard Xbox controller.
XOutput vs. Alternatives
Several tools solve similar problems. Here's how they compare:
| Tool | Best For | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| XOutput | Any DirectInput device, system-wide | Requires ViGEmBus |
| DS4Windows | PlayStation 4 controllers specifically | PS4 only (some PS5 support) |
| x360ce | Per-game DLL injection | Older, manual config per game |
| reWASD | Advanced macros and remapping | Paid ($6.99-$24.95) |
| JoyToKey | Mapping controller to keyboard input | Different direction (ctrl→kbd) |
Common Use Cases
Old Controllers on Modern Games
You have a Logitech RumblePad or similar older USB gamepad that worked great in 2010 but modern games don't recognize it. XOutput makes Windows present it as an Xbox 360 controller, so any modern XInput game accepts it.
PlayStation Controllers on PC
While DS4Windows handles PS4 specifically, XOutput works for PS3 controllers and other PlayStation peripherals (with appropriate drivers like ScpToolkit or DsHidMini). Especially useful for local multiplayer with mixed controller types.
Flight Sticks and Racing Wheels
Many flight stick and racing wheel manufacturers still ship DirectInput-only drivers. XOutput lets these work in games that expect XInput controllers (which is most racing and flight sim games on Steam).
Keyboard as Controller
For couch gaming where you only have one controller, XOutput can map keyboard keys to a virtual second Xbox controller — enabling local multiplayer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Solution: Install ViGEmBus separately from its GitHub releases page. XOutput won't work without it.
Solution: Make sure the controller works in Windows first — check Game Controllers settings (Control Panel → Devices and Printers → right-click controller → Game Controller Settings). If it doesn't show inputs there, you need correct DirectInput drivers before XOutput can use it.
Solution: Click "Start" in XOutput to activate the virtual controller. Some games need to be restarted after activation. Also check that your real controller isn't interfering — some games detect both and get confused.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is XOutput?
XOutput is a free, open-source Windows tool that emulates Xbox 360 controllers using any DirectInput device. It lets you use PlayStation controllers, generic USB gamepads, joysticks, or keyboards as Xbox 360 controllers in games that only support XInput.
Is XOutput free?
Yes, completely free and open source. The source code is available on GitHub. No premium tiers, no ads, no signup required.
What controllers does XOutput support?
Any controller Windows recognizes through DirectInput — including PS3/PS4 controllers (with appropriate drivers), generic USB gamepads, flight sticks, racing wheels, arcade sticks. It can even map keyboard keys.
Why use XOutput instead of DS4Windows or x360ce?
DS4Windows is best for DualShock 4 specifically. x360ce works per-game. XOutput creates a system-wide virtual Xbox 360 controller — any XInput game sees it automatically. Plus actively maintained and open source.
Do I need ViGEmBus for XOutput?
Yes. XOutput depends on ViGEmBus, the virtual gamepad framework, to create virtual controllers in Windows. The XOutput installer typically prompts you to install ViGEmBus if not already present.
Last updated: April 25, 2026.