Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Beast VS XInput

Compare Beast VS XInput and see what are their differences

Beast logo Beast

Music creation and sound synthesis.

XInput logo XInput

XInput is an API that allows applications to receive input from the Xbox Controller for Windows.
  • Beast Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-09-11
  • XInput Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-27

Beast features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Beast offers an intuitive and straightforward user interface, which makes it easy for users to navigate and utilize its features effectively.
  • Comprehensive Testing Tools
    The platform provides a wide array of testing tools that cater to various needs, enhancing the overall testing process for users.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Beast can integrate with several other tools and platforms, which helps streamline workflows and improve productivity.
  • Community Support
    Beast has an active community that can provide support and share insights, which is beneficial for troubleshooting and learning.

Possible disadvantages of Beast

  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, new users might still encounter a learning curve when exploring more advanced features.
  • Limited Free Features
    The free version of Beast provides limited features, which may require users to upgrade to a paid plan to access more advanced functionalities.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported occasional performance issues, such as slow processing times or lag, especially with larger datasets.
  • Dependence on Internet Connection
    As an online tool, Beast requires a stable internet connection to function, which can be a drawback in areas with limited connectivity.

XInput features and specs

  • Standardization
    XInput provides a standardized API for accessing game controller features, ensuring consistent behavior across different Windows platforms and Xbox controllers.
  • Ease of Use
    XInput is designed to be straightforward and easy to use, reducing the complexity developers face when implementing controller support.
  • Full Compatibility with Xbox Controllers
    It offers full compatibility with Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers, which are widely used by gamers, ensuring a seamless experience.
  • Vibration Support
    XInput includes built-in support for controller vibration feedback, enhancing the gaming experience without additional setup.
  • Dead Zone Handling
    The API provides automatic handling of dead zones for thumbsticks, improving input accuracy and performance with minimal developer effort.

Possible disadvantages of XInput

  • Limited to Xbox Controllers
    XInput is primarily designed for Xbox controllers, which limits its use with other types of gamepads and input devices.
  • No Support for Older Devices
    It does not support devices that were designed for DirectInput, potentially alienating users with older hardware.
  • Restricted to Windows
    XInput is a Windows-specific API, which can be a limitation for developers aiming for cross-platform compatibility.
  • Limited Number of Controllers
    XInput natively supports up to four controllers, which might be insufficient for certain multiplayer scenarios.
  • Lack of Advanced Features
    It does not provide access to advanced features such as controller LED customization or low-level input data, which can be a constraint for developers needing these capabilities.

Beast videos

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XInput videos

Redgear Pro Wireless Gamepad | Review after 1 yr | Best Controller | Xinput vs Direct Input

More videos:

  • Review - Razer Raiju Review - Best PS4 and PC Xinput Controller?
  • Review - Steelseries Stratus XL for Windows and Android Bluetooth Game Controller Review - Supports Xinput

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Beast and XInput)
Game Engine
27 27%
73% 73
Game Development
30 30%
70% 70
3D Game Engine
31 31%
69% 69
Photos & Graphics
19 19%
81% 81

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, XInput seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Beast mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Beast yet. Tracking of Beast recommendations started around Mar 2021.

XInput mentions (3)

  • what is your unpopular opinion regarding simracing?
    DirectInput dates back to the Win9x days, and the current implementation dates back to the WinXP days. It's officially deprecated by Microsoft, which basically means "stop using it for new development." Its replacements are XInput (the Xbox controller API) and a similar API called Windows.Gaming.Input, intended for UWP applications. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Looking for steering wheels that uses XInput on PC?
    For those unfamiliar with the XInput standard https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/xinput/xinput-and-directinput. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • odd wheel base hardware
    I have experience making Teensy joysticks, so the hardware/firmware side is covered. I'm happy to hear DirectInput is still being used contrary to MS advice https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/xinput/xinput-and-directinput Https://github.com/redragonx/can2rNET provides the interface to wheelchair control system. Source: almost 4 years ago

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