Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

DS4Windows VS Joystick Mapper

Compare DS4Windows VS Joystick Mapper and see what are their differences

DS4Windows logo DS4Windows

DS4Windows is an open-source gamepad input mapper and virtual emulator designed to use and connect your PlayStation controller (DualShock 3/4 and DualSense 5) to a Windows 10 & 11 PC.

Joystick Mapper logo Joystick Mapper

Joystick Mapper, An app for Mac OS X that allows you to use gamepads in any app or game
  • DS4Windows Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-30
  • Joystick Mapper Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-03-04

DS4Windows features and specs

  • Customization
    DS4Windows allows users to create custom control mappings, apply profiles for specific games, and personalize the user experience.
  • Compatibility
    The software makes it easy to use the DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers on a Windows PC, offering good compatibility with various games and applications.
  • Macro Support
    Users can create and assign macros, which can automate repetitive tasks or complex button sequences, enhancing gameplay or productivity.
  • Bluetooth and Wired Support
    DS4Windows supports both Bluetooth and wired connections, providing flexibility in how users connect their controllers.
  • Open Source
    Being open source, DS4Windows allows for community contributions and continuous improvement, ensuring that the software evolves to meet user needs.
  • Ease of Use
    The software is designed with a user-friendly interface, making it easy for even less tech-savvy individuals to set up and configure.

Possible disadvantages of DS4Windows

  • Potential Instability
    Like many community-driven projects, DS4Windows may have occasional bugs or stability issues, which can impact the user experience.
  • Limited Official Support
    Since DS4Windows is not an official software from the controller manufacturers, users may find limited official support or documentation.
  • Driver Installation
    Users might need to install additional drivers, which could be a hassle and might not always be straightforward for everyone.
  • Manual Updates
    Updates need to be manually downloaded and installed, which can be inconvenient compared to automatic updates.
  • Compatibility Issues
    There can be occasional compatibility issues with certain games or Windows updates, requiring troubleshooting by the user.
  • Learning Curve
    Although the interface is user-friendly, fully utilizing all features and customizations may still present a learning curve for new users.

Joystick Mapper features and specs

  • Versatility
    Joystick Mapper allows users to map joystick inputs to keyboard and mouse actions, providing support for a wide range of games and applications.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application offers a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to set up and customize their input settings.
  • Mac Compatibility
    Joystick Mapper is specifically designed for macOS, making it an excellent tool for Mac users who want to use controllers for their gaming and productivity needs.
  • Customizable Profiles
    Users can create and save multiple profiles for different games and applications, allowing for quick switching between different configurations.

Possible disadvantages of Joystick Mapper

  • Lack of Advanced Features
    Compared to some other similar tools, Joystick Mapper might lack advanced features like macros, combo keys, or gyro support.
  • Limited Controller Support
    While it supports many popular controllers, Joystick Mapper might not work with all types of controllers, particularly without additional configuration or software.
  • Paid Software
    Joystick Mapper is not a free application, which might be a limitation for users looking for a budget-friendly solution.
  • macOS Only
    The application is limited to macOS, which means Windows and Linux users must look for alternative solutions.

DS4Windows videos

[How To] Connect PS4 Controller To PC Using DS4Windows Tutorial (Windows 7/10)

More videos:

  • Review - Game Controller To Cull & Review Photos | PS4 DualShock DS4Windows
  • Review - Steam vs DS4Windows - Which Do I feel is best for DualSense on Windows

Joystick Mapper videos

Joystick Mapper : Use any Gamepad on your Mac! (HD)

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Joystick Mapper Tutorial | Tech With Ro - Episode 12

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to DS4Windows and Joystick Mapper)
Gaming
79 79%
21% 21
Controller Mapping
78 78%
22% 22
Gaming Tools
84 84%
16% 16
OS & Utilities
46 46%
54% 54

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare DS4Windows and Joystick Mapper

DS4Windows Reviews

Top 5 REWASD Alternatives in 2021
DS4Windows is pretty great software, especially if we consider the fact that it comes for free. The options and functions are great, and the user interface is pretty simple and basic as well. So, I’d say it is one of the best contenders against REWASD if you’re a PS4 controller user.
10+ alternatives of DS4Windows (Ryochan7 fork)
Before we get to our list, let us take a quick look at the DS4Windows (Ryochan7 fork) review. We will also review the features, price, benefits, pros, and cons of DS4Windows (Ryochan7 fork). If you like our list of DS4Windows (Ryochan7 fork) and similar software alternatives in 2022, then please rate us below.
Best Alternatives to DS4Windows to Use Your PS4 Controller on PC
SCP and DS4Tool are both great alternatives to DS4Windows. Neither is as easy to use and both are more prone to crashing than DS4Windows. However, SCP lets you use legacy Dualshock devices and DS4Tool gives you control over more input settings like touchpad sensitivity and rumble intensity. From personal experience, we consider Steam Big Picture Mode to be the best solution:...
Source: techwiser.com

Joystick Mapper Reviews

We have no reviews of Joystick Mapper yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, DS4Windows seems to be a lot more popular than Joystick Mapper. While we know about 172 links to DS4Windows, we've tracked only 3 mentions of Joystick Mapper. 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.

DS4Windows mentions (172)

  • Problems with controller drift/game not detecting controller?
    If your gamepad is not supported by our service, you can try to install DS4Windows. Its function is to “trick” the PC into recognizing any controller as if it were an Xbox 360 or DualShock 4, which in turn might allow you to use it on Boosteroid. Please note: we do not guarantee that this method will work. We are not responsible for the possible consequences, you do it at your own risk. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Controller Issues
    Use DS4, its a controller emulator that helps with stuff like that, don't really know how to explain it but with it I can use my ps5 controller for salt and sacrifice on pc instead Https://ds4-windows.com. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Hellp.Pace Wheel not working right
    From what I see online, it only officially supports PS3+PS4, and not PC. You might be able to get it to work using https://ds4-windows.com/ . Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Can i use a ps5 controller on star citizen
    Playstation controllers don't use the xbox protocol. So it's a bit tricky. You need some extra software like ds4-windows. https://ds4-windows.com/. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • MCO/ADXP Gamepad???
    Yeah I kinda spammed a bit :PHotkey Auto Cast or Smart cast type of mods tobind spells or power directly to a key, then use some Macro app for your controller to remap the powers/spells keys to gamepad macros. I use DS4Windows for my DS4 controller for similar macros. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

Joystick Mapper mentions (3)

  • Max VM controller support
    Have you tried a third party controller configuration app like Joystick Mapper?https://joystickmapper.com. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • OG Xbox One Controller for Game Pass on Mac Mini M1 Monterey
    Checkout https://joystickmapper.com/ for the mapper (if it still works even) and https://gamepad-tester.com/ to see if your OS detects a gamepad. Source: about 3 years ago
  • As promised, I did the Guitar Hero Drums as Midi controller Tutorial.
    You guys from MAC will use https://joystickmapper.com/ Instead of JoyToMidi to map your Drumset. That's the only difference between Windows and Mac process. Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing DS4Windows and Joystick Mapper, you can also consider the following products

JoyToKey - JoyToKey enables users to control the keyboard using any USB compatible controller (Dualshock 3, Xbox 360, etc.)

SDL2 Gamepad Tool - It's a simple GUI tool to create/modify gamepad mappings for games that use SDL2 Game Controller API. Created to be an alternative to Steam Bigpicture gamepad configurator.

Xpadder - Xpadder simulates the keyboard and mouse using your gamepad What does Xpadder let you do?

AntimicroX - AntiMicroX is a program used to map keyboard and mouse actions to gamepad/joystick buttons. It is useful for playing games with poor or no gamepad support. It is a new fork of discontinued AntiMicro

reWASD - First and only gamepad mapper to make Xbox Elite paddles separate buttons.

AntiMicro - A tool for mapping keyboard and mouse events to gamepads and joysticks.