Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

DS4Windows VS SDL2 Gamepad Tool

Compare DS4Windows VS SDL2 Gamepad Tool 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.

SDL2 Gamepad Tool logo 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.
  • DS4Windows Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-30
  • SDL2 Gamepad Tool Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-01-19

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.

SDL2 Gamepad Tool features and specs

  • Cross-platform support
    The SDL2 Gamepad Tool is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, which makes it versatile for developers and gamers working across different platforms.
  • Ease of use
    The tool features a user-friendly interface, allowing users to map and remap gamepad buttons easily without needing extensive technical knowledge.
  • Open-source integration
    Being based on the SDL2 library, it integrates well with open-source projects and benefits from community support and contributions.
  • Wide support for devices
    SDL2 Gamepad Tool supports a wide range of game controllers and provides a standardized method to interact with them, improving compatibility across different games.

Possible disadvantages of SDL2 Gamepad Tool

  • Limited advanced features
    While suitable for basic gamepad mapping, the tool lacks more advanced controller configuration features found in some other specialized tools.
  • Manual configuration required
    Users may need to manually configure certain settings or profiles for unique or less common gamepads, which can be time-consuming.
  • Potential compatibility issues
    In some cases, users might encounter compatibility issues with specific games or newer gamepad models that are not fully supported.
  • Performance overhead
    Running an additional application to configure the gamepad might introduce minor performance overhead, which could be relevant for users running resource-intensive games.

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

SDL2 Gamepad Tool videos

No SDL2 Gamepad Tool videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to DS4Windows and SDL2 Gamepad Tool)
Gaming
80 80%
20% 20
Controller Mapping
79 79%
21% 21
Gaming Tools
85 85%
15% 15
OS & Utilities
50 50%
50% 50

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 SDL2 Gamepad Tool

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

SDL2 Gamepad Tool Reviews

We have no reviews of SDL2 Gamepad Tool yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, DS4Windows seems to be a lot more popular than SDL2 Gamepad Tool. While we know about 172 links to DS4Windows, we've tracked only 10 mentions of SDL2 Gamepad Tool. 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
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SDL2 Gamepad Tool mentions (10)

  • Controller not supported on Athersx2
    Ah! If you have used your controller on your Mac to play PS1, then I think you'll absolutely be able to use it on AetherSX2! Here's what you do -- grab this app: https://generalarcade.com/gamepadtool/ If it detects your controller, then select it from the drop-down menu, then Create New Mapping and press the corresponding buttons when they're highlighted (if your controller doesn't have a certain button, just skip... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Controller support on macOS?
    What do you currently have? If it gets recognized by the SDL2 Gamepad Tool, it IS possible to get it to be recognized on Ryujinx. I just left my hack-y solution over here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ryujinx/comments/zcap6c/comment/iz8eyey/?utm\_source=reddit&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3. Source: over 2 years ago
  • MacOS Controllers Not Working
    Hey, I just successfully added my Wii Classic Controller through DolphinBar to Ryujinx! I bet this technique would work for your controller, too. I figured since my controller was functional with the SDL2 Gamepad Tool, it'd work in Ryujinx... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Have some questions about mac gaming!
    Just find out if your game has an offline mode, some games do not, its best to download and play it in airplane mode to see if you have issues. Also you can easily use a PS4 controller, if you have issues with game mapping I suggest using SDL2 Gamepad Tool (https://generalarcade.com/gamepadtool/) to help. I use it whenever I am using my PS5 controller. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Controller Calibration not working (MacOS)
    I had the same issue, until I tried remapping via - https://generalarcade.com/gamepadtool/. Source: about 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing DS4Windows and SDL2 Gamepad Tool, 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.)

Joystick Mapper - Joystick Mapper, An app for Mac OS X that allows you to use gamepads in any app or game

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

Gamepad Test - Now you can test one or more controllers for malfunctioning or failures via this online gamepad controller test and monitor their performance.

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

Controllers - Controllers turns your Mac into a console gaming experience.