Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Nakama VS DS4Windows

Compare Nakama VS DS4Windows and see what are their differences

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Nakama logo Nakama

Nakama is an open-source distributed social and realtime server for games and apps.

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.
  • Nakama Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20
  • DS4Windows Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-30

Nakama features and specs

  • Scalability
    Nakama is designed to handle a large number of concurrent users, making it suitable for games and applications with a high volume of traffic.
  • Open Source
    Nakama is open-source software, offering transparency, flexibility, and the ability for developers to contribute to and modify the codebase according to their needs.
  • Feature-Rich
    Nakama provides a wide range of features out-of-the-box, such as real-time multiplayer, chat, leaderboards, matchmaking, and more, reducing the need for additional third-party services.
  • Cross-Platform
    Nakama supports multiple platforms and languages, allowing for broad integration and compatibility across different types of games and applications.
  • Active Community
    With an active and growing community, developers can find plenty of support, documentation, and community-driven plugins or extensions.

Possible disadvantages of Nakama

  • Complex Setup
    Setting up and configuring Nakama can be complex, requiring a strong understanding of server management and networking, which might be challenging for beginners.
  • Resource Intensive
    Nakama, depending on the features and scale, can demand significant server resources, potentially increasing operational costs.
  • Limited Documentation
    While Nakama's community is active, there are reports that its official documentation can sometimes be lacking in detail, making problem-solving and advanced configuration difficult.
  • Maintenance Overhead
    Being a self-hosted solution, Nakama requires ongoing maintenance and updates, which can be resource-intensive for smaller teams.
  • Learning Curve
    Nakama has a steep learning curve, especially for developers who are not familiar with server-side development, game networking, or the specific technologies used by Nakama.

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.

Analysis of DS4Windows

Overall verdict

  • Yes, DS4Windows is generally considered a good tool for those looking to make the most out of their DualShock controllers on a Windows PC. Its continuous updates and active community support further enhance its reliability and functionality.

Why this product is good

  • DS4Windows is a popular utility for Windows that emulates an Xbox controller for DualShock 4/5 controllers, enabling compatibility with a wide range of PC games that do not support PlayStation controllers natively. It offers extensive customization options such as button mapping, trackpad usage, gyro control, and profile management, making it a versatile tool for diverse gaming needs.

Recommended for

    PC gamers who use DualShock 4/5 controllers and want to ensure compatibility with games requiring Xbox controller input. Also, those who appreciate advanced customization of controller settings for an optimized gaming experience.

Nakama videos

Nakama - Review by efood

More videos:

  • Review - [ REVIEW OP 975 ] ZEUS Nakama Ke-11??? Menantang Aliansi Yonko!!!

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Nakama and DS4Windows)
Developer Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Gaming
0 0%
100% 100
Game Engine
100 100%
0% 0
Controller Mapping
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

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

Nakama Reviews

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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

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, DS4Windows seems to be a lot more popular than Nakama. While we know about 172 links to DS4Windows, we've tracked only 15 mentions of Nakama. 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.

Nakama mentions (15)

  • Distributed server for social and realtime games and apps
    Dozens -- probably hundreds -- of games use this. There are case studies you can read at https://heroiclabs.com (Not sure why it was posted today -- it was first posted on HN 8 years ago.). - Source: Hacker News / 27 days ago
  • Next steps for Postgres pluggable storage
    To add more detail on the recent work on the ZHeap storage engine. We (Heroic Labs) sponsored work for the Cybertec team to bring it up to date with latest improvements and changes with Postgres' pluggable storage engine:. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Is there anyway to create an “online guild” system in my idle game.
    You can do that, but for what platform? html5? windows? android?, the most easiest way is use firestore a service from firebase (offer a free tier), it is the easiest way not the better, other way is use a service like nakama that is more professional and something in the middle can be mmm pocketbase or supabase. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Starred a game and want to make multi-player like stardew, tips?
    I recommend the backend solution called Nakama since you’re using Godot: https://heroiclabs.com/. Source: about 2 years ago
  • I discover that MMORPG are really hard to make
    I read using nakama server for this is convinient. Https://heroiclabs.com/. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

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

What are some alternatives?

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

PlayFab - PlayFab is a backend platform for games, delivering powerful real-time tools and services for LiveOps.

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

Firebase - Firebase is a cloud service designed to power real-time, collaborative applications for mobile and web.

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

Photon Engine - Independent networking engine and multiplayer platform.

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