Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SDL2 Gamepad Tool VS Joystick Mapper

Compare SDL2 Gamepad Tool VS Joystick Mapper and see what are their differences

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.

Joystick Mapper logo Joystick Mapper

Joystick Mapper, An app for Mac OS X that allows you to use gamepads in any app or game
  • SDL2 Gamepad Tool Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-01-19
  • Joystick Mapper Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-03-04

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.

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.

SDL2 Gamepad Tool videos

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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 SDL2 Gamepad Tool and Joystick Mapper)
Gaming
48 48%
52% 52
Controller Mapping
47 47%
53% 53
Gaming Tools
47 47%
53% 53
OS & Utilities
47 47%
53% 53

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SDL2 Gamepad Tool should be more popular than Joystick Mapper. It has been mentiond 10 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.

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: about 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
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 SDL2 Gamepad Tool and Joystick Mapper, you can also consider the following products

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

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

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

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

Enjoyable - Enjoyable is an application that allows you to use a joystick or gamepad and configure them to act as a mouse and keyboard.

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.