Xpadder

Xpadder is a lightweight and highly capable keyboard emulator for your PC gamepad, enabling you to take greater control over the games that don’t feature native support for gamepads. Utilizing simple toolset and visual interface, anyone with a few minutes of free time can set up their gamepad to emulate keyboard and mouse in all of your favorite games.



To make the usability of this app even greater, Xpadder for Windows 11/10 supports saving of presets for various games, enabling you to create specific layouts for specific games, classic console emulator software, or even various Windows apps.

Developers of the tool have offered this gamepad emulator for free under a freeware license, but after years of work, they have elected to switch their focus on a premium version that can be purchased via their website. However, the latest freeware version remains accessible online and it still offers tons of valuable tools that can enable gamers to take full control over games that don’t have native gamepad support.

Installation and Use

Installing this program is a straightforward process, requiring users to download the software from the official website or trusted sources, like FileHorse. Once downloaded, the installation wizard guides users through the setup process, with options to customize installation settings. After installation, users can launch the app and begin configuring their controller mappings immediately.



Xpadder is distributed inside a small installation package that will not introduce any OS/Registry changes. It will just copy the emulator into the desired folder and offer you a custom position where you can save your preset files. After installation is done, you can plug in your gamepad, fire up the app, and start creating new presets by assigning keyboard or mouse shortcuts to various segments of your gamepad.

Binding of Mouse movements can be customized to a fine degree using a built-in emulator speed option, with test area for making sure the sensitivity is just right. All gamepad buttons sticks and triggers can be bound (both in normal and “Turbo” mode), and the finished presets can be saved for future use.

The user interface is a bit outdated, but it’s easy for use and packs just enough functionality to make it not overly complicated. The main window of the app features a visual representation of the controller, with empty boxes at all button placements. The user can simply click on those boxes and bind the desired shortcut. Preset saving and loading are present just beside the on top (saving) and bottom (loading of presets) of the app.

It is very important to note that not all games can be controlled with the app, namely, those are the games that use advanced anti-cheat protection such as GameGuard. Even though the active development of this freeware version was stopped in 2008, the free edition of Xpad der still packs enough functionality to satisfy many users.

Highlights

• Reliable keyboard and mouse emulation on modern gamepads.
• Full support for the rumble and vibrate features, even in games that don’t natively support them.
• Supports remapping of gamepads, joysticks, arcade sticks, gaming guitars, steering wheels, dance mats, and drum kits.
• Works with newer input gamepads.
• Enable old games to gain full support for gamepads.
• Continue using your favorite controller on all games.
• Support for both singleplayer and multiplayer games.
• Fully usable in emulated games.
• Fully usable in-browser games.
• Control media players or various windows software via the gamepad.
• Native support for up to 16 gamepads.
• Available on all modern versions of Windows (XP and newer)
• 100% FREE

Main Features

• Controller Mapping: It allows users to map controller buttons to keyboard keys, mouse movements, and clicks, providing seamless integration with games.
• Profiles: Users can create and save multiple profiles for different games or gaming scenarios, ensuring optimal control setups for each.
• Joystick Simulation: The software simulates mouse movements with joysticks, enabling precise control in games requiring analog input.
• Turbo and Rapid Fire: It offers features like turbo and rapid-fire modes, granting players an edge in competitive gaming situations.
• Image Configuration: Users can assign images to buttons, facilitating intuitive recognition of controls within the software's interface.

How to Use

• Launch the tool and connect your game controller to your PC.
• Create a new profile or load an existing one for the game you wish to play.
• Map controller buttons to keyboard keys or mouse actions by selecting the corresponding button on the graphical interface and assigning the desired input.
• Save your profile and launch the game.
• Enjoy seamless control using your game controller in any compatible game.

FAQ

Is Xpadder compatible with all game controllers?
It supports most standard PC game controllers, including Xbox, PlayStation, and generic USB controllers.

Can I use Xpadder to play multiplayer games?
Yes, it allows multiple controllers to be configured simultaneously, enabling multiplayer gaming experiences.

Does Xpadder work with games that have native controller support?
While Xpadder is primarily designed for games without native controller support, it can enhance control customization in games with existing support.

Can I use Xpadder on consoles like Xbox or PlayStation?
No, this app is specifically designed for use on PC platforms and is not compatible with gaming consoles.

Does Xpadder require internet connectivity to function?
No, the program does not require internet connectivity once installed and configured. However, users may need internet access for downloading updates or accessing online resources.



Alternatives

reWASD: Designed with advanced customization options, reWASD provides extensive control over gamepad mappings and configurations.

JoyToKey: Similar to this desktop app, JoyToKey allows users to map controller inputs to keyboard and mouse actions.

DS4Windows: Specifically tailored for PlayStation DualShock 4 controllers, DS4Windows enables seamless integration with PC gaming.

InputMapper: Formerly known as DS4Tool, InputMapper offers comprehensive support for mapping controllers to PC games, particularly suited for PlayStation controllers.

Pricing

It offers a one-time purchase model for $9.99 USD, with a modest price point reflecting its feature set and utility. Users can purchase a license for unlimited access to the software's functionalities, with potential discounts available during promotional periods or bulk purchases.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 7/8/10/11
• Processor: Intel or AMD Dual Core Processor
• RAM: 2GB or higher
• Storage: 100MB available space
• Input: Game controller with USB connectivity

PROS

• Simplifies control customization for PC gaming.
• Supports a wide range of game controllers.
• Intuitive user interface for easy configuration.
• Enhances gaming experiences for titles lacking native controller support.
• Offers additional features like turbo and rapid-fire modes.

CONS

• Limited compatibility with certain games or applications.
• May require some initial setup and configuration for optimal performance.
• Updates and support may vary depending on the developer's activity.
• It's been a long time since there was an update on the official website.
• Some advanced features may require familiarity with controller mapping concepts.

Conclusion

All in all, it stands out as an indispensable tool for PC gamers seeking to maximize their gaming experiences with controller support. Its intuitive interface, comprehensive features, and compatibility with a wide range of game controllers make it a valuable addition to any gaming setup. While it may require some initial configuration, the benefits of enhanced control customization and seamless integration with games outweigh any potential drawbacks.

Whether you're a casual gamer or a competitive enthusiast, Xpadder for PC empowers users to game with comfort and precision, unlocking new possibilities for immersion and enjoyment.