The Best X360ce Alternative: Find Your Perfect Controller Emulator
XBOX 360 Controller emulator, more commonly known as X360ce, is a widely used wrapper library that translates XInput calls to DirectInput calls, enabling non-XInput gamepads to work with applications (primarily games) designed for XInput. While X360ce serves its purpose admirably, users often seek an X360ce alternative for various reasons, including specific platform needs, advanced features, or simply exploring other options. This guide will help you discover the top alternatives to X360ce for Windows, Linux, and other platforms, whether you're looking for free, open-source, or commercial solutions.
Top X360ce Alternatives
If you're in search of a reliable replacement for X360ce, look no further. This curated list provides detailed insights into the best alternatives available, helping you make an informed decision based on your gaming and controller customization needs.
JoyToKey
JoyToKey is a commercial software for Windows that allows you to control any application, including browsers, web games, Microsoft Office, or even Windows itself, using your joystick. It's an excellent X360ce alternative because it converts joystick input into keyboard strokes and mouse movements, offering broad compatibility beyond just games.
Xpadder
Xpadder is a powerful commercial software for Windows that simulates keyboard and mouse input using your gamepad. It's a strong X360ce alternative as it allows you to play PC games with poor or no gamepad support, add gamepad support to emulated or internet games, and even control media players or Windows programs using a gamepad. Its features include key mapping, full controller support, gamepad mapping, and key rebinding.
XOutput
XOutput is a free and open-source software for Windows that converts DirectInput into XInput. This makes it an ideal X360ce alternative for users with old DirectInput devices (like gamepads, wheels, or joysticks) who want to use them with modern games or Universal Windows Platform software designed with only XInput in mind. It offers the feature of being portable, making it convenient to use on the go.
Gaming Keyboard Splitter
Gaming Keyboard Splitter is a free and open-source application for Windows that addresses the limitation of Windows OS not distinguishing between multiple connected keyboards. It creates up to 4 virtual Xbox 360 controllers, fed by one or more keyboards (up to 10), making it a unique X360ce alternative for multi-keyboard gaming setups. Its key feature is key mapping, allowing multiple players to use separate keyboards to control different virtual controllers.
Durazno
Durazno is a free and open-source XInput to XInput wrapper for Windows that provides customization options for XInput controllers. As a more specialized X360ce alternative, it focuses on fine-tuning the behavior of existing XInput devices. Its key feature is being portable, allowing for easy integration and use without installation.
Choosing the right X360ce alternative depends heavily on your specific requirements. Whether you need broad gamepad compatibility, advanced key mapping, multi-keyboard support, or simply a portable solution, the options listed above offer diverse functionalities. Explore each one to find the best fit that enhances your gaming experience and controller customization needs.