[Solved] Gamepad not working in games

[N0rd]

I bought a gamepad/controller for PC and PS3 (wireless). Windows setting shows that it is functioning perfectly. But Steam and games don't seem to like my controller:

Some buttons do work in steam big-picture, but it's already problematic since not all buttons seem to be detected correctly in big-picture (eg. RB+LB). But launching games with the controller works. Biggest problem: After the launch the gamepad just is not detected ingame.
Already tried different USB-slots, several games, didn't touch mouse or keybord while the game is launching, opened the games in different ways, but it is still not working.

I'm desperate... Any suggestions, please?

[happysackboy29]

having the same problem, exept no buttons will work and the controller keeps flashing lights

[Cathulhu]

Are you sure it's a controller supporting the XInput API? Or did you buy a really cheap one that doesn't?

[N0rd]

Originally posted by Cathulhu:

Are you sure it's a controller supporting the XInput API? Or did you buy a really cheap one that doesn't?

First time I heard of XInput API, tbh. I will google it. But Indeed, I bought a no name controller ("CSL – USB Wireless Gamepad"). But since the windows setting show that the controller is working, shouldn't it also work for steam?

[Cathulhu]

No. It most likely only supports the very old DirectInput API. Current games use XInput instead, which was introduced over a decade ago.
Now imagine how outdated and cheap your gamepad must be to not support an API that exists for over a decade now.

[N0rd]

Originally posted by Cathulhu:

No. It most likely only supports the very old DirectInput API. Current games use XInput instead, which was introduced over a decade ago.
Now imagine how outdated and cheap your gamepad must be to not support an API that exists for over a decade now.

Damn... Thank you though, for your answer. Maybe I can find a workaround.
It said "2016 Model, compatible with Win10" in the product description, so I assumed it was okay.

[Cathulhu]

Ok, i've looked that thing up and it seems to have a PS3 and an XBox mode. You want the XBox mode.
You can switch between those by holding the home button.

[N0rd]

Yessssss.... I can't believe it, it is working!
Thank you so much :)

[lucker]

sssss

[btngana]

use Xoutput

[bugar]

Originally posted by ebic btngana:

use Xoutput

BRO YOU ARE GOLD!!! WORKED LIKE A CHARM

[KeplersConjecture]

Originally posted by Alex:

Originally posted by ebic btngana:

use Xoutput

BRO YOU ARE GOLD!!! WORKED LIKE A CHARM

Guy from 2018 delivers.

[WildKakahuette]

Originally posted by KeplersConjecture:

Originally posted by Alex:

BRO YOU ARE GOLD!!! WORKED LIKE A CHARM

Guy from 2018 delivers.

2022 and it saved another one's life :p

[Muhamed]

switch to Big Picture mode

[philanthrop82]

Crazy, i just fixed my controller with a 6 year old tutorial. This is my controller and pressing the mode button for many seconds helped unter the led turned red.

TGZ Controller (Vendor: 0079 Product: 181c) steam

[maleko48]

Originally posted by btngana *******:

use Xoutput

FINALLY!!! THANK YOU!

After multiple DAYS of screwing around with every last go-between and work-around I could think of, XOutput saved the day in DECEMBER 2023! :) I had no choice but to make this controller work somehow or another since we got it for my young son for the form factor more than anything else, so switching to another, full-size controller was not an option in this case.

FWIW, I will lay down some details below in case it helps anyone else.



AMAZON LINK TO CONTROLLER PURCHASED:
https://a.co/d/c15NGKg
"JOYTORN Mini Switch Pro Wireless Controller"



ACTUAL OEM (afaik):
JYS-Tech --> https://jysinc.cn/category/#controller



FOUND RETAILERS:
1.) https://gamextreme.ph/products/jys-wireless-mini-pro-controller-for-nintendo-switch-retro-grey-ns237

2.) https://www.vteras.com/jys-wireless-mini-pro-controller-for-nintendo-switch-ns237



CONNECTED TO WINDOWS AS:
"Pro Controller" in Bluetooth Settings panel in Windows 10



SHOWS AS:
"Wireless Gamepad" in Windows 10 "Game Controllers" applet (fully registered and working)



RECOGNIZED (fully working) IN STEAM AS:
"Nintendo Switch Pro Controller"
Device Support: "NSP98b6e96fdece (0x057e,0x2009)"



MY PROBLEM:
It only worked as expected in some of my PC games, with no work-arounds, but not all. Of course the games it was NOT working in were the ones my son and I wanted to play together the most.

I have been a long-time BetterJoy user, and even DS4Windows at times too, but for whatever reason, they were falling on their face with this new controller. Usually between Steam's excellent controller support and emulation / Steam Input, BetterJoy, or DS4Windows, one would always work and get the job done but not with this controller unfortunately.

XOutput finally achieved the desired work-around of force-converting the output to appear as a WORKING XBox 360 controller in the games that were giving trouble. Don't forget to install the required dependencies for XOutput and make use of HIDHide to eliminate double inputs.


All is well with the wife and kids now. :)