Supported Controllers and Gamepads

Got a non-PlayStation controller and want to game on your Windows PC with DS4Win? DS4Windows is primarily built for PlayStation controllers but it can also convert and configure many other controllers into virtual gamepads (with some driver/setup and occasional feature limitations), so you can usually play your favourite games with whatever controller you have.

A lot of gamers think DS4Windows is just for PlayStation controllers, but that’s not the complete truth. While it’s great for recognizing DualShock 4 (DS4) and DualSense (DS5) controllers, it can also work with many third-party gamepads. Whether you have a Razer Raiju, a Nacon Revolution, or even a Nintendo Switch Pro controller, DS4Windows can translate supported ones into virtual controllers.

Supported Gamepads & Controllers List 2026

Here is a list of gamepads that work with the DS4Windows tool. You can use any of these controllers and easily map their buttons to play your favorite PC games. These controllers are also compatible with virtual Xbox 360, DualShock 4, and DualSense modes, depending on the controller and configuration you choose in DS4Windows.

We have broken down the list into three sections: PlayStation-compatible gamepads, non-PlayStation controllers, and other devices. We have also mentioned the DS4Windows version that first added support for each controller. This means that if your controller works with the listed version, it will also work with all the newer versions of DS4Windows.

Official PlayStation Controllers

Name of the Gamepad DS4Windows Version Important Information
DualShock 4 (DS4) v1 1.4.53 First forked version released
DualShock 4 (DS4) v2 1.4.53 Support was added in the original DS4Windows by Jay2Kings, the creator.
DualShock 3 (DS3) 2.2.10 Requires DsHidMini driver and must be used in DS4Windows mode
DualSense / DualShock 5 (DS5) 2.1.17 Initial support added with wireless rumble and Bluetooth
Razer Raiju 1.4.99 –
Razer Raiju Tournament Edition 1.7.8 –
Razer Raiju Ultimate 1.7.9 –
Hori PS4 Mini Controller 1.4.119 –
PS4 Fun Controller 1.7.4 –
Steel Play Metaltech P4 (Wired) 1.7.17 –
Hori Fighting Commander 1.7.20 Designed for fighting games but lacks joysticks on most models.
Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro 1.7.20 –
Nacon Revolution Pro v3 1.7.23 –
Nacon Revolution Infinite 1.7.26 –
Astro C40 2.1.4 –
Specialist PS4 Controllers 2.1.6 Three unidentified controllers were added in this version
SnakeByte Gamepad 2.1.8 –
Gioteck VX4 2.2.2 –

Non-PlayStation Controllers

Name of the Gamepad DS4Windows Version Important Information
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller 2.1.16 –
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con 2.1.17 –
Xbox Elite Series 2 Not Supported –
Xbox Core Controller Not Supported –
Xbox Adaptive Controller Not Supported –

Other Devices

Name of the Accessory DS4Windows Version Important Information
Sony Wireless Adapter 1.4.53 Support was added in the original DS4Windows by Jay2Kings

After a quick peek at the controller list, let’s find out how to connect them and see which features rock with DS4Win and which ones don’t.

How To Connect & Use DualShock 3 | DS3

Here’s how you can connect your PS3 (DualShock 3) controller to your PC using DS4Windows.

Install DsHidMini Driver

First, download and install the DsHidMini driver. Without this driver, PS3 controllers will have limited support and cannot be properly used with DS4Windows.

Install DsHidMini Driver
Run dshidmini setup files

Install DS4Windows

Have DS4Windows downloaded and installed to translate PS3, PS4, or other compatible controllers so they can connect with your PC to play PC games.

Download and Install BthPS3

Next, download and install BthPS3. Without this, you can’t easily connect your PS3 controller via Bluetooth.

Connect Your PS3 Controller

Connect your PS3 controller to PC via USB or Bluetooth.

Connect your PS3 Controller

Launch DsHidMini Control

  • Once the controller is connected, open the DsHidMini Control interface. Open the Devices settings to see your controller listed on the screen.
  • Click on “PLAYSTATION®3 Controller” to view the device details on the right-hand side of the tool.
Launch DsHidMini Control

Set HID Device Mode

In the device details window, look for the option called HID Device Mode and choose DS4Windows to make your PS3 controller work with DS4Windows.

Set HID Device Mode

What Works and What Doesn’t

  • Rumble: It shakes, but not like the fancy newer controllers. Just a basic rumble.
  • LED Control: You can change the light color. Make it whatever you want.
  • Pressure-Sensitive Buttons: These don’t work, so no fancy soft or hard press stuff.
  • Motion Features: No shaking or tilting is allowed with this controller.
  • Bluetooth: Your PC needs Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR or higher. No Bluetooth? Get a dongle!

How To Connect & Use DualShock 4 | DS4

To use your PS4 controller on your PC, follow these steps, and you will be gaming in no time.

Connecting DualShock 4 to Your PC

There are two ways to connect PS4: Bluetooth (wireless) or a USB cable (wired).

  • Your PC must have Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR or higher. If your PC lacks Bluetooth, get a Bluetooth dongle.
  • Hold down the PS and Share buttons on your DualShock 4 until the light bar starts flashing, giving a sign that it is in pairing mode.
Pairing DualShock 4
  • Then, on your PC, head to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices, hit Add a device, and select your controller when it shows up.
Add controller via bluetooth

Just plug in a micro-USB cable from your controller to your PC and the controller will be connected instantly.

Launch DS4Windows for Full Customization

Launch DS4Windows to pair up your DualShock 4 controller with your PC to enjoy precisely controlled gaming. Check out our guide on getting started with DS4Windows for more details.

A correctly connected controller pops up in the list of controllers in DS4Windows. From there, you can remap buttons, adjust sensitivity, and even customize the light bar color to make it your own.

Controller Connected Successfully

Start Playing Like a Pro

Now you are good to go to use your DualShock 4 on your PC. Fire up your favorite games and start playing.

Know Which DS4 Features Work and Which Don’t

Your DualShock 4 will work just fine, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • The buttons, touchpad, and light bar work perfectly.
  • The rumble and motion sensors work.
  • The triggers and analog sticks are fully functional.
  • The headphone jack and speaker won’t work over Bluetooth.
  • The headphone jack only works if you use Sony’s official DualShock 4 Wireless USB Adapter.
  • If using a USB cable, only the DS4 v2 version reliably supports headphone audio on PC.

How To Connect & Use DualSense | DS5

  • You can connect the PS5 in two ways: Bluetooth or USB. To connect via Bluetooth, your PC just has to have Bluetooth 2.1 EDR or above.
  • Launch DS4Windows: Fire it up, and make sure all your drivers are ready to roll.
  • Create a Profile: Set up a profile with your favorite settings to fit your gaming vibe.
  • Pick Your Game: Choose a game and play it just like you would on PlayStation.

What to Expect When Using DualSense with Your PC

  • Rumble: It feels great, but no fancy rumble effects yet.
  • Adaptive Triggers: They work, but not in full force.
  • Microphone & Headphone Jack: Only works via USB, not Bluetooth.
  • Other Features: Buttons, sticks, and the light bar all work without a hitch.

Joycon

Skipping the connection part. Check the later section for more details. Now, let’s talk about what works and what doesn’t.

  • LEDs can’t be controlled.
  • HD Rumble isn’t supported, so you will only get basic vibration.
  • The motion sensors work just fine.
  • You can use the controller in joined or split mode.
  • NFC isn’t supported.
  • Since the ZR and ZL buttons are just regular buttons (not analog triggers), it might be tricky if you want to play games that require precise control with analog triggers.
Joycon

Nintendo Switch Pro

  • LEDs? You can’t control them.
  • HD Rumble? Not supported, so you will just get the standard vibration.
  • Motion sensors? They work just fine.
  • NFC? Not available.
  • ZR and ZL buttons? They are just regular buttons, not analog triggers. So, if a game needs precise trigger control, you may not be able to play it comfortably.
  • Bluetooth? You will need Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR or higher for a wireless connection (double-check to be sure your PC supports it).
Nintendo Switch Pro

Replica / Copy Cat Controllers

If you want to connect a gamepad that is an exact replica of an official controller in functions and looks identical to the original, DS4Windows will likely detect it as the real thing, and it will mostly work without issues. For example, many 8BitDo controllers designed for the Nintendo Switch mimic the Pro Controller, and we have experienced them working wonderfully with DS4Windows.

If a replica controller differs from the official one (like most DS4 copies), DS4Windows won’t recognize it. It identifies controllers by their Vendor and Product IDs (VID/PID), and if they aren’t in its database, the controller may be ignored.

Supported DS4 Controllers & Gamepads- A Quick Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison of how PS3 (DualShock 3), PS4 (DualShock 4), and PS5 (DualSense) controllers work with DS4Win, along with the features they support.

  • PS3 controllers require the most setup (extra drivers and settings).
  • PS4 controllers work out of the box with DS4Windows, the most compatible controller.
  • PS5 controllers need a small tweak in DS4Windows settings, but they work well after that.
Feature PS3 (DualShock 3) PS4 (DualShock 4) PS5 (DualSense)
Native DS4Windows Support No (Requires extra setup) Yes Yes (Requires enabling support)
Requires Additional Software? Yes (DsHidMini + BthPS3) No No
Connect via USB Yes Yes Yes
Connect via Bluetooth Yes (Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR required) Yes (Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR required) Yes (Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR required)
How to Enable in DS4Windows? Use DsHidMini, set HID Mode to DS4Windows Auto-detected Enable DualSense Support in Device Options
Headphone Jack Support No Yes, but only with Sony’s USB Adapter or DS4v2 via USB Yes, but only via USB
Speaker Support No No No
Rumble Support Works, but weaker (only one strength level) Works normally Works normally (Advanced rumble not supported)
Adaptive Triggers No No Limited support
Motion Sensors No Yes Yes
Pressure-Sensitive Buttons No Yes Yes
LED Lightbar Customization Yes Yes Yes
Setup Complexity Complicated- Extra drivers are needed Easy, plug & play Medium- Requires enabling support in settings

How to Make DS4Windows Detect Any Controller

When you plug in your controller, whether a PlayStation controller or any third-party controller like the Switch Pro or Joy-Con controller, and hit Start on DS4Windows, no controller pops up. But don’t freak out. The reason is simple. DS4Windows does not automatically support some controllers like the DualSense or certain third-party controllers until you manually enable the right options.

Here is how you can activate DS4Windows support for other secondary (third-party) controllers or gamepads.

Open DS4Windows

  • Launch DS4Windows on your PC.
  • If your connected controller is not detected, you may need to activate support manually.

Activate Controller Support

  • Click on the little tab called Settings at the top of the DS4Windows window.
  • On the right-hand side, there is a button called Device Options. Go ahead and give that a click.
Go to Device Options in Settings
  • This will open up a little window where you can find controllers like:
    • DualShock 4 (PlayStation 4)
    • DualSense controller (PlayStation 5)
    • Switch Pro Controller
    • Joy-Con controllers
    • DualShock 3 (PlayStation 3 controller) or any other supported controller shown in the list above.
  • Choose the ones you want to connect, then hit Exit.
Select the controller that you want

Restart Detection

  • Exit the Device Options window.
  • Under the Controllers tab, click Stop to reset the detection.
Reset Detection
  • Click Start again, and DS4Windows should now recognize your connected controller.
Start again to detect the controller

Customize Your Controller Settings

  • Edit key bindings to map buttons the way you like.
  • Customize the light bar color and other settings.