XI2DS

Despite having similar interests in mind and very few recorded attempts at working together towards common goals, such as cloud-based game streaming, Sony and Microsoft are still competitors on the gaming console front business-wise.

As such, some of the exclusivity attached to certain features tends to trickle down to their PC-compatible hardware accessories and software services as well, which is where third-party community-powered solutions come into play. One example is XI2DS, a straightforward way of making an Xbox controller emulate a PlayStation 4 controller’s input for use in PlayStation Remote Play, which would not work properly otherwise.

Before launching, the app setup will prompt users to download the free and open-source kernel-level controller emulation driver called “ViGEmBus” required for handling the core input translation layers, if it is not already present on their system. When starting its background process, a compact, non-resizable window is summoned to display the status of up to the first four Xbox controllers plugged in, with each having an option to toggle the emulation status temporarily, when the X-Input is required to navigate the interface of certain pieces of software, such as game launchers.

The program also lets users check the controllers’ connection method, with the ones paired via Bluetooth also having a battery meter that lets you keep an eye on the remaining power, in case a charging cable is required to avoid interruptions. Since anomalous behavior can sometimes occur on the hardware or software side, the app includes an optional input testing window to ensure that all buttons and sensors are working optimally when trying to troubleshoot issues that may end up being caused by a lower and less stable internet connection quality instead.

Since PlayStation Remote Play works outside the console’s local area network, some users may find themselves at a friend’s house who happens to have an Xbox controller lying around, and who wants to try out the PlayStation experience instead, thus foregoing the cost of a dedicated PS4 or PS5 controller. Moreover, certain players may experience fatigue when using the console’s native game pad parallel thumb sticks, which is where the Xbox controller’s offset layout that prioritizes joystick placement comes into play.

Whether you prefer the Xbox controller’s shape and feel in the hand when playing, or you simply wish to carry that type of game pad over a Dual Shock 4 variant due to the ease with which batteries can be swapped as soon as they run out for fewer interruptions while gaming on the go, XI2DS may be one of the only solutions at the time of writing, given its simple yet efficient design philosophy.