XOutput

If you happen to have an old game controller, but you cannot get the new games to recognize them, then you should know that the problem arose when Microsoft changed the controller APIs from DirectInput to XInput. Despite the fact that both APIs coexisted side by side for quite a while, it turns out that they are not compatible with most games released after this point.

Xoutput is a tool designed to convert DirectInput to Xinput, meaning the new standard API game controller input on Windows, so that you can enjoy the latest games even with your old joystick, gamepad or other similar devices.

While the program does not need setup, you need to make sure that you have the ViGEm drivers installed on your system so that you do not get any errors. You will be happy to learn that the tool recognizes the input devices connected and you can find the one you want to configure the Game Controller section.

As far as the configuration is concerned, the tool displays a window where you can check out the differences between the input device and the emulated one on the right. It goes without saying that you can also configure the output mapping, an operation you can complete by moving the axis from one end to the another.

Despite the fact that some agree that Xinput is easier to design and implement on a dedicated device, it is also a step backward in development, as sometimes it is harder to differentiate between them since they do not bring anything special to the picture. Even so, many manufacturers never made the jump to the new API for specialized controllers like driving wheels or flight sticks.

In the eventuality that you want to use old controllers or one of the specialized DirectInput gaming gadgets to enjoy some of your favorite games, then perhaps Xoutput could come in handy.