What Is DS4Windows?

DS4Windows is a free software tool that allows non-XInput controllers like DualShock 4 (DS4) to function as Xbox controllers on Windows systems. It helps players use Sony and other non-Microsoft gamepads with PC games that support Xbox controllers by creating a virtual XInput device.

Officially Supported Controllers

The table below shows which controllers are currently supported by DS4Windows, along with the software version that introduced support.

✅ Supported Controllers and Versions

Controller Name	DS4Windows Version Introduced	Notes
DS4 v.1	1.4.53	First forked release
DS4 v.2	1.4.53	Added by Jay2Kings
Sony Wireless Adapter	1.4.53	Added by Jay2Kings
Razer Raiju	1.4.99
Hori PS4 Mini Controller	1.4.119
PS4 Fun Controller	1.7.4
Razer Raiju Tournament Edition	1.7.8
Razer Raiju Ultimate	1.7.9
Steel Play Metaltech P4 (Wired)	1.7.17
Hori Fighting Commander	1.7.20
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 (x3)	2.1.6	No specific identification
SnakeByte Game:Pad	2.1.8
Switch Pro Controller	2.1.16
Nintendo Joy-Con	2.1.17
DualSense (PS5 Controller)	2.1.17	Initial support
DualShock 3 (DS3)	2.2.10	Requires DsHidMini driver
DualSense Edge	3.2.8	Initial support

DualShock 3 (DS3) Details

The DualShock 3 works with DS4Windows under certain conditions:

• Drivers Required: Must use DsHidMini.
• Bluetooth Setup: Needs BthPS3 for wireless mode.
• Rumble: Functional, though limited to single strength motor feedback.
• LED Control: Available by adjusting lightbar settings.
• Limitations: No pressure-sensitive buttons or motion sensing.
• Wireless Requirements: Requires Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR or higher.

DualShock 4 (DS4) Compatibility

DS4 controllers are fully functional on DS4Windows with minor limitations:

• Headphone Jack & Speaker:
  • Works only via USB and only on DS4v2 models.
  • Wireless use requires the official Sony USB Wireless Adapter.
• Motion Sensors: Fully supported.
• Touchpad & Rumble: Fully functional.
• Wireless Requirements: Needs Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR or above.

DualSense (PS5 Controller) Support

The DualSense (DS5) controller is supported, with some advanced features limited:

• USB Audio: Headphone jack and mic work only over USB.
• Adaptive Triggers: Supported but with limited functionality.
• Rumble: Simplified to basic vibration.
• Wireless Needs: Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR or newer (requires confirmation).

Nintendo Joy-Con Details

Nintendo Joy-Cons can be used individually or combined:

• Motion Sensors: Fully supported.
• LED & HD Rumble: Not supported. Rumble functions as standard vibration.
• NFC: Not supported.
• Trigger Input: ZR/ZL are treated as buttons, not analog triggers.
• Wireless Setup: Needs Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR or later (pending confirmation).

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

The Switch Pro Controller offers moderate support:

• Motion Sensors: Supported.
• Rumble: Works as standard vibration.
• NFC & LED Control: Not available.
• Trigger Handling: ZR/ZL act as buttons, not analog triggers.
• Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR or above (confirmation needed).

Replica and Copy-Cat Controllers

Some third-party gamepads imitate official models. Support depends on how they present themselves to the system:

✅ Fully Functional Replicas

Controllers that emulate the Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) of an official DS4 or Xbox gamepad are usually recognized by DS4Windows automatically.

Example:

• 8BitDo Controllers (when set to Nintendo Switch Pro mode) act like official Pro Controllers and generally work with no issues.

❌ Unsupported Replicas

Controllers that report a different VID/PID or lack proper device signatures will not be recognized.

⚙️ Adding New Support

• Adding a new replica often requires updating DS4Windows source code with its specific VID/PID.
• In some cases, deep code changes are necessary.
• Users can submit unsupported controller details to DS4Windows developers for review.

Requirements for Wireless Use

To use supported controllers wirelessly, your system must meet the following Bluetooth standards:

Controller	Minimum Bluetooth Version
DualShock 3	Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
DualShock 4	Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
DualSense (PS5)	Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (TBC)
Nintendo Joy-Con	Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (TBC)
Switch Pro Controller	Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (TBC)

Note: EDR stands for Enhanced Data Rate, which improves data transmission for gamepad communication.

Summary Table: Controller Feature Support

Controller	Motion	Rumble	Audio Support	Triggers	LED Control	Bluetooth
DS3	❌	✅ Basic	❌	❌ Pressure	✅	2.0 + EDR
DS4	✅	✅	USB only (v2)	✅ Analog	✅	2.1 + EDR
DualSense	✅	✅ Basic	USB only	✅ (Limited Adaptive)	✅	2.1 + EDR (TBC)
Joy-Con	✅	✅ Basic	❌	❌ (Buttons only)	❌	2.1 + EDR (TBC)
Switch Pro	✅	✅ Basic	❌	❌ (Buttons only)	❌	2.1 + EDR (TBC)

Key Takeaways

• DS4Windows supports a wide range of official and third-party controllers.
• Features like audio, rumble, and motion vary by model.
• Bluetooth version is crucial for wireless performance.
• Replica controllers may work if they emulate official VIDs and PIDs.
• Support for new devices can be requested by submitting technical info to the developers.

If you’re unsure whether your controller works with DS4Windows, check your VID/PID using tools like Gamepad Tester and refer to the latest DS4Windows changelog for updates.