Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Controller Manager

github.com

Free plan Linux
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.8 #15 of 29 in Controller Mapping Software

What it is

Controller Manager is a free, MIT-licensed Linux daemon that remaps physical controllers to another protocol, such as presenting a Sony DualSense as an Xbox 360 pad. Each connected controller can be switched between native and remapped modes from the system tray. Identical controllers are tracked separately by stable device identity, so they can use different modes. Device-layer remapping applies across launchers and applications, including Steam and Proton. Tested families listed by the project include Sony DualSense and Microsoft Xbox One and Series pads over USB and Bluetooth. The tray updates when controllers connect or disconnect, and DualSense lightbar colors indicate native or emulated mode. A raw HID gate hides the source node in remapped mode to address double input. It requires a modern Linux desktop, a user systemd session, a StatusNotifierItem tray host, and write access to /dev/uinput.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Controller Manager is a system-wide Linux daemon that remaps a physical controller to another protocol, such as presenting a Sony DualSense as an Xbox 360 pad.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
The project describes compatibility with Steam, Proton, and any launcher; the tray interface is served over D-Bus.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository identifies the project as MIT licensed.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Application compatibility
Remapping occurs at the device layer and applies across launchers and applications, including Steam and Proton.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
DualSense lightbar
The DualSense lightbar uses blue for native mode and green for Xbox emulation, with its resting colour restored after games exit.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Hotplug
The tray menu updates automatically as controllers are connected or disconnected.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Multiple controllers
It tracks identical controllers independently by stable per-device identity, allowing different modes for each.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Notable limitation
The project documents an inert extra PlayStation controller entry in Steam when two DualSense pads are both emulated.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Optional dependency
A HID-BPF descriptor fixup for a specific Bluetooth Xbox pad requires additional tools and a kernel with CONFIG_HID_BPF and BTF; the rest installs if these are unavailable.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Per-device modes
Each connected controller can be set to native or remapped mode from the system tray.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Requirements
It requires a modern Linux desktop with a user systemd session, a StatusNotifierItem tray host, and write access to /dev/uinput.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security behavior
A raw HID gate hides the source controller's raw HID node from applications in remapped mode to address double input.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Supported controllers
Tested families are Sony DualSense and Microsoft Xbox One and Series pads over USB and Bluetooth.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Controller Manager Free MIT-licensed Linux controller remapper Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Controller Manager plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and MIT licensed
  • Per-device native or remapped modes
  • Works across Steam, Proton, and other launchers
  • USB and Bluetooth controller support listed
  • Automatic hotplug updates in the tray

Limits

  • Linux only
  • Requires systemd session and tray host
  • Needs write access to /dev/uinput
  • Steam shows an inert extra entry with two emulated DualSense pads

Who it suits

It suits Linux desktop users who need controller protocol remapping across games and launchers. It is relevant to users with the listed DualSense or Xbox controller families.

Verdict

Controller Manager provides system-wide, per-device remapping rather than application-specific profiles. Its requirements are Linux-focused, with documented setup dependencies and one Steam display limitation.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to Controller ManagerAll alternatives →