Controller Companion vs DS4Windows
Controller Companion
controllercompanion.com
DS4Windows
ds4-windows.comSide by side
| Figure | Controller Companion | DS4Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Controller Mapper Software | 8.5 (#4) | 7.8 (#13) |
| Spec score · Controller Mapping Software | 8.4 (#6) | 7.8 (#16) |
| Purpose | Controller Companion lets users control a PC desktop with a game controller, including mouse, keyboard, and media controls. | DS4Windows is an open-source gamepad input mapper and virtual emulator for connecting PlayStation controllers to Windows 10/11 PCs. |
| Steam requirement | The Steam listing says Steam does not need to remain running to use the app and that it can be set to start automatically with the PC. | The site instructs users to disable Steam PlayStation Configuration Support and Xbox Configuration Support when using DS4Windows. |
| Support | The maker's homepage directs questions to [email protected]. | The site provides installation, troubleshooting, supported-gamepad documentation and a contact form for direct support. |
Plans
Controller Companion
- Controller Companion (Steam)$2.99, paid once
- Controller Companion (Steam)$2.99, paid once
- Controller Companion (itch.io)$3, paid once
- Controller Companion (itch.io)$3, paid once
In their own words
Controller Companion
Controller Companion has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
DS4Windows
DS4Windows is a free, open-source Windows application that maps gamepad input and emulates controllers so compatible games can use PlayStation controllers on Windows 10 or 11 PCs. It can present input as an Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controller. Supported devices include DualShock 3 and 4, DualSense and DualSense Edge, Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, Switch Joy-Con, and various third-party PS4 controllers. Users can remap inputs to keyboard, mouse, joystick, touchpad, lightbar, rumble, and motion-sensor controls, and create profiles that switch when different programs are in focus. Connections include Micro USB, Sony Wireless Adapter, and Bluetooth 4.0 with the Microsoft Bluetooth stack. ViGEmBus is required to create virtual controllers; HidHide and FakerInput are optional drivers. The official build also has experimental Moonlight/Sunshine support. Requirements include Windows 10 or newer, .NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime, Visual C++ Redistributable, and ViGEmBus. Steam's PlayStation and Xbox Configuration Support should be disabled when using DS4Windows. Virtual DS4 rumble is disabled, and DualSense adaptive-trigger support is limited.