ControllerBuddy vs GameFlow
ControllerBuddy
controllerbuddy.orgGameFlow
github.comSide by side
| Figure | ControllerBuddy | GameFlow |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Controller Mapper Software | 8.8 (#2) | 8.9 (#1) |
| Documentation depth | Documentation consists of a long FAQ, README feature and build instructions, simulator profiles, Linux setup guides and GitHub issue reporting. | The repository includes a 365-line wiki covering concepts, mappings, platform interop, phone protocol, overlays, themes, troubleshooting and contribution guidance. |
| Installation | Windows installation requires vJoy and a downloaded ZIP, while Linux installation uses uinput permissions and a TGZ archive. | The documented install path is cloning the repository, running dotnet build and launching the GameFlow.App project. |
| License | ControllerBuddy is released under the GNU General Public License version 3.0. | The repository is marked MIT licensed. |
| Profiles | Profiles are JSON configuration files that can be edited and saved inside the application. | Profiles are human-editable JSON documents that can be created, duplicated, renamed, imported and exported. |
| Purpose | ControllerBuddy maps gamepad inputs for flight simulators, aiming to let users fly without a joystick, keyboard, or mouse. | GameFlow is cross-platform gamepad tooling that transforms gamepad, keyboard, mouse or phone input through saved profiles into virtual-controller output. |
| Security statement | The official pages reviewed do not state security certifications, compliance attestations or a formal security program. | The release notes describe the beta as free and open source and link to a VirusTotal scan, but no formal security or compliance program is stated. |
| What it does | ControllerBuddy maps gamepad controls to keyboard, mouse and virtual-joystick inputs for flight simulators. | GameFlow transforms gamepad, keyboard, mouse or phone input through saved profiles into virtual-controller output. |
Plans
In their own words
ControllerBuddy
ControllerBuddy maps gamepad inputs to keyboard and mouse actions or a virtual joystick for flight simulators. Profiles can assign controls through different modes, and an overlay displays the active mode and virtual-axis states. A gamepad-controlled on-screen keyboard supports selecting keys and holding multiple keys at once. The software supports Xbox Controller, DualShock 4, DualSense and other controllers supported by SDLGameControllerDB. Community-maintained profiles are listed for simulators and aircraft, including DCS World and Microsoft Flight Simulator versions 2020 and 2024. ControllerBuddy runs on Windows 10 or 11 (x64) and Linux (x64 or aarch64); its official Flatpak package includes profiles and optional helper scripts for Proton games and DOSBox Staging. The software is free and open-source under GNU GPL v3.0. There are control limits: mode actions must be assigned at Default Mode level and cannot combine multiple buttons, and the two triggers cannot be merged into one rudder axis. It uses rolling releases, with backward compatibility not guaranteed.
GameFlow
GameFlow is free, cross-platform gamepad tooling that routes gamepad, keyboard, mouse, or phone input through saved profiles to virtual-controller output. Mapping options include autofire, remapping, shift layers, SOCD cleaning, stick trim, gyro aiming, touchpad mapping, button combos, and freeze macros. Custom control logic can be written in sandboxed Lua through MoonSharp. Profiles are editable JSON documents that users can create, duplicate, rename, import, and export. A phone browser on the same local network can act as a controller without an installed app, with support for up to 16 phones. GameFlow can generate a transparent controller-overlay URL for an OBS Browser source, and its motion server exposes DSU/Cemuhook over UDP for Cemu, Dolphin, Yuzu, and Ryujinx. The application requires .NET SDK 10.0 or later and uses SDL3 for gamepad and joystick input on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Windows virtual output uses HIDMaestro in user mode; Linux and macOS virtual gamepad output are not built yet.