ControllerBuddy vs JoyXoff
ControllerBuddy
controllerbuddy.org
JoyXoff
joyxoff.comSide by side
| Figure | ControllerBuddy | JoyXoff |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Controller Mapping Software | 8.8 (#1) | 8.2 (#9) |
| Spec score · Game Controller Mapper Software | 8.8 (#2) | 8.2 (#10) |
| Documentation depth | Documentation consists of a long FAQ, README feature and build instructions, simulator profiles, Linux setup guides and GitHub issue reporting. | The official wiki provides getting-started, installation, bindings and command-line documentation with examples. |
| Maker | The website identifies Matteo Hausner as the creator and copyright holder of ControllerBuddy. | The software is developed by Diego Ferracini. |
| Notable news | The official homepage lists an October 2026 status update dated October 7, 2026. | The June 24, 2026 release fixed UAC-prompt operation and included minor fixes and changes. |
| Profiles | Profiles are JSON configuration files that can be edited and saved inside the application. | Users can create profiles for individual processes and applications. |
| Purpose | ControllerBuddy maps gamepad inputs for flight simulators, aiming to let users fly without a joystick, keyboard, or mouse. | JoyXoff is a free Xbox controller mapper that simulates mouse and keyboard events, media functions, and process-specific profiles. |
| Support | The project directs bug reports to GitHub Issues and questions to its Discord community. | The maker invites users to send questions or suggestions by email and links to the JoyXoff Wiki for more information. |
| System requirements | The FAQ lists Windows 10 or 11 on x64 and Linux on x64 or aarch64. | The documented minimum operating system is Windows 8.1 with an Xbox 360 or Xbox One controller; Windows 10 or newer is recommended. |
| What it does | ControllerBuddy maps gamepad controls to keyboard, mouse and virtual-joystick inputs for flight simulators. | JoyXoff maps Xbox controller input to mouse, keyboard and media actions, supports per-process profiles, and can power off Xbox 360 wireless controllers. |
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.
JoyXoff
JoyXoff is free Windows software that maps Xbox controller inputs to mouse and keyboard events, media functions and other bindings. Users can configure desktop bindings separately from profiles for individual processes, while profile bindings are disabled automatically when a program runs fullscreen. The utility works with XInput-compatible controllers, including Xbox 360 and Xbox One models listed by the maker. It includes an arcade-style virtual keyboard and a plain Xbox One-themed keyboard, and can turn off Xbox 360 wireless controllers. Steam users can create bindings intended to avoid Guide-button conflicts in Big Picture. PlayStation controllers may be used through an Xbox 360 controller emulator such as x360ce, with additional setup. JoyXoff requires Windows 8.1; Windows 10 or later is recommended. It starts with Windows after installation and stores files in %ProgramData%\Joyxoff. An option addresses UAC prompts and the sign-in screen. Version 3.65.10.1 for Windows x86 is listed with a June 24, 2026 date and SHA256 checksum.