ControllerBuddy vs NexusPad
ControllerBuddy
controllerbuddy.orgNexusPad
nexus-pad.comSide by side
| Figure | ControllerBuddy | NexusPad |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $29.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game Controller Mapper Software | 8.8 (#2) | 7.3 (#22) |
| Profiles | Profiles are JSON configuration files that can be edited and saved inside the application. | Users can save unlimited profiles, import and export configurations, and switch profiles automatically per game. |
| Purpose | ControllerBuddy maps gamepad inputs for flight simulators, aiming to let users fly without a joystick, keyboard, or mouse. | NexusPad is a controller remapping and aim assist suite for competitive PC gamers. |
| System requirements | The FAQ lists Windows 10 or 11 on x64 and Linux on x64 or aarch64. | The stated requirements are 64-bit Windows 10 version 2004 or newer or Windows 11, the .NET 10 Desktop Runtime, and ViGEmBus. |
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.