JoyShockMapper vs PowerAim
JoyShockMapper
github.comPowerAim
poweraim.deSide by side
| Figure | JoyShockMapper | PowerAim |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Controller Mapping Software | 8.5 (#3) | 8.0 (#13) |
| Configuration | It can load commands from text configuration files, and its download includes example gyro configuration files. | Settings are persisted as editable UTF-8 JSON configuration files under the installation and application-data directories. |
| Purpose | JoyShockMapper maps game controller input to keyboard, mouse, or virtual controller events for playing PC games. | PowerAim captures the screen, runs a YOLOv8 model, and moves the mouse or a virtual controller toward detected targets. |
| Support | The project directs users with problems to its troubleshooting and known-issues documentation, the GyroGaming subreddit, and an affiliated Discord server. | The project accepts optional support, and its documentation links to contact and support resources. |
| What it does | JoyShockMapper converts controller input into keyboard, mouse, and virtual-controller events for PC games. | PowerAim captures the desktop, runs a YOLOv8 ONNX model and moves mouse or virtual-controller input toward detected targets. |
Plans
In their own words
JoyShockMapper
JoyShockMapper maps game controller input to keyboard, mouse, or virtual controller events for PC games. It supports gyro controls and flick stick for aiming and turning. Buttons can map to keyboard or mouse inputs with tap-and-hold, chorded, and simultaneous-press options; stick modes can control the mouse or trigger keys, including scroll-wheel and flick-stick modes. The project describes support for DualSense, DualShock 4, paired JoyCons, and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. It loads commands from text configuration files, and its download includes example gyro configurations. JoyShockMapper is free, with a Windows release and Linux builds available from source. Development primarily targets Windows, and Linux builds may not always work. Linux use requires read and write access to /dev/uinput and the relevant /dev/hidraw device; focused-window detection works only on X11. Virtual Xbox or DS4 output requires separate ViGEm bus software. The releases page lists v3.6.1 as the latest release.
PowerAim
PowerAim is a free Windows tool that captures the screen, runs a YOLOv8 model, and moves a mouse or virtual controller toward detected targets. It reads screen images rather than game memory, and its maker says it can work with any game. Aim settings can be organized into profiles with smoothing, optional tracking, and prediction. A virtual Xbox stick provides controller aiming, while controller input can be mapped to keyboard input in both directions. The HUD reader can read ammo, health, or weapon names and use conditions to gate triggers or switch profiles. AutoPlay can send detections and OCR context to a local Ollama model for scripted actions. Anti-recoil profiles record and replay recoil patterns or use image-based compensation. Custom tools combine movement, clicks, key sends, executable launches, and delays. The maker says it runs locally without telemetry and does not read or write game memory, inject code, or load a kernel driver. DirectML supports AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA GPUs; CUDA requires NVIDIA hardware and its runtime. Installer and portable ZIP builds are available.