PadLink vs Xbox 360 Controller Emulator
PadLink
padlink.nimets.comXbox 360 Controller Emulator
x360ce.comSide by side
| Figure | PadLink | Xbox 360 Controller Emulator |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Controller Mapping Software | 8.1 (#11) | 7.0 (#26) |
| Purpose | PadLink turns controllers macOS does not recognize into standard gamepad or keyboard-and-mouse input for games. | It lets gamepads, joysticks, steering wheels, pedals, and other controllers function on a PC as an Xbox 360 controller. |
| Support | The maker says it replies to email questions within one business day and handles bugs, controller requests, and feature ideas through its public GitHub community. | The maker directs users with installation or configuration questions to the NGEmu X360CE forum, Google, or YouTube tutorials. |
Plans
Xbox 360 Controller Emulator
- Xbox 360 Controller EmulatorFree
In their own words
PadLink
PadLink turns controllers that macOS does not recognize into game input, routing each as a virtual DualShock 4 or as keyboard and mouse. Different controllers can use those modes at the same time. Named profiles let users bind buttons to keys and assign analog sticks to Mouse, Arrow Keys, WASD, or off. The app reads USB HID controllers through per-device profiles, and its maker says it adds profiles over time. A companion iOS and Android app can act as a controller for a computer running PadLink on the same local network. PadLink is available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. The free Standard plan supports one active controller; Pro costs 2.99 USD one-time and supports up to four, with ad-free Mobile Remote, Car Driving cockpit, and future updates. An optional Pro trial lasts 7 days, needs no card or sign-up, and supports up to two controllers. On Windows, virtual-gamepad output depends on the third-party ViGEmBus driver; keyboard-and-mouse output does not.
Xbox 360 Controller Emulator
Xbox 360 Controller Emulator has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.