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ControllerBuddy
What it is
ControllerBuddy is a free, open-source gamepad input mapper for flight simulators, designed to let players fly without relying on a joystick, keyboard, or mouse. Profiles can translate controller inputs into keyboard and mouse actions or a virtual joystick device. They also support modes that assign different functions to controls, while an overlay displays the active mode and virtual-axis states. A gamepad-controlled on-screen keyboard lets users select keys and hold multiple keys at once. Supported controllers include Xbox Controller, DualShock 4, DualSense, and others supported by SDL GameControllerDB. The software runs on Windows 10 or 11 (x64) and Linux (x64 or aarch64). Community-maintained profiles are listed for simulators and aircraft, including DCS World and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. Linux users can get an official Flatpak package with profiles and optional helper scripts for Proton games and DOSBox Staging. ControllerBuddy uses rolling releases, and backward compatibility is not guaranteed.
For and against
For
- Maps inputs to keyboard, mouse, or virtual joystick.
- Profiles can assign different functions through modes.
- Overlay shows active mode and virtual-axis states.
- Includes a gamepad-controlled on-screen keyboard.
- Community profiles cover multiple simulators and aircraft.
Against
- Mode actions must be assigned at Default Mode level.
- Mode actions cannot combine multiple buttons.
- The two triggers cannot be merged into one rudder axis.
- Backward compatibility between rolling releases is not guaranteed.
The verdict
ControllerBuddy offers several ways to map a gamepad for flight simulators, alongside profiles and an on-screen keyboard. Check its mode and trigger limits, and note that compatibility between rolling releases is not guaranteed.
Who it suits
It suits flight-simulator players who want to use a supported gamepad in place of traditional controls. It is available for Windows and Linux users who can work within its stated mapping limits.
Plans and prices
ControllerBuddy
Custom profiles · modes · keyboard/mouse output · virtual joystick output
Read 15 Oct 2026 · controllerbuddy.org
On the record
- Action cycles
- An action-cycle feature runs a sequence of configured sub-actions one after another on repeated presses.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Command-line integration
- Command-line parameters can autostart modes, load or save profiles, set network hosts and ports, pass passwords, export visualizations and quit the application.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Controller compatibility
- Supported examples include Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, DualShock 3/4 and DualSense controllers, with additional SDL_GameControllerDB devices supported.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Controllers
- It supports Xbox Controller, DualShock 4, DualSense, and other controllers supported by SDL_GameControllerDB.controllerbuddy.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- DCS integration
- The FAQ describes an example integration with DCS World and says command-line parameters can help integrate ControllerBuddy with other applications.controllerbuddy.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Developer extensibility
- The source repository is public, uses Gradle, includes build and test tasks, and invites contributions through forks and pull requests discussed on Discord.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- Documentation consists of a long FAQ, README feature and build instructions, simulator profiles, Linux setup guides and GitHub issue reporting.controllerbuddy.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Domain registration
- ScamAdviser reports a controllerbuddy.org WHOIS registration date of 2021-11-28.scamadviser.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Game profiles
- The site lists community-maintained profiles for numerous simulators and aircraft, including DCS World and Microsoft Flight Simulator versions 2020 and 2024.controllerbuddy.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Input mapping
- Profiles can map gamepad inputs to keyboard and mouse actions or a virtual joystick device.controllerbuddy.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Installation
- Windows installation requires vJoy and a downloaded ZIP, while Linux installation uses uinput permissions and a TGZ archive.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Integration example
- The project documents a DCS World integration that uses command-line parameters and the single-instance behavior.controllerbuddy.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Keyboard and mouse emulation
- The software can generate keystrokes with modifiers, mouse-button presses, cursor movement and scrolling.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- License
- ControllerBuddy is released under the GNU General Public License version 3.0.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: combined triggers
- The two gamepad triggers cannot be merged into one axis for rudder control.controllerbuddy.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Limit: mode actions
- Mode actions cannot be assigned to combinations of multiple buttons or nested inside another mode.controllerbuddy.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: physical controls
- Independent DCS commenters said controllers have fewer bindings and less precise axes than HOTAS hardware, with throttle management and complex aircraft controls remaining difficult.reddit.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: setup complexity
- A Reddit user reported that the software was not straightforward initially, although the developer spent about 30 minutes helping through Discord.reddit.com · read 15 Oct 2026
