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Xbox 360 Controller Emulator
What it is
Xbox 360 Controller Emulator, also called X360CE, lets gamepads, joysticks, steering wheels, pedals, and other controllers function on a Windows PC as an Xbox 360 controller. Users can remap buttons and axes, and the setup instructions cover adding DirectInput devices. Version 4.x creates a virtual controller through the ViGEmBus virtual gamepad emulation driver, with one download for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. The older 3.x version uses custom XInput DLL files that some newer or updated games do not permit. Version 3.x lists Windows Vista or newer, .NET Framework, DirectX End-User Runtime (June 2010), and Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable requirements. Version 4.x should remain running during gameplay; minimizing it reduces CPU use. HIDGuardian can hide original controllers when they interfere. The maker advises using digitally signed files and keeping antivirus protection enabled. The project is free and open source, and the homepage lists version 4.24.60 dated 2026-10-02.
For and against
For
- Supports many controller types
- Remaps buttons and axes
- Version 4 supports 32-bit and 64-bit Windows
- Virtual controller output
- Free and open source
Against
- Windows only
- Version 4 must stay running
- Older version 3 has legacy requirements
- No macro support
The verdict
X360CE provides controller remapping and virtual Xbox 360 output on Windows. Users should follow the maker’s security guidance and choose between the newer ViGEmBus approach and the older DLL-based version.
Who it suits
It suits Windows players who need non-Xbox controllers to appear as Xbox 360 input. It also fits users who need remappable controls or virtual-controller output.
Plans and prices
Xbox 360 Controller Emulator
Windows PC software · project described as free and open source
Read 9 Oct 2026 · x360ce.com
On the record
- Device hiding
- HIDGuardian can hide original controllers so games see only virtual controllers; the site recommends installing it only when an original controller interferes with the virtual one.x360ce.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Input support
- The setup instructions describe adding and mapping DirectInput devices.x360ce.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Latest listed release
- The homepage lists version 4.24.60, dated 2026-10-02.x360ce.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Mappings
- It allows users to remap controller buttons and axes.x360ce.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Project status
- The FAQ describes X360CE as a free and open source project made in the developers’ free time after work.x360ce.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- It lets gamepads, joysticks, steering wheels, pedals, and other controllers function on a PC as an Xbox 360 controller.x360ce.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Runtime requirement
- Version 3.x lists Windows Vista or newer, .NET Framework, DirectX End-User Runtime (June 2010), and the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable as requirements.x360ce.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Security guidance
- The maker advises downloading and running digitally signed files only and says not to disable antivirus or exclude the app from antivirus scans.x360ce.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users with installation or configuration questions to the NGEmu X360CE forum, Google, or YouTube tutorials.x360ce.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Usage limit
- Version 4.x should remain running during gameplay; the maker says to minimize it to reduce CPU use.x360ce.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Version 3
- The older version 3.x uses custom XInput DLL files, which some newer or updated games do not permit.x360ce.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Version 4
- Version 4.x creates a virtual controller using the ViGEmBus virtual gamepad emulation driver.x360ce.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The version 4 download is the same file for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows.x360ce.com · read 9 Oct 2026
