: x360ce.com for general documentation and game databases.
: Obtain the 32-bit or 64-bit version of x360ce.exe depending on your game's architecture.
A prompt will ask to search the internet for controller settings. Keep checked and click Next .
Unlike version 4.x, which installs a global virtual driver (ViGEmBus) on your operating system, version 3.2.9.81 runs strictly inside the game folder. It leaves zero system footprint when you delete it.
This version represents the pinnacle of the "library-based" emulation era, a rock-solid tool that countless gamers relied on to play titles like Mortal Kombat X , Dying Light , Grand Theft Auto , and Mafia II with their preferred controllers. x360ce 3.2.9.81
Are you looking to use this for a , or are you having trouble with a certain controller model ?
x360ce is free, open-source software. Always download software from the official GitHub repository or the developer's website to avoid malicious files. This article is for informational purposes and does not condone any form of software piracy.
: Ensure you use the version of x360ce that matches the game's architecture, not your OS. A 64-bit game requires the 64-bit x360ce and will create a 64-bit .dll .
After the initial setup, you'll see the main interface. : x360ce
Once all mappings look perfect, click the button in the bottom right corner. Close x360ce. You can now launch your game normally. Troubleshooting Common Errors 1. The Game Ignores the Controller Entirely
You can manually tweak deadzones, anti-deadzones, sensitivity curves, and offset parameters for precise joystick controls.
Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2013 and 2015. DirectX: DirectX End-User Runtimes. Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Furthermore, this version includes support for Force Feedback (rumble). Getting haptic feedback working on a third-party controller in a game that doesn't natively support it feels like hacking the matrix. It adds a layer of immersion that transforms the experience from "making do" to "mastering the game." Keep checked and click Next
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Missing Visual C++ Redistributable | Install both x86 and x64 versions of Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable and reinstall .NET Framework 3.5/4.0 | | Controller not detected, tabs empty | Driver conflict or outdated redistributable | Reinstall controller drivers or try running x360ce in Windows 7 compatibility mode | | “Failed to load xinput1_3.dll” error | DLL initialization failed | Use an older xinput DLL or verify Visual C++ and .NET are correctly installed | | X360ce is running but game doesn’t detect controller | Wrong x360ce version (32‑bit vs 64‑bit) | Check if the game is 32‑bit or 64‑bit and download the matching x360ce version | | x360ce works in window but not in game | Game uses a different XInput DLL version | Copy x360ce’s generated DLL as xinput1_1.dll , xinput1_2.dll , etc., in the game folder | | 64‑bit game still not detecting controller | Missing additional compatibility settings | Add “Version=1” under [Options] in x360ce.ini | | Windows 10/11 upgrade broke x360ce | Corrupted redistributable components | Uninstall and reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables | | Antivirus or firewall is blocking x360ce | False positive detection | Add x360ce.exe and the game folder to your antivirus exclusions list | | Controller works but vibration doesn’t | Vibration not supported for your device | Vibration emulation depends on your controller’s drivers; some wheels and generic gamepads may not support force feedback via x360ce | | Game crashes on launch with x360ce files present | Game uses Denuvo anti‑tamper | Denuvo‑protected games are not supported by any version of x360ce |
The "Xbox 360 Controller Emulator," known universally as , is a lightweight software utility that allows virtually any game controller—a PlayStation DualShock, a Logitech wheel, a generic USB gamepad, or even a flight stick—to function as a standard Xbox 360 controller on a Windows PC. This emulation acts as a bridge, translating inputs from your device into a language that modern PC games, which almost universally support the XInput protocol, can understand.
The choice depends on your controller, the games you play, and your comfort level with technical setup. For classic games and generic controllers, x360ce 3.2.9.81 remains a solid choice.