How to use the Gamepad Tester
- Connect the controller by USB or Bluetooth, then press any button on this page (browsers only expose gamepads after a press, for privacy).
- Press each button and trigger and confirm that the matching position lights up with its value.
- Push both sticks in every direction and rotate them, then let go and check the resting offset and drift warning.
- Click Test rumble to check the motors, then copy the result.
What stick drift is
Stick drift means the axis reading stays off-centre after you release the stick, so characters or the camera move on their own. Worn potentiometers, dust or calibration errors are the usual causes. The tool reads resting axis values and flags drift above the dead zone you set (0.10 by default), showing the offset so you can decide whether to clean, recalibrate or repair.
Standard mapping and button numbers
The Gamepad API standard mapping defines 17 buttons and 4 axes: 0–3 are A/B/X/Y (or ×/○/□/△), 4–7 shoulders and triggers, 8–9 select/start, 10–11 stick clicks, 12–15 the D-pad and 16 the home button. Controllers without standard mapping may use other numbers, and the tool shows raw indexes.
Browser support
Desktop Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Android Chrome work best; iOS Safari support is limited. Rumble requires vibrationActuator support, and some controllers expose only basic features over Bluetooth.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my connected controller not appear?
Browsers expose a gamepad only after you press one of its buttons on the page. If it still does not appear, try another USB port, re-pair Bluetooth, or close apps like Steam that may hold the controller exclusively.
Can I test PS5 or Switch controllers?
Yes. DualSense, DualShock 4 and Switch Pro controllers are usually recognised in Chrome and Edge; follow the mapping shown on the page.
What dead zone should I use?
A new controller usually rests below 0.05. Games often use 0.1–0.2. If the resting offset exceeds 0.1 and wanders, the stick may be drifting.
Does the test change my controller settings?
No. A web page can only read state and trigger rumble; it cannot change firmware or calibration.
Why do triggers show only 0 or 1?
Some controllers or non-standard mappings treat triggers as digital buttons. Xbox and PlayStation controllers usually report continuous 0–1 values in standard mapping.