Virtual Controller

Overview

The Virtual Controller allows VisApex to create a software-based game controller that games recognize as a real controller.

It can be used to combine controller input, remap buttons and axes, or enable VisApex features that require controller input. Since the virtual controller is presented to Windows as a standard game controller, it works with many games that support XInput or DirectInput.

Requirements

Virtual Controller requires one of the following virtual controller drivers:

  • ViGEmBus – Creates an Xbox 360 (XInput) virtual controller.
  • vJoy – Creates a DirectInput virtual controller.

Install at least one of these drivers before enabling the Virtual Controller feature.

Input and Output

VisApex supports both physical controller input and virtual controller output.

Supported Inputs

  • DirectInput (DInput) controllers
  • XInput controllers

Supported Outputs

  • ViGEm – Xbox 360 (XInput) virtual controller
  • vJoy – DirectInput virtual controller

Controller inputs can be remapped before being sent to the selected virtual controller.

Head Tracking Output

The Virtual Controller can also output head tracking as analog controller input.

This allows compatible games to receive head tracking through controller axes instead of traditional head tracking protocols such as FreeTrack or TrackIR.

The available mappings depend on the selected output driver and your controller configuration.

Typical Use Cases

The Virtual Controller can be used in a variety of situations, including:

  • Combining multiple physical controllers into a single virtual controller. For example, combining an H-pattern shifter and handbrake into one controller presented to the game.
  • Head tracking in games that support controller look input.
  • Converting a DirectInput controller into an XInput controller for games that only support Xbox controllers.
  • Remapping buttons and analog axes without changing your physical controller configuration.
  • Combining controller input with head tracking into a single virtual controller presented to the game.
  • Working around controller compatibility limitations in games that expect a different controller type.

Choosing an Output Driver

ViGEm

Creates an Xbox 360 (XInput) virtual controller.

Many modern games support XInput controllers. Select this option when the game expects an Xbox controller or when XInput provides the desired compatibility.

vJoy

Creates a DirectInput virtual controller.

Select this option for games or applications that require a DirectInput controller or when DirectInput provides the desired compatibility.

Notes

  • A physical controller is optional. The Virtual Controller can be used solely for head tracking output or together with physical controller input.
  • Both ViGEm and vJoy may be installed simultaneously. Select the desired output type in VisApex.
  • Some games may require controller rebinding after switching between physical and virtual controllers.