Gamepad Tester — Test Controller Buttons, Sticks Online
Test Xbox, PS5, PS4, or Switch controllers in any browser. Real-time button response, analog stick drift detection, trigger pressure, and D-pad validation.
Features
- ✓Real-time button detection — all buttons light up instantly when pressed, with visual feedback for each button type
- ✓Analog stick visualization — see X/Y axis values in real-time with a position indicator showing stick drift
- ✓Trigger pressure display — analog trigger values shown as a bar (0-100%) for pressure-sensitive controllers
- ✓D-pad detection — all four directions (up, down, left, right) tested with visual indicators
- ✓Multi-controller support — test multiple gamepads simultaneously, each with its own display panel
- ✓Controller identification — shows controller name, button count, axis count, and connection status
- ✓Button hold duration — measures how long each button is held down
- ✓Connection status — real-time detection of gamepad connection and disconnection events
- ✓Works with all controllers — PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Controller, and generic USB/Bluetooth gamepads
- ✓100% private — all processing runs in your browser, no data sent to server
- ✓Dead zone visualization — shows the center dead zone area on the stick visualization, making it easy to spot when sticks drift outside the expected neutral range
- ✓Vibration motor test — triggers a short vibration pattern (if supported by the controller and browser) to verify haptic feedback is working
- ✓Button ID overlay — each button press displays its numeric button index alongside the name, useful for mapping custom controls and diagnosing button mapping issues
- ✓Axis sensitivity curve — visual bar representation of each analog axis current value, showing how far the stick or trigger is pressed as a percentage
How to Use
- 1Connect your gamepad via USB or Bluetooth to your device
- 2Press any button on the controller to activate the browser's Gamepad API
- 3The controller will appear in the tester with its name and button/axis count
- 4Press each button to see it light up and verify it works correctly
- 5Move the analog sticks to check X/Y axis values and detect any drift
- 6Squeeze the triggers to see pressure-sensitive values (if supported)
- 7Check the D-pad by pressing each direction
- 8Compare behavior across multiple controllers if you have more than one connected
- 9Release both analog sticks and check if the X/Y values return to exactly 0.00 — any deviation indicates stick drift that may worsen over time
- 10Watch the trigger pressure bars while squeezing triggers — analog triggers should show a smooth 0-100% range, while digital triggers only show 0 or 1
- 11Observe the axis sensitivity bars for each stick direction — uneven response may indicate physical damage or wear on the potentiometer
- 12Test the vibration function by clicking the Test Vibration button — a short buzz confirms the motors and haptic drivers are working
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't my gamepad show up?
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You must first interact with the gamepad (press a button or move a stick) before the browser will detect it. This is a security feature to prevent fingerprinting. Also ensure your controller is properly connected via USB or Bluetooth, and try a different browser if the issue persists.
What is stick drift?
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Stick drift occurs when an analog stick's X/Y values don't return to exactly 0.0 when released. This is a common wear issue with controller sticks. In the tester, you can see this by releasing the sticks and checking if the values hover around 0.0 or deviate significantly.
Why do some buttons show different values on different controllers?
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The Gamepad API uses a standard mapping when available, but not all controllers map identically. Some controllers have analog triggers (showing 0-100% pressure) while others have digital buttons (just pressed/released). The 'mapping' field in the Gamepad object indicates if the browser has remapped controls to a standard layout.
Can I test multiple controllers at once?
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Yes. The Gamepad API supports multiple simultaneous controllers. Each connected gamepad gets its own index and display panel. Connect controllers via USB or Bluetooth, press a button on each to activate them, and they will all appear in the tester.
Why do my trigger values show 0 or 1 instead of a range?
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This depends on your controller's trigger type. Some controllers have digital triggers (only 0 or 1), while others have analog triggers (0.0 to 1.0 range). Xbox and PlayStation controllers typically have analog triggers, while some budget controllers use digital switches.
Is this tester safe to use?
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Yes. The tester uses the standard Gamepad API built into modern browsers. No data is sent to any server — all processing happens locally in your browser. Your controller inputs stay on your device.
How do I fix stick drift on my controller?
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Stick drift can sometimes be improved by: 1) Calibrating in your operating system (Windows has a USB gamepad calibration tool, and most consoles have a calibration menu). 2) Cleaning around the stick base with compressed air or isopropyl alcohol to remove debris. 3) Increasing the dead zone in game settings — this ignores small stick movements near center. 4) For severe drift, replace the potentiometer module (requires soldering skills) or the entire controller. Professional repair shops offer stick replacement services for Xbox and PlayStation controllers.
Why does my controller show fewer buttons than expected?
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The Gamepad API reports the number of buttons the controller exposes through the standardized mapping. Some controllers have extra buttons that are only accessible through proprietary drivers or software and are not visible to the browser API. Additionally, some button combinations (like the Guide button) may be intercepted by the OS or controller firmware. The tester shows all buttons that the browser can detect — if physical buttons don't appear, they may require special software to function.
Can I test a controller on a mobile device?
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Yes. Modern mobile browsers support the Gamepad API. Connect your controller via Bluetooth (most common) or USB-OTG adapter. Press any button to activate it. The tester works the same way as on desktop. iOS support for Gamepad API was added in iOS 14.5 and works with MFi-certified, Xbox, and PlayStation controllers. Android supports most USB and Bluetooth controllers natively.
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