Attack of the zombie gamepads: Open-source software revives old controllers

It seems bringing the dead back to life also applies to old game controllers: gamers who don't have the cash to buy new controllers for newer PC games may want to give this open-source software a try.

 

The freeware x360ce intercepts and translates the new XInput calls so older DirectInput controllers can understand them, PC World reported.

 

"It also provides a handy configuration window that allows more calibration and customization than many native drivers," PC World's Jim Norris wrote.

 

Norris said the open-source x360ce is an alternative to the expensive Xbox-style controllers for Windows, after Microsoft made previous Windows gaming controllers obsolete by making the new XInput API incompatible with the older DirectInput API.

 

"The free and open source x360ce project was designed to address the problems of using a classic controller for PC gaming," Norris said.

 

PC World said the freeware's advantages include its free and open source and actively developed nature.

 

However, it warned gamers the freebie may have complex analog configuration and there is a separate install for each game. — TJD, GMA News