Input Mapper for Windows

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Aiming to build on the goals of similar software, DS4Windows, Input Mapper is a free piece of software that acts as an interface between the Sony PlayStation DualShock 4 controllers and PC games. It allows for macro customisation to give gamers the ability to further customise what each control does.

While the macros function allows some of the customisable functionality of apps like TinyTask, it is the interfacing of the PlayStation controller that is the main focus of the app, as DualShock 4 controllers are not natively supported on the PC.

Sony PlayStation controller support in PC gaming

While Sony’s popular gaming controller is supported on PC through gaming platforms like Steam, it is not nearly as widely embraced as the Xbox controller. As a result, not all PC games run as smoothly as they could with the DualShock 4 controller. The emulation works with other controllers also, such as the Steam controller.

The app even allows use of the DualShock 4 controller’s touchpad to emulate mouse controls, making it possible to use the controller to play mouse-based games. In most cases, the mouse emulation would not be useable enough to replace a real mouse altogether, but for times when it is occasionally needed, this saves the user having to reach for the real thing.

A useful tool for gamers

The usefulness of this tool is very subjective—a gamer who primarily games in Steam would not need this as Steam supports the DualShock 4 controller itself. For gamers who have an under-supported controller or want to play games that don’t natively support the Sony PlayStation DualShock 4 controller, Input Mapper provides a relatively simple way of making things work.

Depending on the game and the controller, Input Mapper could save you money due to it being a free app, while some of the alternatives involve buying physical adaptors. It is perhaps not quite as polished as DS4Windows, but it performs the task it sets out and has a range of additional features that some gamers may find useful.