Side by side
ControllerBuddy vs GameFlow
Both stand on game controller mapper software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows
ControllerBuddy offers gamepad remapping and simulator profiles for Windows and Linux at no cost. Its mode-action and trigger limits, along with best-effort backward compatibility, are worth considering.
Visit ControllerBuddy Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2
GameFlow offers extensive input mapping and profile controls, including phone-browser input and motion-server support. Users should note that virtual gamepad output is currently built for Windows, not Linux or macOS.
Visit GameFlowThe facts
| ControllerBuddy | GameFlow | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | controllerbuddy.org | github.com |
| On game controller mapper software | #1 of 27 | #2 of 27 |
ControllerBuddy: what it does well
- Maps controls to keyboard, mouse or virtual joystick
- Includes modes and an active-mode overlay
- Supports Xbox, DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers
- Free and open-source under GNU GPL v3.0
What to know first
- Mode actions cannot combine multiple buttons
- Triggers cannot be merged into one rudder axis
- Backward compatibility is not guaranteed
GameFlow: what it does well
- Supports multiple input types and saved profiles.
- Phone browsers can act as controllers without installing an app.
- Profiles can be imported, exported, and edited as JSON.
- MIT licensed and available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
What to know first
- Requires .NET SDK 10.0 or later.
- Linux and macOS virtual gamepad output is not built yet.
- Does not hide physical controllers from games.
- Has no HidHide-equivalent integration.
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