Free Gamepad & Controller Checker - Test Any Controller Online

Test your PS5 DualSense, Xbox controller, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, or any USB and Bluetooth gamepad directly in your browser instantly, for free, with zero setup.

The TechTester gamepad checker lets you test every button, trigger, thumbstick, and D pad input on your game controller directly in your browser using the Web Gamepad API. Connect your controller via USB or Bluetooth, open this page, and every input you make will appear on screen in real time. This free online controller tester works with PS5 DualSense, PS4 DualShock 4, Xbox Series X and S controllers, Xbox One controllers, Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers, and most generic USB and Bluetooth gamepads. There is nothing to install, no app to download, and no account to create. If your controller has a button, we’ll detect it.

PS5 DualSense controller test

The PS5 DualSense is one of the most advanced controllers ever made and one of the most frequently tested online due to its common joystick drift issues. The TechTester gamepad checker detects all DualSense inputs including the Cross, Circle, Square, and Triangle face buttons, L1, L2, R1, and R2 shoulder buttons and triggers, left and right thumbsticks (with dead zone measurement), the D-pad (all four directions), the Create and Options buttons, the touchpad click, the microphone button, and the PlayStation logo button.

PS5 controller drift is the most common complaint where a thumbstick registers movement even when you are not touching it. Connect your DualSense via USB C cable or Bluetooth, open the gamepad checker, and observe the thumbstick axes. If either axis shows a non-zero value while the stick is at rest, you have confirmed drift.

Xbox Series X and Xbox One controller test

Xbox controllers are among the most reliable on the market but can develop trigger rumble issues, bumper faults, and thumbstick drift after extended use. The TechTester gamepad checker detects all Xbox controller inputs: A, B, X, Y buttons, Left Bumper (LB) and Right Bumper (RB), Left Trigger (LT) and Right Trigger (RT) with analog values, left and right thumbsticks, the D-pad, View button, Menu button, and Share button (on newer Xbox controllers).

Xbox triggers are analog they register values from 0 (unpressed) to 1 (fully pressed). If your trigger shows a non-zero value at rest, or fails to reach 1.0 at full press, this indicates a trigger calibration or hardware issue.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller test

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is compatible with PC via USB or Bluetooth and can be fully tested with the TechTester gamepad checker. All standard inputs are detected: A, B, X, Y buttons, L and R shoulder buttons, ZL and ZR triggers, left and right thumbsticks, D-pad, Plus (+) and Minus (−) buttons, Home button, Capture button, and both L3 and R3 thumbstick click inputs.

Generic USB and Bluetooth gamepad test

The TechTester gamepad checker works with any controller that uses the standard Web Gamepad API including budget PC gamepads, flight sticks, racing wheels with pedals, and fight sticks. If your controller is recognised by your operating system, it will be detected by this tool. Some extremely old or proprietary controllers may require DirectInput drivers and will not work via the Gamepad API.

How to test your controller step by step

Step 1 – Connect your controller to your PC or Mac

USB connection: plug your controller’s USB cable directly into your computer. Avoid USB hubs where possible a direct port connection gives a more reliable Gamepad API signal. Bluetooth connection: pair your controller via your computer’s Bluetooth settings before opening this page. PS5: Settings → Bluetooth → hold Create + PS button until light bar flashes. Xbox: hold the pair button on the top of the controller. Switch Pro: hold the sync button on the top of the controller.

Step 2 – Open the gamepad checker and press any button

Navigate to this page with your controller connected. The Web Gamepad API requires a button press to activate detection press any button on your controller once and it will appear in the detected controllers list. You will see a visual controller display with all buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks mapped.

Step 3 – Test every input

Press each button, pull each trigger fully, click both thumbsticks, and move each thumbstick in all directions including diagonals. Check the D-pad in all four directions. For triggers, observe the analog value it should smoothly go from 0.00 to 1.00 as you press and return to 0.00 when released.

Step 4 – Check for drift on thumbsticks

Release both thumbsticks completely and watch the axis values. In a healthy controller, both axes on both sticks should read 0.00 (or very close to 0.00 a tiny amount of variance is normal and called the dead zone). If any axis reads above 0.05 consistently while the stick is at rest, you have joystick drift.

FAQ

Which controllers work with the TechTester gamepad checker?

The TechTester gamepad checker works with PS5 DualSense, PS4 DualShock 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and most generic USB and Bluetooth gamepads. Any controller that uses the standard Web Gamepad API and is recognised by your operating system will work.

How do I connect my PS5 controller to a PC for testing?

Connect your PS5 DualSense via USB-C cable for the most reliable connection. For Bluetooth, hold the Create button and the PlayStation button simultaneously until the light bar flashes blue. Then pair through your PC’s Bluetooth settings. Once paired, open the gamepad checker and press any button to activate detection.

How do I connect my Xbox controller to a PC?

Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One controllers connect via USB-A to USB-C cable. For Bluetooth, hold the Pair button on the top of the controller until the Xbox logo flashes, then pair through Windows Bluetooth settings. The Microsoft Xbox Wireless Adapter (a USB dongle) also works for wireless connection.

My controller is connected but not detected what should I do?

Try pressing any button on your controller first — the Web Gamepad API requires an initial input to activate detection. If it still doesn’t appear, try a different USB port, disconnect and reconnect, or try a USB connection instead of Bluetooth. Make sure your browser is Chrome or Edge for the best Gamepad API support.

How do I test for joystick drift?

Connect your controller and open the gamepad checker. Once detected, release both thumbsticks completely and do not touch them. Watch the axis value readings for both sticks. A healthy controller will show values at or very near 0.00. If any axis consistently reads above 0.05 without you touching the stick, that indicates joystick drift.

Does the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller work on PC?

Yes. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller connects to PC via USB-C cable or Bluetooth. On Windows, it is detected as a generic gamepad and works with the Gamepad API. For Bluetooth, hold the sync button on the top of the controller and pair through Windows Bluetooth settings. Steam also has native Switch Pro Controller support if you use Steam.

Can I test a PS4 controller on PC?

Yes. The PS4 DualShock 4 connects to PC via Micro-USB cable or Bluetooth. Via USB it is immediately recognised. Via Bluetooth, hold the Share and PlayStation buttons simultaneously to put it in pairing mode. The TechTester gamepad checker detects all PS4 DualShock 4 inputs including the touchpad click.

What browser works best for the gamepad checker?

Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge provide the most complete Web Gamepad API support and are recommended for the best experience. Firefox also supports the Gamepad API. Safari on macOS supports it from Safari 16.4 onwards. Internet Explorer does not support the Gamepad API at all.