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Controller Manager

Free#20 of 29 in Controller Mapping Software

Controller Manager: A focused Linux remapper for turning DualSense input into virtual XInput output. Ranked #20 of 29 in Controller Mapping Software by our editors (7.2/10); pricing: Open source; best for linux users needing DualSense virtual output.

7.2/10Editor score

View project

Controller Manager7.2 View project

At a glance

Editor score
7.2 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Linux users needing DualSense virtual output
Paid from
Free
Per-app profiles
No
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- DualSense-to-XInput virtual controller output
- Persistent per-device modes with hotplug detection
- System-level remapping across launchers and applications
Where it doesn't
- Linux-only platform support
- Focused on Sony DualSense and Microsoft Xbox families
- No documented keyboard/mouse remapping or macros

Our verdict on Controller Manager

Controller Manager is an open-source Linux system-level remapper for Sony DualSense and Microsoft Xbox controllers. It runs as a user-space daemon with a desktop tray interface, detects connected devices, and lets users choose native or remapped modes per controller. It is aimed at Linux users who need controller behavior to work consistently across games, launchers and applications, especially when a DualSense needs to appear as an Xbox/XInput device.

Its strongest technical fit is platform-wide controller handling rather than application-specific profiles. The project supports USB and Bluetooth controllers, hotplug detection, automatic tray updates and persistent per-device mode configuration. Raw HID gating is designed to prevent duplicate input, while independent handling of multiple controllers helps keep each connected device on its selected mode. The published category specifications also identify profile switching and virtual controller output as supported capabilities, making the software suitable for users who need system-level behavior instead of a remap limited to one launcher.

DualSense-to-XInput output is the standout feature: compatible applications can receive a virtual Xbox 360 controller when native DualSense support is not the preferred path. DualSense lightbar status colors add device feedback, but the project remains narrowly centered on controller mapping. Its documented focus does not extend to keyboard/mouse remapping or macros, and it is limited to Linux and the Sony DualSense and Microsoft Xbox controller families. Choose Controller Manager if those platform and hardware boundaries match your setup; choose a broader remapping tool if you need wider input-device coverage or macro features.

Your product? Our editors can test Controller Manager in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Controller Manager pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on github.com

Controller Manager fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Supported platforms	linux
Per-app profiles	No
Profile switching	Yes
Macro support	Not verified
Keyboard and mouse remap	Not verified
Virtual controller output	Yes
Simultaneous devices	Not verified
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Linux
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Open source
Website	github.com
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

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Featured on iTechGuides

Controller Manager is listed in our Controller Mapping Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update