XInputcompatible

XInputcompatible refers to hardware or software that implements or presents itself as using Microsoft's XInput API, allowing Windows applications to read controller input in a standardized way. The term is commonly applied to Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers, as well as many third‑party gamepads and adapters designed for PC gaming. A device or driver labeled XInputcompatible aims to provide consistent button layouts, thumbstick axes, trigger values, and vibration support across a wide range of games.

Technically, XInput exposes a simple set of functions and data structures. The API typically provides a way to obtain the current state of a gamepad, and to set vibration or rumble feedback on compatible devices. The primary data structures include a gamepad state with digital button flags and analog values for the left and right thumbsticks and triggers. XInput supports up to four simultaneous controllers, enabling a standard multi‑controller setup for local multiplayer. Vibration control is part of the interface, allowing per‑controller motor speeds.

Devices achieve XInputcompatibility in several ways. Native XInput devices implement the interface directly and are immediately recognizable by Windows. Some third‑party controllers use dedicated drivers that expose XInput interfaces, while others rely on wrapper software or adapters that translate DirectInput or other protocols into XInput commands. In practice, XInputcompatibility yields uniform mapping across games, reducing the need for per‑device configuration and improving plug‑and‑play usability.

Limitations and scope should be noted. XInput is primarily Windows‑oriented and focuses on standard gamepad input with vibration; it does not expose every possible feature of every controller. Some specialized peripherals or non‑Xbox devices may offer limited XInput compatibility or require additional software. For cross‑platform development, DirectInput or platform‑specific APIs may still be used alongside XInput.