How do I identify which controller is which DirectInput device?

How do I identify which controller is which DirectInput device? - A Person Holding a VR Controller

I have a large number of different types of game controllers hooked up by USB to my PC, which is powering a MAME/arcade cabinet.

Problem I'm having is that whenever I go to define my controls in certain games, they always get overridden by "joy2_dig0_up". Similarly in other games, the cursor just keeps moving upward, or the character just keeps moving upward. In other words, one of my controllers is grabbing control of the game and pushing up constantly.

How do I determine WHICH of my various bits of plastic corresponds to "joy2" so I can eliminate it? And for that matter... once I figure out which device it is, is there a way to block it for the games that it interferes with other than unplugging the thing?






Pictures about "How do I identify which controller is which DirectInput device?"

How do I identify which controller is which DirectInput device? - Photo of Xbox Controller
How do I identify which controller is which DirectInput device? - Person Holding Game Pad
How do I identify which controller is which DirectInput device? - Black Sony Ps2 Dualshock 2



Is Xbox controller XInput or DirectInput?

A game developer that makes an Xbox game can more easily translate the game to Windows with Xbox controller support. Also, Xbox controllers only vibrate with XInput, and the API handles the trigger buttons as two separate inputs instead of a single positive/negative axis on DirectInput.

How can I tell which controllers are connected to my computer?

To test the game controller in Windows, follow these steps:
  • In Control Panel, open Game Controllers. To do this, use one of the following methods: In Windows Vista, click Start. , type joy. ...
  • Click your game controller, and then click. Properties.
  • On the Test tab, test the game controller to verify functionality.


  • Is Xbox One controller DirectInput?

    Yes, the Xbox One controller can be used with DirectInput.

    Is Steam controller XInput or DirectInput?

    The Steam controller uses XInput to send commands to your computer. When you're using multiple controllers, some games may try to prioritize some over others depending on their input style, DirectInput or XInput. Please note: Windows restricts XInput devices to a four device maximum.



    Steam Controller - Dinput and Xinput setup guide




    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Artem Podrez, Yurii Hlei, EVG Kowalievska, Stas Knop