Controller problems

Most controller problems come down to one thing: the game sees a controller twice, or sees it through a system the handler doesn't restrict. Controllers explains the background; this page goes by symptom.

A controller doesn't show up

• Press and hold a button for a second: the lobby lists a controller once it receives input. Then use Rescan if it's still missing.
• Check the handler's inputs. If the game page says the handler supports keyboards and mice only, controllers won't appear. Most handlers only accept XInput (Xbox-type) controllers.
• PlayStation, Switch or generic controller? Make it look like an Xbox controller with DS4Windows, XOutput or x360ce 4, as explained in Controllers.
• Keyboards and mice only appear once you press a key or move the mouse.

One controller drives two windows

Also: the camera spins on its own, buttons act twice, or the same player moves in two copies. The game sees the controller twice, usually as the real device plus a virtual Xbox controller.

1. Hide the real controllers with HidHide, allowing only your emulator to see them (how).
2. Turn off Steam Input for the game, or close Steam if the handler notes allow it.
3. Unplug what you don't use: racing wheels, flight sticks, drawing tablets and some headsets also show up as game controllers.

A controller only works in one window

• Xbox One and Series controllers in DirectInput or older Unity games don't send input to background windows. See the conversion steps.
• Several players on one controller type? Check the handler notes: some games only accept one DirectInput controller, or need an option in game.
• Unfocus the windows with Ctrl+H (Guide + Y on a controller) if one window keeps the focus and takes all the input.

Controllers swap places between sessions

Controller numbers follow the order Windows sees them in. Join in the lobby by pressing a button rather than relying on the order, or turn on Identify gamepads by slot if you want players matched to controller numbers 1 to 4 instead.

Many wireless controllers

Bluetooth struggles with more than a few controllers at once: inputs lag or controllers drop. The Xbox Wireless Adapter handles up to eight Xbox controllers more reliably, and a USB cable always works.

No vibration

Force feedback doesn't work in games that use Nucleus Co-op's own XInput libraries to restrict controllers. That's a known limit, not a broken controller.

Steam Controller

The Steam Controller only works through Steam Input, which presents it as an Xbox controller. Keep Steam running, make sure the game doesn't also see another virtual pad for the same controller, and check the handler notes.