How to test an 8BitDo controller
Connect your 8BitDo, GameSir, or Flydigi gamepad via USB or 2.4GHz wireless adapter, open this page, and check the detected hardware protocol banner to verify which input mode is active.
Multi-platform gamepads feature internal firmware modes that alter device descriptors. This page inspects axis count, button configurations, and device product strings to identify your active mode immediately.
Which input mode are you in?
The mode indicator confirms whether your controller is operating in XInput (Xbox), DirectInput (Android/D-Input), Switch Mode (Nintendo), or Apple Mac Mode.
If your controller is in Switch Mode on a Windows PC, analog triggers will act as digital on/off buttons and face buttons (A/B, X/Y) will be reversed. Identifying your mode is the fastest way to troubleshoot controller issues.
How to switch modes
Most 8BitDo controllers switch modes via a physical hardware slider on the back (S-A-D-X) or by holding a face button while powering on the gamepad.
Common shortcuts: Hold X + Start for XInput mode; hold B + Start for DirectInput mode; hold Y + Start for Nintendo Switch mode; hold A + Start for Apple Mac mode.
XInput vs DirectInput vs Switch mode
XInput is the standard protocol for modern Windows PC games, DirectInput supports retro emulators and legacy games, while Switch mode enables 6-axis gyro motion sensors.
Always use XInput mode for Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and Epic Games on PC to ensure analog trigger linearity and rumble motor compatibility.
Controller not recognised by Windows
If Windows plays a connect chime but games ignore your controller, the gamepad is almost certainly in the wrong input mode (DirectInput or Switch mode).
Switch the controller to XInput mode, reconnect the USB cable, and verify on this page that Windows identifies the gamepad as an XInput standard device.
Which third-party pads this covers
Designed for all multi-protocol controllers: 8BitDo Ultimate, Pro 2, SN30 Pro, Lite 2; GameSir G7, T4 Kaleid, G8 Galileo; Flydigi Vader 3 Pro, Apex 4; and Gulikit KingKong 2/3.
Also tests Hall Effect thumbstick centering accuracy to verify that magnetic sensors are maintaining pristine 0.00% resting drift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mode is my 8BitDo controller in?
Connect it and this page reports how the controller identifies itself, which tells you whether you are in XInput, DirectInput, Switch or macOS mode.
How do I switch my 8BitDo to XInput?
Most models use a start-up button combination â typically holding a face button while powering on. The exact combination varies by model and is listed above.
Why does Windows not recognise my third-party controller?
Nearly always the wrong input mode. Windows games generally expect XInput, and a pad in DirectInput or Switch mode may not register at all.
Do third-party controllers have gyro?
Some do, though browser access varies. Test yours on the gyro page to find out.
Are third-party pads worse than official ones?
Not necessarily. Several use hall effect sticks that resist drift better than first-party controllers, at lower prices.