How do I use the online gamepad tester?

Connect your controller via USB or Bluetooth, then open this page and press any button. The browser activates the Gamepad API and starts detecting all inputs automatically. Buttons light up when pressed, analog sticks show live position on a canvas, and drift is calculated in real time.

Which controllers work with this gamepad tester?

Any controller that exposes itself via the browser Gamepad API will work. This includes PS5 DualSense, PS4 DualShock 4, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S controllers (wired or with the Xbox Wireless Adapter), Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and most generic USB or Bluetooth gamepads.

How do I know if my controller has stick drift?

Leave both analog sticks completely untouched. If the position dots move away from the center on their own, your controller has drift. A magnitude value above 0.05 when the sticks are at rest is a reliable indicator of drift. The tool shows the live drift magnitude and flags it as 'DRIFT!' when it exceeds the threshold.

Why is the vibration test not working?

Vibration requires the Gamepad Haptics API (navigator.getGamepads()[n].vibrationActuator), which is supported in Chrome and Edge on Windows and Android. It is not supported in Firefox or Safari. If vibration does not work, also check that vibration is enabled in your OS or console settings.

Controller Diagnostics

Free Open Source Gamepad Tester

Connect your controller and press any button to start. Tests all buttons, analog sticks, triggers, and vibration motors. Works with PS5, Xbox, Switch, and generic gamepads — no download needed.

Start gamepad test Browse all tools

Works with PS5/Xbox/Switch Detects stick drift Browser based

17 Buttons tested

Live Drift detection

Free No download

Gamepad tester — test controller buttons and stick drift online

Stick drift detection

Live magnitude reading flags drift before it gets worse, with a clear OK or DRIFT! indicator.

Vibration test included

Fire weak, medium, or strong rumble to confirm both light and heavy motors are working.

Primary tool

Gamepad Tester

Connect your controller, press any button to activate, and test every input in real time.

Gamepad Tester

Connect your controller and press any button to start. Works with PS5, Xbox, Switch, and PC gamepads.

Buttons

Left Stick

X: 0.000

Y: 0.000

Drift: 0.000 — OK

Right Stick

X: 0.000

Y: 0.000

Drift: 0.000 — OK

Vibration / Rumble Test

This test runs entirely in your browser. No data is collected.

Also test your Mouse Buttons or check your Input Latency.

Works with PS5/Xbox/Switch

All major controller brands supported

Detects stick drift

Live magnitude reading with OK/DRIFT flag

Tests all 17 buttons

Face, shoulder, trigger, D-pad, and Home

No download needed

Runs entirely in your browser

Getting started

How to Use the Gamepad Tester

Connect via USB or Bluetooth, press any button to activate in the browser, and all inputs light up in real time.

Connect your controller

Plug in via USB or pair via Bluetooth. The browser will detect it automatically once you press any button on the controller.

Test buttons and triggers

Every button lights up when pressed. Analog triggers (LT/RT) show partial values between 0 and 100% when held halfway.

Check analog sticks

The canvas circles show the exact stick position. Leave sticks untouched to check for drift at rest.

Compatible controllers

Works with PS5 DualSense, PS4 DualShock 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and generic USB/Bluetooth gamepads.

Drift diagnostics

Stick Drift Test

A drift reading above 0.05 at rest is a reliable sign your joystick potentiometer is wearing out.

Rest both sticks

Take your thumbs completely off both analog sticks and leave the controller flat on a surface.

Watch the position dot

If the dot drifts away from the centre circle on its own, input is being registered without you touching the stick.

Read the drift value

A magnitude value above 0.05 when untouched indicates drift. PS5 DualSense and PS4 DualShock controllers are particularly prone after 200–400 hours of use.

Controller repair guide

How to Fix Stick Drift

Try these steps from easiest to most involved before buying a replacement controller.

1. Compressed air

Blow short bursts of compressed air around the base of the stick to dislodge any dust or debris that may be affecting the potentiometer.

2. Isopropyl alcohol

Dampen a cotton swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol and gently clean around the stick base. Rotate the stick while cleaning to reach all contact points.

3. Recalibrate

PS5: Settings → Accessories → Controllers → Calibrate. Xbox: check the Xbox Accessories app for axis calibration. Some PCs offer controller calibration in Device Manager.

4. Replace the module

If drift persists after cleaning and calibration, the joystick potentiometer module itself needs replacing. Third-party modules cost £5–£15 and a repair shop typically charges £15–£30 for the job.

Rumble motor check

Vibration / Rumble Test

Use the vibration buttons to confirm both the light and heavy rumble motors are still working correctly.

Weak vibration

Tests the smaller high-frequency rumble motor. Used for subtle effects like rain or distant explosions in games.

Medium vibration

A balanced test of both motors together. Good for checking general rumble health with a single press.

Strong vibration

Fires both motors at full power for 500 ms. If you feel nothing, check vibration is enabled in your OS or console settings first.

Browser support note

Vibration requires the Gamepad Haptics API. It works in Chrome and Edge on Windows and Android. Firefox and Safari do not support it — buttons will appear to do nothing in those browsers.

More testing tools

Explore the full suite for keyboard, mouse, audio, and utilities.

Language support: All major tools are available in 8 languages - Arabic, Russian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Japanese, German, and Korean. Select your language from the header menu to switch.