Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about zController

This comprehensive FAQ addresses the most common questions about zController, covering installation, usage, troubleshooting, compatibility, and advanced features. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please visit our Contact Us page for additional support.

Yes! The basic version of zController is completely free to download and use. We believe in making gaming accessible to everyone, everywhere. You can access all standard controller types (Xbox, PS4, etc.) without paying a dime. We rely on non-intrusive ads on the website to keep the project alive.

Currently, zController is only available for Android devices via the APK download. We understand the demand for an iOS version and are actively researching the feasibility of porting the app to the Apple ecosystem. Due to Apple's stricter App Store policies regarding hardware emulation and controller protocols, this is a complex process, but it is on our long-term roadmap. Stay tuned for updates!

Input lag is the enemy of gaming. For the absolute lowest possible latency (near zero), we highly recommend using the USB Connection method. By enabling "USB File Transfer" on your Android phone and connecting it to your PC, data travels over the wire instead of through the air.

If you prefer WiFi, ensure both your phone and PC are connected to a 5GHz WiFi network. 2.4GHz networks are often crowded and slower. Also, try to stay close to your router to minimize packet loss.

Absolutely! This is one of our best features. You can connect up to 4 Android phones to a single PC running the zController Desktop app. Each phone will be assigned a unique player slot (Player 1, Player 2, etc.). This is perfect for local co-op games like Overcooked, fighting games like Tekken, or sports games like FIFA or NBA 2K.

If you are having trouble connecting, try these troubleshooting steps: 1. Firewall settings. 2. Verify IP Address. 3. Ensure same Network. 4. Restart Desktop and Mobile apps. 5. Make sure both apps are updated to the latest version.

If the desktop server fails to start, verify: 1. Latest version installed. 2. Node.js and ViGEmBus driver installed. 3. Reinstall dependencies and restart PC.

1. Check if local IP changed. 2. Use 'Help' or 'Reset' buttons in Desktop app. 3. Check for port blocking (port 3000).

zController uses the ViGEmBus driver to emulate standard Xbox 360 and DualShock 4 controllers. It is compatible with almost any PC game including Steam titles, racing games like Forza, and emulators (PCSX2, RPCS3, Dolphin, Cemu, Yuzu).

The Steering Wheel mode uses keyboard inputs and DS4 analog for steering wheel to simulate a steering wheel controller. It is compatible with most racing games and emulators.

The steering wheel mode leverages your phone's built-in accelerometer and gyroscope sensors to detect tilting and rotation movements. When you tilt your phone left or right, the motion sensors translate this physical movement into analog stick input or keyboard commands (WASD or arrow keys) that racing games recognize as steering input. The sensitivity can be adjusted in the app settings to match your preferred steering feel. Additionally, the mode includes large, easy-to-tap buttons for gas, brake, reverse, horn, and turn signals, creating a comprehensive racing control interface. This mode is perfect for games like Euro Truck Simulator, Forza Horizon, Need for Speed, Assetto Corsa, and virtually any racing game that supports keyboard or gamepad input.

Desktop Requirements: zController Desktop runs on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 (both 32-bit and 64-bit versions). You'll need Node.js version 18.0 or higher installed, along with the ViGEmBus driver. Your PC must have at least 2GB RAM, though 4GB or more is recommended for optimal performance. An active internet connection is required only for the initial download and updates - the app works completely offline once installed.

Mobile Requirements: zController Mobile app requires Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. The app works on any Android device with a touchscreen and basic motion sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope). While all devices are supported, devices with more advanced sensors will provide better motion control accuracy. For USB mode, your device must support USB debugging and file transfer. No root access or special permissions beyond basic network access are required for WiFi mode.

Network Requirements: For WiFi mode, both your PC and phone must be connected to the same local network (WiFi router). A 5GHz WiFi network is strongly recommended for lower latency, though 2.4GHz networks will work. For optimal performance, connect your PC via Ethernet cable to your router rather than WiFi, reducing network congestion and latency. USB mode requires no network at all, making it ideal for environments without WiFi or for maximum performance.

Yes, zController is completely safe to use. The application is open-source software (where applicable) and uses the widely-trusted ViGEmBus framework, which is open-source and actively maintained by the gaming community. The desktop application is a standard Node.js application that runs locally on your computer - it doesn't require internet access during normal operation and doesn't transmit any data to external servers.

The mobile app is distributed as an APK file, which may trigger security warnings on Android devices since it's not from the Google Play Store. This is normal for sideloaded applications. zController requests only the minimum permissions necessary for functionality: network access for WiFi mode and USB debugging access for cable mode. The app doesn't collect personal information, doesn't track usage statistics, and doesn't include any advertising or tracking software. All communication occurs locally between your phone and PC on your private network or via USB cable.

If your antivirus software flags zController or ViGEmBus, this is typically a false positive caused by the low-level driver nature of the software. Many antivirus programs flag kernel-level drivers as potentially suspicious due to their system-level access. However, ViGEmBus is widely used by thousands of gamers and developers worldwide and has an excellent security reputation in the gaming community. You can safely add exceptions for zController and ViGEmBus in your antivirus software.

Absolutely! zController works excellently with console emulators, often providing more authentic control experiences than traditional controllers. The emulation works because zController creates virtual controllers at the Windows kernel level, which emulators recognize as genuine hardware controllers.

Dolphin (GameCube/Wii Emulator): zController's Wii Remote mode uses your phone's gyroscope to provide authentic motion controls that perfectly mimic the original Wii Remote. The gyroscope-based pointer controls work seamlessly with Dolphin's motion control implementation. For GameCube games, the GameCube controller mode provides an authentic button layout optimized for titles like Super Smash Bros. Melee, Mario Kart Double Dash, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.

PCSX2 (PlayStation 2 Emulator): The DualShock 4 mode provides native PlayStation controller support, complete with motion controls for games that supported Sixaxis functionality. Many PS2 games work perfectly with zController's DualShock 4 emulation, including action games, RPGs, and racing titles.

Cemu (Wii U Emulator): zController's Xbox 360 and DualShock 4 modes both work excellently with Cemu. The emulator recognizes zController as a standard gamepad, allowing full compatibility with Wii U games. For games that require the Wii U GamePad's motion controls, the gyroscope features in DualShock 4 mode provide the necessary motion input.

Other Emulators: zController works with virtually any emulator that supports standard Windows gamepad input, including RetroArch, PPSSPP (PSP), Citra (3DS), Yuzu/Ryujinx (Switch), and many others. The kernel-level emulation ensures maximum compatibility across the entire emulation ecosystem.

zController provides extensive customization options to tailor the controller experience to your preferences and gaming style. Most customization options are available directly in the mobile app's settings menu for each controller type.

Analog Stick Settings: You can adjust analog stick size, dead zone, and sensitivity for each stick independently. The dead zone determines how much movement is required before the stick registers input, useful for preventing drift in games with sensitive controls. Sensitivity controls how quickly the stick responds to your touch - lower values provide more precise control, while higher values allow faster movement. Stick size can be adjusted for comfort, making them larger for easier thumb placement or smaller to reduce screen space usage.

Button Modes: Many trigger buttons (L1/R1, L2/R2, LT/RT) can be set to either "Hold" mode (you must keep pressing) or "Toggle" mode (press once to activate, press again to deactivate). Toggle mode is particularly useful for games requiring continuous button holds, reducing finger fatigue during long gaming sessions. D-pad directions can also be set to toggle mode for certain gameplay scenarios.

Motion Control Settings: For controllers with motion support (DualShock 4, Xbox 360, Wii Remote), you can adjust motion sensitivity and enable/disable specific motion features. Steering wheel mode includes separate sensitivity settings for steering motion and can be calibrated to match your preferred racing feel. The gyroscope can be mapped to different analog sticks or camera controls depending on the game.

Button Mapping: While full button remapping is a planned feature for future updates, current versions allow toggling between certain button behavior modes. This includes swapping shoulder buttons, inverting analog stick axes, and changing motion control mappings. Check the app's settings menu for controller-specific customization options.

Yes, zController works perfectly with all major PC game launchers and platforms. Since zController emulates controllers at the Windows kernel level, games see it as a genuine hardware controller regardless of which launcher they're running through.

Steam: zController is fully compatible with Steam and Steam's Big Picture mode. The Steam controller configuration support recognizes zController as a standard Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controller, allowing you to use Steam's controller customization features, community configurations, and per-game controller settings. Steam Input will detect and work with zController controllers automatically.

Epic Games Store: Games purchased through Epic Games Store work seamlessly with zController. Epic's games use standard Windows controller APIs, which zController fully supports. Popular titles like Fortnite, Rocket League, and GTA V (via Epic) all work perfectly with zController.

GOG (Good Old Games): GOG titles, which often include classic games and DRM-free releases, work excellently with zController. Older games that support DirectInput or XInput controllers will recognize zController without any additional configuration. The compatibility is particularly valuable for classic game collections.

Other Platforms: zController works with games from Xbox Game Pass for PC, EA Play, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, Origin, and virtually any other game launcher. The emulation occurs at the operating system level, so the source of the game is irrelevant. Native PC games, emulated console games, and browser-based games that support controllers all work with zController.

Game-Specific Considerations: Some games may require you to enable controller support in their settings menus. Games that default to keyboard/mouse input may need you to switch to controller mode in their options. Additionally, some competitive multiplayer games may have anti-cheat software that could theoretically flag controller emulation, though in practice, zController is widely used without issues. If you encounter problems with specific games, check that game's controller support settings first.

While you cannot actively control multiple games at once, you can switch between different games and applications without restarting zController. Each game will recognize the virtual controller when it has focus. The virtual controller remains active in Windows even when games are not running, so you can launch a game, play it, close it, and launch another game without needing to reconnect zController.

However, if you have multiple games running simultaneously in different windows, only the game with active focus (the window you're currently interacting with) will receive controller input. This is standard Windows behavior for all input devices, not specific to zController. If you want to play multiple games at once, you would need multiple instances of zController Desktop running with different virtual controllers, though this is not recommended as it can cause conflicts and confusion.

For most use cases, you'll connect one phone to zController Desktop, launch a game, play it, and then either close the game or switch to another application. The controller connection persists across different applications, making it convenient to switch between gaming, media control, and desktop navigation without reconnecting.

zController is optimized for power efficiency, but continuous use will naturally consume battery power. Here are several strategies to extend your phone's battery life while gaming:

USB Mode Benefits: When using USB cable mode, your phone can charge simultaneously while connected, eliminating battery drain concerns entirely. If you're gaming for extended sessions, USB mode is the best choice as it provides both zero-latency performance and continuous charging. Most modern smartphones support fast charging via USB, so you may actually gain battery while gaming.

Reduce Screen Brightness: The phone's display is typically the largest battery consumer. Lowering your phone's screen brightness to the minimum comfortable level can significantly extend battery life. Many phones also have automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient light, which can help balance visibility and battery conservation.

Disable Unnecessary Features: Close background applications that aren't needed. Disable location services, Bluetooth (if not needed), and other background processes. Some phones have battery optimization modes that can extend battery life during gaming sessions. Enable your phone's battery saver mode if you're concerned about power consumption.

Screen Timeout Settings: Configure your phone's screen timeout to be longer than your typical gaming session duration, or disable timeout entirely during use. This prevents the screen from turning off mid-game, which would disconnect the controller.

WiFi Power Management: While using WiFi mode, ensure your phone is close to your router to reduce WiFi transmission power requirements. WiFi adapters consume more battery when they need to boost signal strength to maintain connection. A stronger signal means lower power consumption.

Typical Battery Life: On average, zController will consume approximately 10-15% battery per hour of continuous gaming on a typical modern smartphone when using WiFi mode. USB mode can actually charge your phone while gaming, depending on your charging setup. For extended gaming sessions, consider using a USB cable with power delivery capability or investing in a phone charging stand.