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If your controller works in Windows but not in Genshin Impact, first check that the model is supported, then test it over USB with Steam and controller-mapping apps closed. Once the game has loaded, choose Settings → Controls → Control Type → Controller. This clean-start test helps separate a Windows connection problem from an in-game setting or software conflict.
Updated: HoYoverse’s published controller lists have changed over time, and game menus or launcher behavior may change with updates. The compatibility information below reflects the currently available official guidance, not a claim that every detail was identical in 2024.
Check whether your controller is officially supported
Windows recognizing a controller does not guarantee that Genshin Impact supports its input format. HoYoverse lists Xbox Wireless and Xbox Elite controllers, DualShock 4, DualSense, and DualSense Edge among supported controllers for PC. See HoYoverse’s supported controllers and platforms and its official controller list.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →| Controller | Official PC support | First test |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Wireless or Xbox Elite | Yes | USB, then Bluetooth if needed |
| DualShock 4 | Yes | USB, then Bluetooth |
| DualSense or DualSense Edge | Yes | USB, then Bluetooth |
| Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or Joy-Con | No official PC support | Try one XInput translation method if you want a workaround |
| Generic or third-party pad, including 8BitDo models | Depends on model and mode | Select XInput/PC mode if available |
HoYoverse specifically says Nintendo Switch controllers are not officially supported on PC. Third-party pads can vary by model and connection mode; working in another game is not proof that a controller is supported by Genshin. Unsupported devices may need a remapper, and may still have issues with prompts, vibration, gyro, triggers, or Bluetooth. HoYoverse’s Switch-controller guidance explains the limitation.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Try this clean-start fix first
- Close Genshin Impact.
- Exit Steam completely, including its system-tray process.
- Close controller tools such as DS4Windows, DSX, reWASD, XIM software, JoyToKey, InputMapper, and other remappers or XInput emulators.
- Disconnect other gamepads, wheels, fight sticks, and virtual-controller devices.
- Restart the PC and connect one supported controller by USB.
- Confirm Windows receives its inputs using the test below.
- Launch Genshin and wait until you are in the playable world.
- Open Settings → Controls → Control Type and choose Controller. Return to the game and test movement and camera control.
If this works, reopen other controller software one program at a time to identify the conflict. HoYoverse’s controller troubleshooting FAQ identifies Steam, reWASD, XIM, XInput Plus, and similar mapping programs as possible sources of interference.
Check whether Windows sees the controller
- Press Win + R.
- Enter
joy.cpland press Enter. - Select the controller, choose Properties, then test its sticks, triggers, buttons, and D-pad.
The controller should appear in the list and respond in the test panel. If it does not, troubleshoot the connection before changing Genshin settings: try another USB port, a known data-capable cable, a charged battery, or a fresh Bluetooth pairing. A charge-only cable can power a controller without carrying input data. If Windows still cannot detect it, check the controller, driver, or PC connection; Genshin is not yet the main problem.
Rank #2
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
- 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
- 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
If Windows detects it but Genshin does not
First make sure the game is set to controller mode. Use the mouse or keyboard to change Settings → Controls → Control Type → Controller. The setting is most useful after the game has loaded; if input does not respond at the title or loading screen, enter the world first and try again. Some players report that controller input becomes available after loading, but this is a practical troubleshooting observation rather than a universal rule.
If the control setting is already correct, close the game, connect the controller before launching, and retry with only that controller attached. A game started before a controller was connected may not behave as expected. If the controller is unsupported, Windows detection alone will not make it work natively.
Rank #3
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Use USB as a baseline; troubleshoot Bluetooth separately
Supported controllers can work wirelessly, but USB is the simplest way to rule out pairing and signal problems. Connect directly to a PC port rather than a hub, try another port and cable, and avoid testing with several gamepads connected. Restart Genshin after connecting the controller.
If USB works but Bluetooth does not, remove the controller in Windows Settings → Bluetooth & devices, restart the PC, put the controller into pairing mode, and pair it again. Confirm it responds in joy.cpl before launching Genshin. Follow the manufacturer’s pairing instructions for a DualShock 4 or DualSense rather than relying on an unverified button sequence.
Rank #4
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
When to use Steam Input or a remapper
For an officially supported Xbox or PlayStation controller, test native support with Steam and remappers closed before adding translation software. Steam Input or a remapper can help an unsupported controller by presenting its inputs as an Xbox/XInput controller, but it can also intercept inputs or create a second device. Use only one remapping layer at a time.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIf you choose Steam Input for an unsupported controller, make sure Steam is actually routing the game through that configuration. If you add Genshin as a non-Steam game, add the game executable rather than only the launcher; its location varies by installation, so locate it on your own PC. Steam’s controller labels and menus can change, so avoid relying on old instructions as a guaranteed current path.
Best Value
- Platform Compatibility: This PC controller is designed for Windows PC, Steam, Switch, Android, and iOS. Xbox-style asymmetric stick layout for PC gamers. Three modes cover all your devices. Please check your device compatibility before purchase
- Three Connection Modes: 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth, wired USB-C. PC gets native XInput/DirectInput. Switch pairs via Bluetooth, no adapter. This gaming PC controller switches devices seamlessly. Stable wireless minimizes random disconnects during gaming
- Hall Effect Precision: Hall effect joysticks and triggers eliminate stick drift. This gaming controller for PC delivers smooth, responsive input with no dead zones. Built for FPS, racing, and action games. Long-term precision for competitive PC gaming
- Back Buttons & Battery: Two programmable back buttons map combos and shortcuts. Textured grips with dual vibration. 1000mAh battery delivers up to 20H playtime. RGB can be turned off. A solid PC controller for gaming with custom back buttons
- ABXY Layout Switch: Press B + Minus + Plus to swap between PC and Switch modes. Features: 1000Hz polling rate, RGB lighting, turbo. Note: designed without mic jack or gyro sensor
DS4Windows and similar tools should be a fallback, not a required step for every PlayStation controller. A remapper may expose the pad as an Xbox controller, but that can produce Xbox button prompts and may alter trigger behavior. If a virtual controller is active, configure the tool to hide the physical device from games where possible so Genshin sees only one controller. Do not run Steam Input and DS4Windows together.
Fix doubled input, drifting menus, or unexpected prompts
If menus skip two items at once, commands repeat, or mouse and controller navigation fight each other, Genshin may be receiving both a physical controller and its virtual counterpart.
- Close Genshin.
- Choose one remapping tool at most: turn off Steam Input if using DS4Windows, or close DS4Windows if using Steam Input.
- Disable or hide the physical controller when the chosen tool is presenting a virtual one.
- Disconnect other controllers, reconnect one pad, then relaunch and test.
Xbox prompts on a PlayStation controller often mean the game is receiving Xbox/XInput output from Steam Input or a remapper. It does not necessarily indicate a fault, and a remapper may not preserve PlayStation symbols. Prioritize one clean input stream over matching button artwork.
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Restart the PC, recheck the control type, test by USB, and close all controller utilities. Check whether Steam or a mapping tool changed its configuration, and retest with no virtual devices or other controllers present. If possible, try another officially supported controller to distinguish a game/configuration issue from a fault with the original pad.
If a supported controller still fails under this clean configuration, use the launcher’s repair or update option before considering a reinstall. HoYoverse’s PC troubleshooting guidance recommends providing useful diagnostic material when contacting support. Include your controller model, whether USB and Bluetooth behave differently, the result of joy.cpl, the in-game control setting, and a short recording of the failure if available. Avoid downloading random controller DLLs or unofficial executables.
Quick Recap
Quick checklist
- Is the controller on HoYoverse’s supported list?
- Does it respond in
joy.cpl? - Have you tried USB and one controller at a time?
- Are Steam and all remappers closed for the native-support test?
- Is Genshin set to Controller after loading into the world?
- Could both a physical and virtual controller be reaching the game?
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