Gamepad Tester
Test your controller inputs, check for stick drift, and set custom deadzones. Runs entirely in your browser.
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What Is the Gamepad Tester?
The gamepad tester is a browser-based diagnostic tool that reads every input from your game controller in real time. It displays button presses, analog stick positions, trigger values, and axis data using the Web Gamepad API. The tool also detects stick drift — unwanted analog stick movement caused by worn potentiometers inside the controller. You can set custom deadzone thresholds to see exactly when drift crosses into a problematic range. It works with Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro, and most third-party controllers without installing any drivers or software. A baseline capture feature lets you record your sticks at rest and then monitor deviation over time to track hardware degradation.
How to Use the Gamepad Tester
Connect your controller via USB or Bluetooth and press any button to register it with the browser. The tool immediately displays all detected axes and buttons. To check for stick drift, click Capture Baseline while holding all sticks at their resting position. The tool samples multiple readings and stores the neutral state. After capture, any stick movement beyond the drift threshold is flagged in real time. Adjust the deadzone slider to simulate different in-game deadzone settings and see which value eliminates your drift. The visual panel shows a live crosshair for each analog stick, making it easy to spot subtle drift that numbers alone might miss.
Why Testing Your Controller Matters
Stick drift is the most common controller defect and it worsens gradually, often going unnoticed until it affects gameplay. In shooters, even slight drift causes your crosshair to creep off target. In racing games, it pulls your steering input to one side. Diagnosing drift early lets you adjust your in-game deadzone settings to compensate, potentially extending your controller's usable life by months. This tool also helps verify that a used controller works correctly before purchase, or confirm a repair was successful after replacing thumbstick modules. Since everything runs in your browser with no uploads, your input data stays completely private.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is stick drift?
Stick drift is when an analog stick registers movement without physical input. It's caused by worn potentiometers inside the controller.
What deadzone should I use?
A deadzone of 5–15% is typical for most games. Higher values mask drift but reduce precision in fine movements.
Does this tool require any software or account?
No. The Gamepad API runs entirely in your browser. No installs, accounts, or uploads required.
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