PC Game Controller Mapping (Linux & Windows)

If you are getting started in the field of gaming on a Personal Computer, you may have a few steps to take in getting there. Today, I will be showing you how to use a USB game controller with even the oldest of PC games, free of charge.

The technique we are going to use involves a method called "Key Mapping", which takes the analog-converted-digital inputs of your game controller, and applies action keys to the inputs. These action keys can be anything as common as the game standard WSAD movement inputs to anything your game considers "standard input".

Follow along and I'll teach you in simple steps, how to use the key mapping software with your controller. My tutorial covers the operating systems of Linux Mint/Ubuntu and Windows.

Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for any damages caused to you, your computer, controllers or related hardware/software. At all times please demonstrate the proper safety protocols related to working with electrical equipment. I am not affiliated or sponsored in any way with/by snakebyte, Microsoft, Mojang Synergies AB or the AntiMicro development team.

Step 1: Download AntiMicro

For the Windows installer, click HERE.

For Linux Mint/Ubuntu, add the ppa:

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$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ryochan7/antimicro

$ sudo apt-get update

$ sudo apt-get install antimicro

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Once you are done installing the program, continue on to the next step.

Step 2: Startup and Mapping

If all goes well, you can now start AntiMicro. You can now plug in your game controller/joystick. If all goes well, you can now start AntiMicro.

You should be greeted by a screen indicating a bunch of random buttons. In the bottom left corner there is a button entitled "Button Mapping". Click it. A screen will pop up with a depicted Xbox 360 controller. This is considered the "standard" controller layout. On the Xbox controller, a green A button will be highlighted. On your controller, press the corresponding button. Repeat with the proper buttons until you have finished. Once you are done, click "Save" in the bottom right of the window. This will save the configuration of your controller.

If you have a controller like mine, (Pictured above) the digital layout should have changed a bit after you have finished mapping all keys. You will now see your two thumbsticks, D-pad and lots of other buttons below them.

Step 3: Game Configuration

One nice thing about AntiMicro is that it allows you to save different controller configurations for many games. I will demonstrate how to configure your controller with Minecraft.

So the basic controls for Minecraft are: WSAD to move, Mouse to look around, Mouse Left to break blocks, and Mouse Right to place blocks. You will notice in my configuration (Pictured above) that I have all of these keys bound, as well as a few more for the different in-game controls.

To bind a controller button to a keyboard/mouse input, simple find the button you want to bind, click on it and select the corresponding keyboard/mouse key(s) you wish to bind from the "Set Guide" window that pops up. I find it helps to be running the game I want to bind the keys for while I am doing so. (Notice in the third picture that while holding a button on your controller, the corresponding input shows up on screen)

For more varied and controlled inputs, such as binding multiple keys to one button, click on the "Advanced" button while binding a key.

When you are done configuring your controller, SAVE the configuration by clicking the SAVE button in the top right of the window!

Step 4: Micey Affairs

I understand that some games require mouse inputs. I have you covered! Sometimes while playing a game, mainly old games, that using a controller with mice inputs bound seems to be over-zealous in making my character look the way he wants to. Some games don't have a sensitivity option, but that can be controlled in AntiMicro.

To change the mouse sensitivity setting for your bound controller, select the affected keys in AntiMicro, click the "Mouse" tab that shows up under the keyboard and click "Mouse Settings". There are a host of numbers and rockers that you can adjust to your liking. Just take a moment to look around and modify what you need.

(Note that to make a certain sensitivity be lower, simply adjust the number for the applied input to a lower number, opposite to adjust to be higher.

Remember to save your configuration after you are happy with your modifications!

Step 5: Get Gaming!

Once you have your controller configured and working, playing should be a breeze!

(Remember to save your controller configuration so you don't lose your hard work!)

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and had fun. If I missed anything, or you need help, feel free to ask me in the comments or "Google It!" I'll be glad to help. If you got everything working properly and are enjoying it,

COMMENT!!!

I love to hear back from my readers. Thanks for reading and have a nice day!

(I am entering this Instructable into the "Game Life" Contest. If you enjoyed it or found it useful, please give it a vote! Thanks!)