Use an Xbox 360 Controller as a Mouse

 by David Stoner
xbox_360_logo.jpg
I initially bought an Xbox 360 controller to use with emulators. I found out that not only does it perform the task of mimicking an SNES controller admirably, but with a free program you can use it in place of a traditional mouse. While this might not seem practical, it is handy when you don't have a suitable surface to use a regular mouse on. For example, when the computer you need to operate is hooked up to the TV in your living room running a bunch of emulators. Using a mouse on a couch is harder than you'd think. Also, you can actually navigate Windows more easily by assigning common keyboard shortcuts (such as Alt + F4) to buttons. It's also just a quick, easy project to waste 15 minutes doing.

If this sounds good to you, jump to the next page to find out what you'll need.
 
Remove these adsRemove these ads by Signing Up

Step 1: What You Need (Hardware)

Surprisingly enough, to use an Xbox 360 controller as a mouse on a computer you need both an Xbox 360 controller and computer. More specifically:

A computer running Windows XP or Vista. Unfortunately, the drivers Microsoft provides are not for earlier versions of Windows. The computer will need one open USB port.

An Xbox 360 wired controller. This costs $40 retail, but you should be able to find it for around $20 online. If you don't already have a wireless controller or you only have one (and want another controller for multiplayer games on your Xbox 360) then the wired controller is the better choice.

OR

An Xbox 360 wireless controller AND an Xbox 360 wireless gaming receiver. The wireless controller retails at $60, but again online you should be able to find it for half price. The wireless receiver costs $20 pretty much wherever you buy it. This option is the way to go if you already have a wireless controller or two as it only costs $20.

Now that you have all the hardware, we move onto the software.
1-40 of 142Next »
SUPERXSNIPEXA says: Jun 8, 2013. 9:27 AM
there is a software that enables you to assign keys on the controller to keys on the keyboard and mouse. Just google xpadder its free and makes this a whole lot easier
SimulatedLife says: Apr 21, 2013. 2:00 PM
How do I download his windows.cfg file? every time I click on it, it opens the file over the internet? As in, no option to download.
smallfri says: Mar 24, 2013. 8:33 PM
how do i use his config as mine plz help
jhansen21 says: Feb 8, 2013. 10:23 AM
I'd just like to say: works great on windows 7 64bit with a slightly dodgy receiver I just bought off ebay... thanks!
whitey161 says: Jan 8, 2013. 12:09 PM
which button is the middle big silver X button?
thankyou
fiddydips says: Dec 24, 2012. 11:49 PM
The link on the microsoft website is dead. I looked around and I found the page we're looking for: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/d/xbox-360-controller-for-windows and instructions on how to get set up: http://support.xbox.com/en-US/games/pc-games/xbox-controller-for-windows-setup.
cthang says: Dec 16, 2012. 5:02 AM
to make this work i copied the settings to the existing config overwriting all
cause in my win7 x64 i wasnt able to get the app detecting any of my attempts to set my own. i use a brandnew 360/pc wireless pad and latest ms drivers .After doing so it worked superbly .dunno why i cant make my own.wrote all this with the pad lying in my bed on a 47" tv :D
Dtendo64 says: Dec 10, 2012. 10:50 AM
singed up to say this works fine on win 7 also im using an afterglow controller with it.
EpicNinjaaa says: Nov 27, 2012. 7:39 PM
Could you configure the controller with the keyboard attachment? I want to be able to use stuff like facebook, skype, etc. with the controller too.
SniperBEAST1515 says: Nov 8, 2012. 4:57 PM
You could also use Xpadder
SniperBEAST1515 in reply to SniperBEAST1515Nov 8, 2012. 4:58 PM
You just download with your favorite torrent downloader.
screenaholic says: Oct 14, 2012. 3:20 PM
Great! I'm glad I was able to find this. I was really hoping I could use a controller as a mouse.
One question though, will I be able to use the D pad to switch to presets? I want to be able to quickly switch what buttons do mid-game.
kjames12 says: Aug 1, 2012. 8:15 AM
Hey all i have just downloaded it and iv set it all up correctly but it sonstantly moves left or up why is this all is set up to 52 and -52 ect but i cant do anything or playgames sooo....? HELP!
aleksandaram says: May 12, 2012. 5:14 AM
Devil may cry 3 don't recognize joytokey d-pad mapping(xbox360 controller). How to fix this?
articz82 says: Apr 28, 2012. 5:41 AM
This works! Thanks! joytokey was never really clear for me, and now i can play for most of my games!
autsweum says: Jan 6, 2012. 6:02 AM
This AHK script/tool solved it for me http://nirklars.wordpress.com/xbox-wireless-controller-mouse-simulator/
dtekempel in reply to autsweumMar 23, 2012. 8:18 AM
For Win7 this one must be used. A new link is http://nirklars.wordpress.com/xboxmouse/
The other link is 404
dtekempel says: Mar 23, 2012. 8:15 AM
Will not work on Win7 and a possibility of not working with off brand controller. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Danelson says: Nov 28, 2011. 7:41 PM
I was having a problem where the controlled would work on my desktop, but in some games, and on any menus that needed administration permission, it wouldn't react at all.
However, I finally figured it out.
Close the program, go to the program, right click on the program then click run as administrator. Problem solved.
Again, this is to fix the controller being non-responsive when your computer pops up a message saying "Your permission is needed to continue" or in games where it won't react at all.
badams7 says: Aug 28, 2011. 11:06 PM
I had a 360 but it tore up, one of my favorite games was oblivion, so i got oblivion on my computer and set up the controls to mirror that of the xbox's version, but one problem... the hotkey button is the d-pad, now it took me awhile to figure out how to set it up to show the d-pad, but it is only for up down left and right, how do i make it apply for the diagonal directions for the d-pad?
ButterMyToast says: Aug 7, 2011. 1:21 PM
I gave this 5 stars USING the xbox controller! :P hahah thanks alot dude!
darkitsuki says: Mar 16, 2010. 6:09 PM
 works like a charm! im using my controller to type this. i just assigned a button on my controller to open up the onscreen keyboard!
zackfluck in reply to darkitsukiMar 8, 2011. 8:26 PM
I assigned the onscreen keyboard as a button as well but upon clicking it with my mouse (controller) it stops working altogether and I need to reside back to my mousepad on my laptop, any help?
jchavez11 in reply to zackfluckAug 4, 2011. 11:34 PM
How do you make it so one button opens on screen keyboard?
herford in reply to darkitsukiFeb 24, 2011. 10:05 AM
but how? what button(s) makes it pop up?
PyromanX in reply to darkitsukiApr 28, 2010. 6:03 AM
Great idea with the dedicated onscreen keyboard button. That should be in the instructable!
Great instructable, BTW!
Huntman00 says: May 24, 2011. 1:53 PM
does anybody know if it is possible to make it type something if i press start(button 10)

ex......*presses start* Huntman00 says: fdjhgfgkjhguy
jwells5 in reply to Huntman00Jun 14, 2011. 9:14 PM
not sure think you would have to write code for that... that would be awesome. i built a reciever using the XBOX360 dotter board (power button board) connected USB to it and ran the program and it syncs and works well. it works good on Windows. im on linux right now so i dont know if it will work the same...

alang3 says: May 17, 2011. 5:31 PM
i do the left thumbstick thing and everythign but it does nothing what do i do?
jviscasillas says: Apr 26, 2011. 7:22 PM
that is a lovely controller. where did you get it.
Lovell13 says: Sep 30, 2009. 10:25 PM
My controller is definitely connected but joytokey wont recognize it. What am i missing
pgibbons in reply to Lovell13Apr 25, 2011. 9:04 AM
you need the microsoft hardware, and turn off joytokey, plug in your controller, then turn it back on( you have to close it , not minimise it
batsou says: Nov 13, 2009. 10:48 AM
thx for this!!!!
it works great on windows but how to associate it xith a game, cause i can't configurate it on a game!!!!
please can some one hrlp me!!!!
pgibbons in reply to batsouApr 25, 2011. 9:02 AM
basicly, use the left stick as arrow keys (AxisX(<0)= left arrow key AxisX(<0)= riht arrow key e.t.c) and a button as space, and that should cove most games!
kgaule says: Apr 13, 2011. 2:49 AM
Works fine, I had already ticked the 'hide known extensions' box which was needed for another game:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IE/windows-vista/Show-or-hide-file-name-extensions

Doing this will allow you to simply change the file extension to .cfg, nothing else is required, it should work once you change the extension to this.

The only issue I'm having is when left idle the cursor drifts to the left, if I point it to the left it keeps travelling. Any way to stop this?
mortimusmaximus says: Mar 6, 2011. 11:24 AM
Is there any way to ignore miniscule inputs?
My cursor keeps drifting slowly after I stop moving the thumbstick.
mortimusmaximus in reply to mortimusmaximusMar 6, 2011. 1:34 PM
Set the 'Input Threshold' in the 'Other' tab to 3%
Problem solved!
brownca88 says: Feb 9, 2011. 5:36 PM
I can't figure out how to configure it either. Just bought a new 360 controller today specifically to use it for emulators and as a mouse. Does anyone reply to these comments?
FethrdWlf says: Jan 3, 2010. 8:19 PM
Okay, I have an Xbox 360 Wireless Remote with a Charge and Play cord. Will it still work?
s13vin4t0r in reply to FethrdWlfJan 18, 2010. 11:11 AM
 no, it wont. i tried.

the wireless controllers arent wired to work over USB with a play and charge kit.
1-40 of 142Next »
Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

PDF Downloads
As a Pro member, you will gain access to download any Instructable in the PDF format. You also have the ability to customize your PDF download.

Upgrade to Pro today!