Controller Companion
Controller Companion is a paid Windows application for operating a PC desktop with a game controller.
What Controller Companion is
Controller Companion is a paid Windows application for operating a PC desktop with a game controller. The left analog stick moves the mouse cursor, while the right stick scrolls. Pressing the left stick opens an arcade-style virtual keyboard, and buttons can be remapped. Media controls assign Y to Play/Pause and shoulder buttons to previous and next tracks. The app can switch between connected monitors or TV screens. It automatically disables when another program, game or Steam Big Picture is running. The Steam listing says it works with XInput-compatible controllers; PlayStation controllers require an XInput wrapper. Experimental custom driver support is described for the Xbox 360 Chatpad on PC. Steam does not need to remain open, and automatic startup is available. The listing says there is no DRM. Steam costs $2.99, paid once, while itch.io costs $3, paid once and includes a Steam key. Updates are free.
Good
- Controls mouse and scrolling with sticks
- Includes an arcade-style virtual keyboard
- Remappable controller buttons
- Can switch connected displays
- Free app updates
Watch out
- Windows only
- No free plan
- PlayStation controllers need an XInput wrapper
- Chatpad support is experimental
Who it suits
It suits Windows users who want controller-based mouse, keyboard, media and display controls. It is particularly relevant to people using XInput-compatible controllers and those comfortable with the listed compatibility requirements.
Verdict
Controller Companion provides desktop, media and display controls through a game controller, with remapping and automatic disabling during other software. Check controller compatibility and choose between the two one-time purchase options.
Plans and prices
From Controller Companion's own pricing page, checked 14 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Controller Companion (Steam) | $2.99, paid once | Windows 7 minimum · XInput controller required · wireless Xbox 360 needs receiver · one-time Steam purchase |
| Controller Companion (itch.io) | $3, paid once | Windows installer (1.8 MB) · Steam key included · pay $3.00 USD or more |
The facts
Each one read from Controller Companion's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Auto-disable
- The app auto-disables when another program, game, or Steam Big Picture is running.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Automatic disabling
- The utility disables itself when Big Picture or another fullscreen program is active, with a Back+Start override.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Chatpad support
- An experimental driver supports Xbox 360 Chatpad use on the PC outside games.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Controller compatibility
- The Steam listing requires an XInput-compatible controller; PlayStation pads need an XInput wrapper.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Controller shutdown
- It can turn off an Xbox 360 wireless controller when the computer powers down.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Customizable controls
- Users can remap buttons.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Display switching
- The controller can switch between connected monitors or a television.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Documentation limit
- The community profile guide says complete profile-format documentation had not yet been achieved.checked 14 Oct 2026
- DRM
- The FAQ states that Controller Companion has no DRM.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Known cursor issue
- The FAQ says Windows tablet mode can hide the cursor after all pointing devices are disconnected.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Languages
- Steam lists English, Russian and Simplified Chinese interface support.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: fullscreen behavior
- Showmetech reported that automatic disabling also affected fullscreen apps such as Netflix, even when controller support was unnecessary.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: keyboard-heavy software
- A reviewer cautioned that the utility is unsuitable for keyboard-only or MMO-style programs.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: stale updates
- A December 2025 Steam review complained that the software had gone years without updates.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: typing speed
- A Steam reviewer found virtual-keyboard typing slower than using a regular keyboard.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Media control
- Y toggles play/pause and the shoulder buttons select previous or next track.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Media controls
- Y is bound to Play/Pause, and the shoulder buttons control previous and next tracks.checked 10 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Button remapping
- Buttons can be reassigned through the customization features.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Known Windows issue
- The FAQ acknowledges that Windows 10 apps and the taskbar can register controller input twice.checked 14 Oct 2026
The company
- Company founding
- Kogatech ApS was established on 22 April 2020.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Company headquarters
- The registered address is Sveavej 10, 7500 Holstebro, Denmark.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Company legal name
- The active Danish company is Kogatech ApS (CVR 41309725).checked 14 Oct 2026
- Company size
- The registry page reports one employee (one full-time equivalent in December 2021).checked 14 Oct 2026
- Legacy Steam publisher
- Steam identifies Koga Tech Limited as developer and publisher, with a 4 May 2015 release date.checked 14 Oct 2026
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reWASD
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