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Connect
Nexus reads a supported physical controller over USB or Bluetooth.
DS4WINDOWS NEXUS v1
DS4Windows is an open-source gamepad input mapper and virtual emulator designed to use and connect your PlayStation controller (DualShock 3/4 and DualSense 5) to a Windows 10 & 11 PC.
With DS4Windows Nexus, you get the best gaming experience with state of the art features, gamepad customization and less input latency on a PS3/PS4/PS5 Controller.
HOW DS4WINDOWS WORKS
DS4Windows and DS5Windows share one Nexus app. Your physical controller supplies the input; your profile decides what the game receives.
Nexus reads a supported physical controller over USB or Bluetooth.
Your profile maps buttons, sticks, motion and feedback preferences.
VIIPER and USB-IP create the virtual controller selected in your profile for Windows games to use.
The emulated controller can differ from the one in your hands. Choose an output your game supports.
Available physical inputs and feedback depend on your controller and connection. Native haptics and adaptive triggers also need game support. Check compatibility →
A clearer interface around the controls that matter. Start simple, then make the details your own.
Remap buttons, tune sticks, configure gyro and touchpad, and build profiles around the way you play.
Feel system or app audio through DualSense and DualSense Edge grip haptics over USB or Bluetooth. Create L2/R2 effects in Trigger Lab, customize your lightbar and stream audio to the controller speaker from a separate source.
Keep a profile for each game and configure Auto Profiles to switch with the foreground application.
INSIDE NEXUS
Map the controls, shape the feedback and save your setup. Explore the actual Nexus workspace below.
See your active profile, battery, connection and virtual output in one place.
Remap buttons and build profiles for the way you play.
Design linked or independent L2 and R2 effects for DualSense and Edge.
Turn system or app audio into grip feedback, then tune the response.
Nexus workspace screenshots. Some captures show an earlier development build; the current release is v1.
QUICK ANSWERS
One download, clear setup. Find the answer here or explore the documentation.
Yes. On this website, DS4Windows and DS5Windows refer to the same DS4Windows Nexus download. Nexus supports both DualShock and DualSense families, plus other supported controller types. You do not need a separate DS5Windows application for a PS5 controller.
Choose Xbox 360, DualShock 4, DualSense or DualSense Edge output in your profile. Nexus uses VIIPER and USB-IP to present the supported virtual controller to Windows. See virtual output settings for configuration.
Check the supported controller list for your model and connection. VIIPER virtual output does not make every physical gamepad compatible. Third-party devices need a supported input report and operating mode.
Yes. Nexus is an open-source project. Matching GPL source is available as a separate release ZIP, and the app includes original contributor and third-party notices. Read About DS4Windows for the project history.
The compact app requires Microsoft .NET 10 Desktop Runtime (x64). For a new PC, choose the first-run bundle and run First Run.cmd to install the included Microsoft runtime if needed. Extract the complete ZIP and keep the files together. Follow Getting Started for the required virtual-output checks and optional drivers.
Nexus v1 provides local adaptive-trigger effects; advanced native game-trigger passthrough is not included. You can design local effects for DualSense and Edge in Trigger Lab. Audio Haptics is a separate source of grip feedback.
Input timing depends on the controller, connection, Bluetooth adapter, system and game. Nexus exposes input measurements and tuning controls, but an input report interval is not end-to-end game latency. Use Controller Readings to inspect your setup.
Start with troubleshooting and a backed-up test profile. Use selective reset and restore tools when needed rather than deleting your settings folder.
From connected to configured
Download the compact app, or choose the first-run bundle with the Microsoft runtime installer.
Guided setup checks required virtual-output components and optional tools.
Connect your controller, test input and select or create a profile.
Support depends on the model, connection and feature. Check the matrix before you download.
DualShock 3, DualShock 4, DualSense and DualSense Edge. Find connection instructions and the feedback features available for your model.
Switch Pro, Joy-Con, Switch 2 Pro and Joy-Con 2. Check connection options, pairing, gyro controls and rumble.
Understand Xbox virtual output for PC games, and how it differs from connecting a physical Xbox controller.
Check the exact model and operating mode. A familiar button layout does not guarantee a compatible input report.
Start with the symptom. Follow a check that helps narrow it down.