Connect
Nexus reads a supported physical controller over USB or Bluetooth.
DS4WINDOWS NEXUS V1.0 BETA
DS4Windows | DS5Windows
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.
Built on DS4WindowsOriginal contributors credited
Customizable WorkspaceMappings, profiles and feedback
Your settings stay yoursLocal profiles and backups
Honest compatibilityModel and transport matter
HOW DS4WINDOWS WORKS
Your Controller In.
Your Choice Out.
DS4Windows and DS5Windows share one Nexus app. Your physical controller supplies the input; your profile decides what the game receives.
Customize
Your profile maps buttons, sticks, motion and feedback preferences.
Play
VIIPER and USB-IP create the virtual controller selected in your profile for Windows games to use.
Supported Virtual Controllers
The emulated controller can differ from the one in your hands. Choose an output your game supports.
- Xbox 360
- Xbox One / Series
- DualShock 4
- DualSense
- DualSense Edge
- Switch 2 Pro
Available physical inputs and feedback depend on your controller and connection. Native haptics and adaptive triggers also need game support. Check compatibility →
Familiar power.
A fresh perspective.
A clearer interface around the controls that matter. Start simple, then make the details your own.
01 / MAKE IT YOURS
Every button. A new possibility.
Remap buttons, tune sticks, configure gyro and touchpad, and build profiles around the way you play.
02 / FEEL THE DETAIL
Feedback with a clear purpose.
Receive native advanced haptics and adaptive triggers from supported PC games on DualSense and DualSense Edge, including Bluetooth. Design local effects in Trigger Lab; tune audio-driven grip vibration separately.
03 / READY FOR EACH GAME
Less switching. More playing.
Keep a profile for each game and configure Auto Profiles to switch with the foreground application.
INSIDE NEXUS
Built Around Your Controller.
Map the controls, shape the feedback and save your setup. Explore the actual Nexus workspace below.
Your Controller At A Glance
See your active profile, battery, connection and virtual output in one place.
Controls That Fit Your Game
Remap buttons and build profiles for the way you play.
Create Your Trigger Feel
Design linked or independent L2 and R2 effects for DualSense and Edge.
Feel Your Game’s Audio
Turn system or app audio into grip feedback, then tune the response.
Actual Nexus beta screenshots. Some captures display the earlier build number.
QUICK ANSWERS
Before You Start
One download, clear setup. Find the answer here or explore the documentation.
Are DS4Windows and DS5Windows the same app?
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.
Which virtual controllers can Nexus create?
Choose Xbox 360, Xbox One / Series, DualShock 4, DualSense, DualSense Edge or Switch 2 Pro output in your profile. Nexus uses VIIPER and USB-IP to present the supported virtual controller to Windows. See virtual output settings for configuration.
Will every physical controller work?
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.
Is DS4Windows Nexus free?
Yes. Nexus is an open-source project. The download includes matching GPL source and the original contributor and third-party notices. Read About DS4Windows for the project history.
Do I need to install .NET separately?
The full Windows x64 package includes its desktop runtime. Extract the complete ZIP and keep the files together. Follow Getting Started for the required virtual-output checks and optional drivers.
Does every game support adaptive triggers?
Game-authored adaptive effects require game support and the appropriate output settings. You can also design local effects for DualSense and Edge in Trigger Lab. Audio Haptics is a separate source of grip feedback.
Can DS4Windows reduce input latency?
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.
Should I delete my settings to fix a problem?
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
Start with the essentials.
- Get Nexus
Extract the complete Windows x64 package. The desktop runtime is included.
- Check your PC
First-run setup separates required virtual output from optional components.
- Make it yours
Select your controller, test input and choose or create a profile.
Find your controller.
Support depends on the model, connection and feature. Check the matrix before you download.
PlayStation
DualShock 3, DualShock 4, DualSense and DualSense Edge. Find connection instructions and the feedback features available for your model.
View compatibility →
Nintendo
Switch Pro, Joy-Con, Switch 2 Pro and Joy-Con 2. Check connection options, pairing, gyro controls and rumble.
View compatibility →
Xbox
Understand Xbox virtual output for PC games, and how it differs from connecting a physical Xbox controller.
View compatibility →
Generic & third-party
Check the exact model and operating mode. A familiar button layout does not guarantee a compatible input report.
View compatibility →
Something not feeling right?
Start with the symptom. Follow a check that helps narrow it down.