The Gamepad Dataset on GamepadTester.io is a collection of gamepad data contributed by users from around the world. It serves as a valuable resource for developers looking to enhance game controller compatibility, troubleshoot issues, and analyze gamepad behavior across different models and configurations. This dataset includes detailed information about gamepad models, button and axis configurations, and mapping patterns, helping developers improve gamepad support in their web applications and games.
What is the Gamepad Dataset ?
How Gamepad Data is Collected
Dataset Structure
Common Use Cases for the Dataset
Contributing to the Dataset
How Developers Can Benefit
Accessing the Dataset
The Gamepad Dataset is a curated collection of gamepad data gathered from users who interact with the gamepad testing tool on our site. It includes:
Gamepad models and manufacturers
Button mappings and configurations
Axis data for joysticks and triggers
Connection types (wired, wireless, Bluetooth)
Miscellaneous metadata, such as firmware versions
By creating a shared dataset of gamepad interactions, developers gain access to valuable data that reflects how different gamepads function when connected to a web browser. This dataset helps identify common patterns, issues, and features across various gamepad models.
The dataset is generated through user interaction with our Gamepad Tester tool. When a user connects their gamepad and begins testing it on the site, the following data is automatically collected :
The unique identifier of the gamepad, usually a combination of the manufacturer and model.
Information on the number of buttons, their layout, and how they respond to input.
Information about how many axes (e.g., joysticks, triggers) the gamepad has, and the range of motion for each axis.
Whether the gamepad is connected via USB, Bluetooth, or another wireless method.
Information on the environment in which the gamepad is being tested, which can impact performance.
This data is collected with the user’s consent and anonymized before being added to the global dataset. It provides insight into the performance and compatibility of different gamepads across various platforms and browsers.
The Gamepad Dataset is structured in a way that is easy to navigate and understand. Here’s an outline of the key data points included :
The name or identifier of the gamepad as detected by the browser.
Information about the gamepad’s manufacturer, e.g., “Sony”, “Microsoft”, “Nintendo”, etc.
Data on how many buttons the gamepad has, and the mapping of those buttons (including common functions such as A/B/X/Y or triggers).
Joystick and trigger axis data, including how each axis is mapped and the range of movement.
Data collected on the input response speed between button press and browser registration, useful for identifying performance issues.
Whether the gamepad is connected via wired USB, wireless, or Bluetooth.
Browser version, operating system, and device type used for testing the gamepad, which helps in analyzing cross-platform compatibility.
Whether the button/axis mappings match the expected or default browser mappings for a given gamepad.
The dataset is designed to be lightweight yet comprehensive, providing developers with all the essential data they need to assess and troubleshoot gamepad performance.
The Gamepad Dataset can be applied in several scenarios that benefit developers, gamers, and manufacturers alike. Some common use cases include :
Developers can ensure their games or web-based applications are compatible with a wide range of controllers. By referencing the dataset, they can create custom mappings or adjust sensitivity settings to match popular gamepads.
If a user is experiencing issues with their gamepad in a browser-based game or tool, developers can cross-check the dataset to identify possible causes, such as inconsistent button mapping or incorrect axis detection.
The dataset contains input response times, which can help developers optimize their applications for low-latency inputs, an important factor for action games or competitive scenarios.
By comparing gamepad performance across different platforms and browsers, developers can identify platform-specific quirks or issues and optimize their applications for a smoother experience across multiple environments.
With the data on button and axis mappings, developers can better understand how different gamepads handle input and potentially provide fallback options for less common controllers.
You can contribute to the Gamepad Dataset by simply using the Gamepad Tester tool on our site. Every time a user connects and tests a gamepad, anonymized data about their controller is added to the global dataset. This growing collection of gamepad information will continue to expand and improve over time, helping developers access the latest information about gamepad behavior in the wild.
Users are encouraged to test a variety of controllers on different browsers and platforms. The more diverse the data, the better we can support game developers and users worldwide.
The Gamepad Dataset provides developers with real-world insights into how gamepads behave in different environments. Here’s how developers can benefit :
By analyzing common button and axis layouts, developers can ensure their games or applications respond correctly to a wide range of gamepads, reducing the chances of misconfiguration or incorrect input handling.
If certain gamepads are not performing as expected in a particular browser or operating system, developers can use the dataset to isolate the issue and find patterns that point to the underlying problem.
With a broad understanding of how different gamepads work, developers can provide better support and customization options for players, such as allowing users to remap buttons or adjust joystick sensitivity.
As the dataset grows with new gamepad models and configurations, developers can proactively support upcoming devices and ensure their applications remain compatible with the latest hardware.
The Gamepad Dataset is available for developers and researchers to access via the GamepadTester.io website. The dataset can be explored and used for non-commercial research and development purposes. As the dataset grows, we plan to offer additional tools and insights to help developers make the most of the data.
In the future, we may also offer downloadable datasets for developers who want to analyze gamepad behavior offline or incorporate this data into their development workflows.
The Gamepad Dataset on GamepadTester.io is a powerful resource for developers looking to improve gamepad support and optimize controller input in their applications. By leveraging this dataset, you can ensure better compatibility, more responsive input handling, and a smoother user experience across a wide range of game controllers. Whether you're troubleshooting input issues, developing games, or researching gamepad behavior, this dataset is an essential tool to help you succeed.