Home >> Internet Games >> Video Game Accessories

How to Use Gamepad to Play Keyboard Games

Many games on the PC use a keyboard and mouse interface that may be unfamiliar or unintuitive for players of console game systems. While some games offer built-in gamepad support, it is still fairly uncommon. This is especially true of newer, cutting-edge games and those genres that have traditionally avoided console systems. First-person shooters and real-time strategy games regularly lack the capability to play with a gamepad. This can be remedied with the use of a specialized program.

Things You'll Need

Internet access
Internet browser
Gamepad

Instructions

- 1
  Visit the Xpadder.com to purchase the latest version of Xpadder or Softpedia.com for the last freeware version (see link in References). This program enables gamepad support for keyboard-based games.
- 2
  Run the Xpadder program and select "New" to configure your gamepad controls. This will save a configuration specific to that pad so that you can use multiple pads with their own saved settings.
- 3
  Choose the type of controller you are using. There are defaults for Microsoft Xbox 360 controllers and other common gamepads. You may also simply select the number of buttons or toggles.
- 4
  Use the tabs at the bottom of the configuration tool to map the buttons to their respective keyboard commands. The system will walk you through each button and which keys you wish to map.
- 5
  Save the profile under the name of your gamepad and launch a keyboard-supported game. Your game should now recognize gamepad information as the respective keyboard strokes.

Video Game Accessories