Joystick Tester
Connect your joystick or gamepad via USB or Bluetooth, then press any button to begin testing.
What Does Joystick Tester Check?
Joystick Tester is a free online tool that checks every input on your controller in real time using the browser Gamepad API. It detects each button press, trigger, and analog stick movement, then displays them instantly on screen. The tool reads the raw signals from your device, so you can confirm whether every button registers correctly and whether each axis responds smoothly. It also counts the total number of buttons and axes your controller reports, making it easy to spot a stuck button, a dead input, or a faulty stick before you start gaming.
Supported Controllers
This joystick tester works with almost any game controller, joystick, or arcade stick that connects through USB or Bluetooth. It supports popular gamepads like Xbox controllers, PlayStation DualShock and DualSense pads, Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, and generic PC gamepads. Flight sticks, racing wheels, and HOTAS setups are also detected as long as your operating system recognizes them. Because the tool relies on the browser instead of drivers, no extra software or setup is required. Any input device the Gamepad API can read will appear here with its buttons and axes auto-labeled.
How To Use This Tool
Using this joystick tester is simple and takes only a few seconds. First, plug your controller into your computer with a USB cable or pair it over Bluetooth. Once connected, press any button on the device so the browser can detect it. The tool then builds a live layout showing every button and axis. Move the analog sticks and press each button one by one to watch the on-screen indicators light up. The connection badge at the top confirms your controller is active and shows the device name it has detected.
Understanding Your Results
When a button works, its box turns green the moment you press it, and the axis bars shift as you move the sticks. A healthy controller lights up every button you press and returns each stick to the center at rest. If a button stays grey when pressed, that input may be broken or unresponsive. If an axis drifts away from center without you touching it, your stick likely has stick drift, a common hardware fault. Watching the live response helps you confirm calibration, spot dead zones, and decide whether your controller needs repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my joystick not detected?
A: Most browsers hide a controller until you press a button after connecting it. Press any button or move a stick, and the tool will detect your device right away.
Q: Does the joystick tester work without installing drivers?
A: Yes. It runs entirely in your browser using the Gamepad API, so no drivers, downloads, or setup are needed.
Q: How do I check for stick drift?
A: Leave the analog sticks untouched and watch the axis bars. If they move on their own or do not rest near the center, your controller has stick drift.
Q: Which browsers support this tool?
A: It works best in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Older browsers without Gamepad API support will show a warning message instead.
Q: Can I test a PlayStation or Xbox controller?
A: Yes. DualSense, DualShock, and Xbox controllers all work over USB or Bluetooth once your system recognizes them.
Q: Why are some buttons not lighting up?
A: If a button stays grey when pressed, it may be faulty, dirty, or unresponsive. Try cleaning it or testing another controller to confirm.