Quick answer
Stick values within about ±0.05 at rest are normal; above ±0.15 is stick drift you'll notice in games. Connect your controller, press a button, then let go of the sticks.
How to use the Gamepad Tester
- Connect your controller by USB cable or pair it via Bluetooth.
- Press any button. Browsers only reveal a controller after a button press.
- Press each button and trigger. They light up while pressed and keep a green border once tested. Triggers show how far they're pressed.
- Move both sticks in full circles, then let go. A healthy stick returns to the center with values close to 0.
- Click Test vibration to check the rumble motors (supported in Chrome and Edge).
Example
In a game your character slowly walks forward on its own. In the tester, with your hands off the controller, the left stick dot sits slightly above center at y −0.14. That's stick drift. Increasing the dead zone in the game's settings to 0.15 hides it, and cleaning or replacing the stick module fixes it permanently.
How it works
Your browser's Gamepad API reports each controller's buttons and axes about 60 times per second. Buttons have a value from 0 (released) to 1 (fully pressed); analog triggers report values in between. Each stick has two axes from −1 to 1: left/right and up/down.
Most controllers use the browser's standard layout, so buttons are labeled with both Xbox and PlayStation names. Unusual controllers may use a different layout; their buttons are then shown by number.
Stick drift happens when the sensor inside an analog stick wears out or gets dirty, so it reports movement while you're not touching it. Games use a “dead zone” to ignore small values; drift becomes a problem once it's larger than the dead zone.
Dealing with stick drift and connection problems
- Recalibrate first: on Windows, search for “Set up USB game controllers” › Properties › Settings › Calibrate. Mild drift sometimes disappears.
- Clean the stick: with the controller off, push the stick to the edge and blow compressed air around the base while rotating it.
- Raise the dead zone: most games let you set a stick dead zone. Set it just above the drift value this tester shows.
- PlayStation controller not detected over Bluetooth: hold PS + Share (PS4) or PS + Create (PS5) until the light bar flashes, then pair it in your system's Bluetooth settings.
- Buttons appear under different numbers: some controllers don't use the standard layout in browsers. Steam Input or the manufacturer's software can fix this for games.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't my controller detected?
Press a button on the controller: browsers hide controllers until you interact with them. Also make sure it's connected in your system's settings, and try another USB cable (some cables only charge).
Does this work with PS5 and PS4 controllers?
Yes. DualSense and DualShock 4 controllers work in Chrome, Edge and Firefox via USB or Bluetooth. Vibration testing depends on the browser and connection.
How much stick drift is too much?
Values under about 0.05 at rest are normal. Between 0.05 and 0.15, most games' dead zones hide it. Above 0.15, you'll likely notice drift in games.
Why doesn't the vibration test work?
Vibration is only supported in some browsers, mainly Chrome and Edge, and not for every controller or connection type.
Can I test Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons?
Yes, when paired with your computer via Bluetooth. Each Joy-Con appears as a separate controller with its own layout.