XInput is compatible with DirectX version 9 and later.
This instruction set provided full support for Xbox 360 controllers in Windows XP SP1 and subsequent operating systems, and is described by Microsoft as being easier to program for and requiring less setup than DirectInput. XInput, an API for 'next generation' controllers, was introduced in December 2005 alongside the launch of the Xbox 360. None of these limitations exist if using the Xbox 360 Controller with XInput.Īn 'Xbox 360 Controller', with the default Microsoft driver, has the following limitations with DirectInput, compared to XInput: In XInput 1.4 introduced with Windows 8 support of querying for headset devices was reintroduced. XInput is for Xbox 360 controllers, while DirectInput is for any controller. See the List of XInput enabled games for more details.ĭirectInput and XInput provide benefits over normal Win32 input events: Although many PC video games support the XInput library, some games might not work with this controller. The Xbox 360 controller provides a standard USB Human interface device software interface, but is designed for the Microsoft XInput interface library. The XInput API also has limits that DirectInput does not:
