Info about Controller Companion:

Official game description:
**Use your controller even when you're not in-game or in Big Picture.**  
Never leave the couch when using a controller with PC. Control mouse, keyboard and media player. No more getting up to muck about with mouse and keyboard to launch the game you wanted to play.  
**Mouse and Keyboard Control on the Desktop**  
When Big-Picture is not running, you can control the mouse with the left thumbstick and scroll with the right thumbstick.  
Click the left thumbstick and you get keyboard input directly on the desktop with a nice arcade-style keyboard spiral.  
**Turns off your wireless controller when you turn off your PC**  
Never again will you have to pop out the battery to turn off the controller when you turn off the PC. (Only Xbox 360 Controllers)  
**Very Low CPU usage**  
Controller Companion makes sure to stay in the background and use as few resources as possible. It will also disable itself as soon as Big Picture is running.  
**Switch between PC and TV displays**  
Switch between your connected monitors or TV screens with the controller.  
**Use Controller as a Media Remote**  
Control your music player with the controller using Y for Play/Pause and the shoulder buttons for Previous and Next track.  
**Customization**  
You can remap the buttons.  
**Xbox 360 Chatpad Support**  
You can finally put the Xbox 360 Chatpad to use on PC. A custom experimental driver will allow you to use the Chatpad whenever you are not playing any games.
Freqently Asked Questions:
--------------------------
**Does it work with Xbox One and Wired Xbox 360 Controllers?**  
Yes, it works with any controller that is supports XInput.  
**Why did it stop working when playing fullscreen video?**  
Controller Companion auto-disables for fullscreen programs, you can override it by holding back and start. See the video above about Auto-Disable.  
**Will running this app show me as "Playing Controller Companion"?**  
No! Controller Companion will launch through Steam and then run in the background.  
**Do I need to have Steam running to use Controller Companion**  
No, you can even set Controller Companion to automatically start when you start your PC.  
**Is there any kind of DRM in Controller Companion?**  
No.  
**Can I use my PlayStation controllers?**  
No, not without installing an XInput wrapper.  
**Is the Xbox One Chatpad supported?**  
The Xbox One Chatpad is supported by Windows 10 natively. You will not need to install Controller Companions chatpad driver do use the Xbox One chatpad  
**Can I remap the Xbox One Elite paddles?**  
No, the paddles always have the same functionality as the buttons they have been mapped to. This is a limitation of Windows 10.

Release date: May 4, 2015

Categories: Utility Software, Customization, Controller Support

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 50; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The general sentiment among users is a strong desire for native Linux support. While the game may run on Linux through Proton or other compatibility layers, the lack of a native version is noted as a significant drawback.
- Steam Deck: score 20; verdict: Highly Effective with Minor Drawbacks; summary: The application is highly praised for its ability to add native controller support to games that lack it, significantly enhancing the user experience for those who prefer using controllers. The virtual keyboard, while functional and uniquely designed, may require some getting used to and can be slow on older hardware. There is a notable desire for Linux support among users. Additionally, while the application works well with Xbox controllers, there are some compatibility issues with PS4 controllers.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $2.50 - $3.50
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that users consistently mention the price point of around $3 as being good value for the software. The reviews highlight that the software is worth trying at this price and offers good value for money. Additionally, the mention of the price in different currencies (BRL and JPY) further supports the idea that the software is reasonably priced around this range.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 0.5h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides some insights into playtime metrics. The review mentioning '20 minutes to write this review' suggests a short session length. The review in French indicates that the counter shows 0.4 hours, which is roughly 24 minutes, likely referring to a single session. Another review mentions 'une première heure de tâtonnement,' which translates to an hour of trial and error, suggesting a session length of about an hour. The German review states that the software was purchased an hour ago, implying a session length of around an hour. However, there is no strong evidence for game completion, story completion, or endgame playtime metrics.
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes:
  - Relaxed Controller User (buy)
    - Motivation: Comfort and convenience
    - Playstyle: Uses a controller to navigate PC from a relaxed position
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Controller User; Relaxed Gamer
    - Reference games: Steam Big Picture
  - Genre-Specific Controller Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Enhanced gaming experience in specific genres
    - Playstyle: Uses a controller to play specific game genres comfortably
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Galgame Player; Controller Enthusiast
    - Reference games: Galgames; Xpadder
  - Practical User (no buy)
    - Motivation: Functionality and support
    - Playstyle: Uses the software for practical purposes and values support
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: Practical User
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- User-friendly interface (weight 0.71): The software is praised for its ease of use, intuitive design, and straightforward setup. Users find it simple to configure and navigate, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy.
- Enhances controller compatibility (weight 0.62): The software allows the use of controllers in games that do not natively support them, enabling custom button mappings and configurations. This includes detailed button mapping and the ability to switch seamlessly between keyboard/mouse and controller inputs.
- Ideal for couch gaming (weight 0.46): The software enhances the gaming experience by allowing users to play comfortably from various positions, such as lying down or sitting on a couch. It is convenient for those who prefer a more relaxed gaming setup.
- Built-in virtual keyboard (weight 0.44): The software includes a virtual keyboard that allows typing without a physical keyboard, making it convenient for users to input text and navigate their PC using only a controller.
- Highly customizable (weight 0.39): The software offers extensive customization options, allowing users to configure settings and button mappings to their personal preferences. This flexibility enhances the user experience by tailoring the controls to individual needs.
- Works out of the box (weight 0.35): The software is noted for its seamless setup and smooth operation without requiring extensive configuration. Users appreciate that it works well right from the start and runs smoothly in various environments, including browsers.
- Compatible with Xbox controllers (weight 0.33): The software supports a range of Xbox controllers, including Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers, making it easy for users to integrate their preferred gaming peripherals with their PC.
- Good value for money (weight 0.28): Users find the software to be reasonably priced and worth the investment, offering good value for its cost. It is considered a cost-effective solution for enhancing gaming and PC navigation with a controller.
- Independent of Steam (weight 0.21): The software can run independently of Steam, allowing users to update and use it without needing the Steam client. This independence is appreciated by users who prefer not to rely on additional platforms.
- Useful for web browsing (weight 0.17): The software is useful for general internet browsing and media consumption, allowing users to navigate the web comfortably using a controller. This makes it a versatile tool for both gaming and general PC use.
- Supports game profiles (weight 0.14): The software allows users to create and switch between different controller profiles for various games and programs. This feature enhances the user experience by providing tailored control schemes for different applications.
- Reduces device dependency (weight 0.14): The software reduces the need for multiple devices by allowing the controller to perform various functions, thereby reducing wrist strain and enabling multitasking.
- Works with older games (weight 0.14): The software is compatible with older games, including those from the PlayStation 2 and Xbox Original era, making it useful for emulators and retro gaming.
- Supports Steam Workshop (weight 0.13): The software supports Steam Workshop, which enhances its functionality by allowing users to access and share custom configurations and profiles.

Common complaints:
- Virtual keyboard inconvenience (weight 0.44): The virtual keyboard is not user-friendly, especially for non-English languages like Chinese. It is slow and not as convenient as a physical keyboard, making it difficult to type full sentences or use for chatting and browsing.
- Abandoned by developer (weight 0.34): The software has not received updates since 2020, and the creator no longer provides support. This lack of maintenance makes the software feel outdated and unsupported.
- Lack of advanced features (weight 0.33): The software lacks various advanced features such as macro creation, multiple profiles, and independent mapping of controller paddles. This makes it less versatile compared to other similar programs.
- Limited controller support (weight 0.3): The software only supports XInput gamepads and specifically XBOX series controllers, excluding many other types of controllers. This limits its usability for users with non-XBOX controllers.
- Learning curve and usability (weight 0.28): The spiral keyboard and other features take time to get used to, and there is an initial learning curve. Additionally, the software is not very precise as a mouse replacement and can be slow on older computers.
- Uninstall and compatibility issues (weight 0.23): Users report difficulties with uninstalling the software and compatibility issues with Windows updates. These issues cause frustration and disrupt the user experience.
- Steam integration issues (weight 0.18): The software defaults to Steam's controller settings and has conflicts with Steam input. This can cause issues with game compatibility and user preferences.
- User dissatisfaction and remorse (weight 0.18): Many users experience buyer's remorse due to the software's limitations and issues. There are also suspicions about the developer's status and lack of response to community reports.
- Controller power management issues (weight 0.15): Users cannot turn off the Xbox One controller via the software, and the controller does not automatically turn off when shutting down the computer. This leads to inconvenience and potential battery drain.
- Software reliability issues (weight 0.15): The software is reported to be unreliable, often not working as expected. Users experience constant disconnects, infinite loop issues, and other functionality problems.
- Lack of Linux support (weight 0.1): The software does not have a Linux version and its functionality on Linux is unclear. This limits its usability for Linux users.

Gameplay feedback:
- Controller Support Issues (weight 0.16): Players have reported issues with controller support and compatibility. Some have also mentioned problems with using the controller device as a mouse.

Performance notes:
- Touchpad issues on Legion Go S (weight 0.07): Players have reported performance issues with the touchpad specifically on the Legion Go S device.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended purchase (weight 0.24): The product is frequently praised for its convenience, functionality, and ease of use, making it a highly recommended purchase for many users.
- Great for relaxed gaming (weight 0.11): The product is recommended for gamers who prefer a more relaxed or lazy gaming experience, suggesting it enhances comfort and ease of use.
- Run on Startup setting (weight 0.06): The product includes a Run on Startup setting, which allows for immediate use and adds to its convenience.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.33): Users are satisfied with the app's functionality, ease of use, and reliability. The software's extensive customization, convenience, and ability to enhance gaming experiences, such as turning a PC into a console-like experience and using controllers effectively, contribute significantly to this satisfaction.
- Frustration (weight 0.13): Users experience frustration due to technical issues such as infinite loops, file loss, conflicts with games, and disconnects. Additional frustrations stem from outdated software, lack of compatibility with newer controllers, and difficulties with specific functionalities like typing in Chinese.
- Satisfied (weight 0.09): Users are satisfied with the software's functionality, ease of use, and performance. The software's ability to help with specific needs, such as reducing the hassle of using a wireless keyboard and recognizing different keyboard layouts, also contributes to this satisfaction.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Users are excited about the app's functionality, versatility, and compatibility. The convenience, unique use cases, and overall capabilities of the software generate a sense of excitement among users.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): Users feel disappointed due to the lack of support, unresolved issues, and outdated features. The absence of updates and compatibility with newer systems, such as Linux, also contribute to this disappointment.
- Happy (weight 0.06): Users are happy with the software's performance and often recommend it. Despite mentioning the availability of similar free software, the overall performance keeps users content.
- Gratitude (weight 0.05): Users express gratitude for the app's usefulness, affordability, and its ability to help during physical discomfort or incapacity. The software's positive impact on users' lives and hobbies is a significant source of this gratitude.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Users are enthusiastic about the app's functionality, compatibility, and ease of use. The software's extensive customization and versatility at a low price point generate enthusiasm.
- Excited (weight 0.03): Users are excited about the software's features, functionality, and compatibility. The software's performance and the envy it induces among friends also contribute to this excitement.
- Grateful (weight 0.02): Users are grateful for the software's functionality and its positive impact on their lives. Strong recommendations are often made due to this gratitude.
- Frustrated (weight 0.02): Users feel frustrated due to issues such as buttons not working and the inability to use the on-screen keyboard with a controller.
- Impressed (weight 0.02): Users are impressed with the software's features, ease of use, and functionality. The seamless integration and extensive customization options contribute to this impression.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Users are angry about the inability to uninstall the software and the lack of response from developers. This anger stems from feeling misled and unsupported.
- Approval (weight 0.01): Users approve of the software's features and value. The overall functionality and benefits provided by the software meet user expectations and needs.
- Realization (weight 0.01): Users realize the benefits of using the software for a better gaming experience. This realization often comes from recognizing the software's ability to enhance comfort and convenience.
- Delight (weight 0.01): Users are delighted with the software's extensive customization and seamless integration with various applications. The overall functionality and ease of use contribute to this delight.}