Winlator provides a versatile platform for running Windows games on Android, but the real fun starts when you add external controllers or a keyboard and mouse combo.
While Winlator does have a built-in virtual controller and RTS-style keys, playing with a physical controller or using the classic keyboard-mouse setup brings a superior experience, especially for action-packed games.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to set up both input methods for a smooth and responsive gameplay experience.
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How to Use a Controller in Winlator
Whether you’re using a GameSir X4 Aileron or another compatible controller, connecting a gamepad to Winlator can give you a console-like gaming experience.
Here’s how to configure and optimize your controller setup:
1. Before diving into the settings, connect your controller to your Android device.
If you’re using a Bluetooth controller, ensure that it’s paired with your phone.
If you have a wired controller, simply connect it using a USB OTG (On-The-Go) cable.
2. Once your controller is connected, launch Winlator and enter a Container (this is where your game will run).
Tap the Back button on your phone while inside the container, and click on Controls from the menu.
3. Tap on Input Controls and a drop-down menu will appear. Winlator provides multiple control schemes. You can choose from the following:
- RTS (Real-Time Strategy) style controls for strategy-based games.
- Virtual Gamepad if you prefer using the on-screen controller.
- Custom Controller Profile if you have an external gamepad.
4. To customize your controller further, click the Settings icon next to the custom profile option.
Here, you can change the key mappings, modify button responses, and tweak settings specific to your game.
5. To make sure your controller works seamlessly select External Controllers to change the button mappings for your gamepad.
You can assign specific functions to the buttons on your controller based on your preferences and the game you’re playing.
With these steps, your controller should now be fully configured and ready to use with Winlator, providing a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
How to Use keyboard and mouse in Winlator
If you’re more comfortable with the keyboard and mouse setup, you’ll be happy to know that Winlator detects both Bluetooth and wired peripherals.
This setup is perfect for games like first-person shooters or strategy titles that require precise input.
Follow these steps to set up your keyboard and mouse in Winlator.
1. First, connect your keyboard and mouse to your Android phone. If you are using wireless Mouse and keyboard pair them via your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
For wired keyboard and mouse connection, use a USB OTG adapter to connect them.
2. Open Winlator and load the game you want to play by running a Container.
3. One common issue with using a keyboard in Winlator is that certain keys (like Enter and Esc) may not work as expected. To fix this, we’ll use a third-party app called Key Remapper.
Exit Winlator and download the Key Remapper setup.exe file from the link above. Make sure that Key Remapper’s files are downloaded in the Downloads folder.
4. Open a Winlator Container, go to the D: drive, and run the setup.exe file to install Key Remapper.
5. Once installed, click on the Start button inside Winlator and navigate to Programs > ATNSOFT Key Remapper, and launch the program.
6. In Key Remapper, select Insert Action to manually map the faulty keys like Enter and Esc to their proper bindings.
With this, your keyboard and mouse should work perfectly in Winlator, allowing you to enjoy your Windows games with the precision and comfort of a traditional PC setup.
Using a controller or a keyboard-mouse combo in Winlator takes your mobile gaming experience to the next level. Whether you’re playing fast-paced action games or complex strategy titles, both input methods offer enhanced control and make the gameplay feel more intuitive.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, even beginners can get their controllers or peripherals up and running in no time, ensuring a seamless gaming experience on Android.
You forget to mention when using BT or USB mouse there will be 2 cursors on Android: One being the cursor in Winlator, the second being Androids native cursor. So when Playing FPS games the mouse moves your view, but at the same time Androids cursor will be moving through the game screen. Please allow Winlator to better capture the mouse, so we won’t see Androids native mouse. (like in Samsung DEX)
It even won‘t start a Container. Loads for a minute then I am back in the launcher. Snapdragon here with Adreno and 4Gigs of RAM.