Gamepad Core Host Python Client

A Windows Python CLI client for GamepadCoreHost.dll. It discovers supported Sony controllers through the Windows HID API, polls input, and demonstrates DualSense output features such as rumble, lightbar colors, and adaptive triggers.

Requirements

• Windows
• Python 3.10 or newer
• A compatible GamepadCoreHost.dll build and its runtime dependencies
• A supported Sony controller:
  • DualShock 4
  • DualSense
  • DualSense Edge

The client uses only Python's standard library; no packages need to be installed.

Related Repositories

• Gamepad-Core-Host
• Dualsense-Multiplatform

Run

Use the configured default DLL path:

python main.py

Provide a DLL path explicitly:

python main.py --dll "C:\path\to\GamepadCoreHost.dll"

Continuously discover devices and process inputs:

python main.py --loop

Useful options:

-d, --dll PATH       Path to GamepadCoreHost.dll
-l, --loop           Run continuous discovery and input polling
-i, --interval TIME  Loop interval in seconds
--info                Display native API structure details

Controller Mapping

When a controller connects, the application displays the active mapping:

Input	Output
Cross	Heavy rumble and red light
Circle	Soft rumble and yellow light
Square	GameCube trigger effect message
Triangle	Stop adaptive triggers and set blue light
L1	Gallop effect on L2
R1	Machine effect on R2
D-pad Up	Feedback (rigid) effect on R2
D-pad Down	Bow (tension) effect on R2
D-pad Left	Weapon (semi) effect on R2
D-pad Right	Automatic gun (buzz) effect on R2

Effects are applied only when a button transitions from released to pressed. Each output operation is committed through GCH_UpdateOutput.

Test

python -m unittest -v test_gamepad.py

The DLL integration test runs only when the configured DLL path exists.

Copyright

Copyright (c) 2026 valoto.games. All rights reserved.