Game Controller Database

A curated and automatically updated game controller mapping database for Linux platforms, based on the SDL_GameControllerDB project.

Overview

This repository provides a filtered and enhanced version of the SDL Game Controller Database specifically optimized for Linux gaming. It automatically monitors the upstream repository for updates and maintains a clean, Linux-focused database with custom controller mappings.

Features

• 🐧 Linux-focused: Filtered to include only Linux-compatible controller mappings
• 🔄 Auto-updated: Daily automated checks for upstream changes
• 🎮 Custom mappings: Includes additional controller configurations for specialized hardware
• 🧹 Duplicate-free: Automatically removes duplicate entries by GUID
• 📊 Clean format: Excludes Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS mappings

Files

• gamecontrollerdb.txt - The main processed database file ready for use
• add_gamecontrollerdb.txt - Custom controller mappings added to the database
• .github/workflows/gamecontrollerdb.yaml - Automated workflow configuration

Supported Controllers

The database includes mappings for a wide variety of controllers including:

• Xbox controllers (360, One, Series X/S)
• PlayStation controllers (PS3, PS4, PS5)
• Nintendo controllers (Pro Controller, Wii Remote)
• Generic USB gamepads
• Arcade controllers (X-Arcade, IPAC)
• Racing wheels (Logitech G25/G27/G29, Thrustmaster)
• Retro gaming controllers (8BitDo, RetroFlag)
• Handheld device controllers (Anbernic, PiBoy DMG)

Usage

Direct Download

Download the gamecontrollerdb.txt file directly from this repository and place it in your application's directory.

Integration with SDL2

#include <SDL2/SDL.h>

int main() {
    SDL_Init(SDL_INIT_GAMECONTROLLER);

    // Load the controller database
    SDL_GameControllerAddMappingsFromFile("gamecontrollerdb.txt");

    // Your game code here

    SDL_Quit();
    return 0;
}

Automation Workflow

The repository uses GitHub Actions to automatically:

1. Monitor the upstream SDL_GameControllerDB repository daily
2. Filter out non-Linux platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)
3. Merge custom controller mappings from add_gamecontrollerdb.txt
4. Deduplicate entries by controller GUID
5. Commit and push updates automatically

Workflow Features

• ⏰ Scheduled execution: Runs daily at midnight UTC
• 🔧 Manual trigger: Can be triggered manually via GitHub Actions
• 📝 Automated commits: Updates are committed with timestamps
• 🧹 Cleanup: Temporary files are automatically removed

Contributing

Adding Custom Controllers

To add support for a new controller:

1. Fork this repository
2. Add your controller mapping to add_gamecontrollerdb.txt
3. Follow the SDL mapping format:

   GUID,Controller Name,button mappings,platform:Linux,
   

4. Submit a pull request

Mapping Format

Each controller mapping follows this structure:

GUID,Name,a:button,b:button,x:button,y:button,...,platform:Linux,

Example:

030000005e0400008e02000021010000,Microsoft X-Box 360 pad,a:b0,b:b1,x:b2,y:b3,back:b6,start:b7,guide:b8,leftshoulder:b4,rightshoulder:b5,leftstick:b9,rightstick:b10,leftx:a0,lefty:a1,rightx:a3,righty:a4,lefttrigger:a2,righttrigger:a5,dpup:h0.1,dpdown:h0.4,dpleft:h0.8,dpright:h0.2,platform:Linux,

Compatibility

This database is compatible with:

• SDL2 version 2.0.0 and above
• Games using SDL2 for input handling
• Emulators (RetroArch, MAME, etc.)
• Game engines with SDL2 integration

License

This project follows the same licensing as the original SDL_GameControllerDB project. Controller mappings are community-contributed and freely available for use in both commercial and non-commercial projects.

Support

• 🐛 Issues: Report problems via GitHub Issues
• 💬 Discussions: Use GitHub Discussions for questions
• 📖 Documentation: Check SDL2 documentation for mapping details

Related Projects

• SDL_GameControllerDB - Original database
• SDL2 - Simple DirectMedia Layer

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