How to Make Linux Use an Xbox Controller

Configure your Xbox controller to your Ubuntu computer.

Linux is a basis for many operating systems that, unlike Windows and OSX, are free and highly customizable. Ubuntu, one of the more user-friendly Linux distributions, is one popular variant. Within Ubuntu, you can configure your very own Xbox 360 controller for use on your computer in just a few steps without the need for extra software.

Things You'll Need

• Xbox 360 controller
• USB adapter (optional, for older model controllers)

Instructions

1. Open the Menu bar and find "Terminal." Open it and type in the following:

   sudo apt-get install linux-headers-`uname -r` build-essential automake1.9

   Hit "Enter." This will compile and install necessary drivers and packages.

2. Type in the following the in same Terminal window:

   sudo apt-get install jscalibrator libgii1 libjsw2

   Hit "Enter."

3. Enter the following in Terminal:

   cd

   mkdir xpad

   Hit "Enter." This command will create a directory for the module that will allow you to use your controller in Ubuntu.

4. Paste the following into Terminal:

   cd xpad

   wget "http://Xbox-linux.cvs.sourceforge.net/*checkout*/Xbox-linux/kernel-2.6/drivers/USB/input/xpad.c" "http://Xbox-linux.cvs.sourceforge.net/*checkout*/Xbox-linux/kernel-2.6/drivers/USB/input/xpad.h"

   Hit "Enter."

5. Navigate to the Menu bar and find "Text Editor" or a similar program. Paste the following into the file:

   KERNEL_PATH?=/usr/src/linux-headers-$(shell uname -r)

   EXTRA_CFLAGS=-I$(shell pwd)

   obj-m:=xpad.o

   all:

   $(MAKE) modules -C $(KERNEL_PATH) SUBDIRS=$(shell pwd)

   install:

   cp -f xpad.ko /lib/modules/$(shell uname -r)/kernel/drivers/input/joystick

   Save the file and name it "Makefile."

6. Enter the following into Terminal:

   make

   sudo make install

   sudo modprobe -r xpad

   sudo depmod -a

   sudo modprobe xpad

   Hit "Enter." This will compile the controller module. If an error message is displayed, please review the steps and make sure you did not miss anything.

7. Connect your controller to your computer via USB. Open Terminal and type "dmesg" and hit "Enter." A description like "Xbox 360 Controller" should appear. If so, you are done.

Tips & Warnings

• This method is written for Ubuntu but should work in similar fashion for other Debian-based distributions.

References

• Ubuntu Documentation: Xbox360Controller