Identify Your Controller Using Vendor ID and Product Codes

When testing your gamepad, it’s important to know exactly which controller you have. Sometimes, your device may appear as “Unknown Gamepad” if your operating system or the tester can’t automatically detect it. Fortunately, every controller has a unique Vendor ID and Product Code, which help you identify the exact model to install the correct drivers and get proper support for your specific gamepad.

What are the Game Controller Vendor ID and Product ID

If you’re having driver issues or need to find specific support for your gamepad, knowing its unique “digital fingerprint” can be the fastest way to get help. This fingerprint is created of two codes: the Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID).

The VID is the four-digit code after VID, and the PID is the four-digit code after PID. In simple terms, your gamepad has its own unique name tag, which is made up of:

• The Vendor ID tells you the company’s unique signature, such as Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, or a third-party brand.

• The Product ID is the manufacturer-given product code, which is standard for DualShock 4, DualSense, and Xbox Elite Series 2.

Identify Your Controller Using Vendor ID and Product Codes

Using the gamepad tester online, your controller’s Vendor ID and Product ID will appear, making it easy to identify the exact name and model of your device. You can check the known controller list and match the Vendor ID and Product ID with those shown in the table.

This information is important if you need specific third-party game controller replacement parts, upgrades, or feature comparisons of the same make and model.

Tip: You can identify mobile gamepads using the following Vendor IDs and Product Codes.

How to Check Your Controller with the Gamepad Tester

Connect your game controller to your PC or mobile device, then open gamepadstest.com. Check the device name and its Vendor/Product codes. Next, test all controller functions, buttons, joysticks, triggers, paddles, and vibrations, all in one place.

Note: If your gamepad still appears as “Unknown,” perform a factory reset. This often fixes controller input lag, and solves connection issues.

Why do you need to know your Gamepad Vendor ID and Product ID?

Your gamepad’s Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) are helpful when you run into technical problems and need specific solutions. Think of these IDs as your controller’s unique fingerprint. They’re most useful for the following reasons:

Fixing driver issues: If your PC doesn’t automatically recognize your game controller, you can use the VID and PID to manually find and install the correct driver.

Getting accurate help: When asking for support online, sharing these codes helps experts identify your gamepad’s exact make and model so they can provide the right fix.

Enabling advanced software: Some PC gaming tools and emulators require the Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) for specific gamepad model configuration.

Code your Custom Drivers: To code drivers for a custom controller, you need its unique Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) to associate your drivers with your game controller.

How to Find Your Gamepad Vendor ID and Product ID?

On the Windows Operating System, you can easily find your controller’s Product ID and Vendor ID by following these steps:

1. Open Device Manager on your Windows computer.
2. Find your game controller in the list, under Human Interface Devices.
3. Right-click the controller’s name and select Properties.
4. Go to the Details tab and choose ‘Hardware Ids’ from the drop-down menu.

You’ll see a list of codes. Look for the parts that say VID_ and PID_. The four digits after VID_ are your Vendor ID, and the four digits after PID_ are your Product ID.

For example, if you see a code like USB\VID_045E&PID_02EA, it means,

• VID: 045E (This is Microsoft’s code)
• PID: 02EA (This specific code is for an Xbox One S controller)’

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