input4j
Lightweight, cross-platform Java library for unified gamepad and joystick input handling
The modern solution for java gamepad input and java joystick input - no native dependencies required.
Java 22+ No Native Dependencies MIT License
Quick Start
Add input4j to your project and start handling gamepad input in minutes.
dependencies {
implementation 'de.gurkenlabs:input4j:1.1.1'
}<dependency>
<groupId>de.gurkenlabs</groupId>
<artifactId>input4j</artifactId>
<version>1.1.1</version>
</dependency>try (var devices = InputDevices.init()) {
for (var device : devices.getAll()) {
System.out.println("Found: " + device.getName());
}
}device.onButtonPressed(XInput.Button.A, () ->
System.out.println("A pressed!"));
device.onAxisChanged(XInput.Axis.LEFT_X, value ->
System.out.println("Left X: " + value));Features
Why Use input4j?
Cross-Platform
Works seamlessly on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Single API for all platforms with zero platform-specific code required.
Modern Java API
Leverages the Foreign Function & Memory API (Java 22+) for high-performance native access without JNI complexity.
Unified Input API
Single consistent java game controller API for gamepads, joysticks, and other input devices. Supports XInput, DirectInput, evdev, and IOKit/HID - the ultimate java controller library solution.
No Native Dependencies
No .dll, .so, or .dylib files to manage. Simply add the JAR and start coding. Perfect for distribution. The cleanest way to add java joystick input to your game.
Event-Based & Polling
Flexible input handling with both event-driven callbacks and polling modes. Choose what fits your architecture.
Lightweight
Minimal footprint with no external dependencies. Designed for games, simulations, and applications.
Supported Platforms
Windows
Full support for XInput (Xbox controllers) and DirectInput (legacy gamepads).
Linux
Native evdev integration via /dev/input interface for all HID-compliant gamepads.
macOS
IOKit HID framework integration for reliable gamepad detection on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.