I’m working on a KWin plugin that enables game controller support in Plasma. I need testers to help validate it works across different hardware.
What Does This Plugin Do?
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Allows game controllers to navigate the Plasma desktop (mouse/keyboard emulation)
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Automatically disables emulation when a game is using the controller
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Prevents system suspend while the controller is active
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Supports hotplugging (connect/disconnect detection)
How to Test
1. Set Up Environment
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Set up a KDE development environment
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Clone this branch of KWin: Files · work/yorisoft/gamepad-plugin · Yelsin Sepulveda / KWin · GitLab
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Build using
kde-builder(or your preferred method)
CONTRIBUTING.md · master · Plasma / KWin · GitLab
2. Run Nested KWin Instance
Launch a nested KWin instance from your source build, then enable the plugin:
kwriteconfig6 --file kwinrc --group Plugins --key gamecontrollerEnabled true
qdbus6 org.kde.KWin /KWin reconfigure
qdbus6 org.kde.KWin /Plugins org.kde.KWin.Plugins.LoadedPlugins
Press Right Ctrl to have the nested KWin instance grab input.
3. Test These Behaviors
| Test | Expected Result |
|---|---|
| Hotplugging | Connecting/disconnecting controller appears in logs |
| App detection | Logs show “controller used by 1+ apps” → emulation disabled |
| Desktop mode | Logs show “controller used by 0 apps” → emulation enabled |
| Idle prevention | With emulation enabled, controller input prevents system suspend (set sleep to 1 min to test) |
| Steam Deck | If you have one, verify built-in controls work as expected |
Default Button Mappings
Currently using steamdeck-style layout. Other layouts coming later.
Analog Sticks
─────────────
Right Stick (ABS_RX/RY) → Mouse cursor movement
Face Buttons
────────────
A (BTN_SOUTH) → Enter
B (BTN_EAST) → Escape
Bumpers
───────
LB (BTN_TL) → Alt
RB (BTN_TR) → Ctrl
Triggers
────────
LT (ABS_Z) → Right Click
RT (ABS_RZ) → Left Click
D-Pad
─────
D-Pad → Arrow Keys
Center Buttons
──────────────
Select → On-Screen Keyboard (planned)
Start → Meta/Super
Report Your Results
Please comment with your results using this format:
Controller: [e.g., Xbox One Wireless, DualSense, 8BitDo Pro 2]
Connection: [USB / Bluetooth]
Result: [Pass / Fail]
Notes: [Any issues, unexpected behavior, or logs you feel worth including]
Known Limitations
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modern game controller layout assumed (more layouts coming later)
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On-screen keyboard binding not yet implemented
Thanks for helping test! 
