Even though Linux is not the premier platform for game lovers, things improved a lot over the last couple of years. So, now we have more games on Linux, and gamepad and peripheral support, in general, is also improving.
However, what about using your controller to play games that have no official gamepad support on Linux? The answer is AntiMicroX.
What exactly is AntiMicroX?
Even though its name doesn’t tell a lot right away, AntiMicroX is a free, open-source, and cross-platform app (works on Windows and most Linux distributions) that allows you to map keyboard buttons and mouse controls (as well as scripts and macros) to a gamepad.
The app is capable of generating SDL2 configurations, making it perfect for all those who have Xbox360 and PS controllers, as well as for those with more atypical gamepads.
What about features?
Besides its usefulness in the case of games without gamepad support by default, it can also be used to control any desktop app. As mentioned before, it can be used for the mapping of both gamepads and joysticks buttons to keyboard buttons, mouse buttons, and gestures, scripts and executables, as well as macros (consisting of all the previous elements).
AntiMicroX is also capable of assigning multiple switchable sets of mappings to a specific gamepad. The app also has an auto profile feature but assigns profiles to active app windows (Wayland is currently not supported).
While not impressive in any meaningful way, the app’s GUI is quite decent. Don’t expect it to be at the standard of official gamepad apps from big producers, but you get a functional Calibration Center and various ways to perfectly assign all the necessary keys and mouse gestures to your gamepad.
Verdict
AntiMicroX is the continuation of an older project called AntiMicro. While it’s not the most beautiful app out there, its functionality is spot on, and the fact that it’s available for almost all Linux distributions is pretty cool.
