Dogs Pc Controller Fix | Sleeping

Since "Sleeping Dogs" is a older game (originally released in 2012), it has common issues recognizing modern controllers (like Xbox One, Xbox Series, or PS4/PS5 controllers) on PC. The game often confuses them with DirectInput devices, resulting in mixed-up buttons or no input at all.

Here is a guide to fixing controller issues for Sleeping Dogs (and the Definitive Edition) on PC.

For PlayStation 4 (DualShock 4) & PlayStation 5 (DualSense)

The Problem: Windows sees these as DirectInput devices. Sleeping Dogs speaks XInput. sleeping dogs pc controller fix

The Fix: Use DS4Windows.

  1. Download the latest version of DS4Windows (from Ryochan7’s GitHub).
  2. Install the required drivers (run the program and follow the setup prompt).
  3. In DS4Windows settings, check "Hide DS4 Controller" (crucial).
  4. Connect your controller via USB or Bluetooth.
  5. Now launch Sleeping Dogs. The game will think you are using an Xbox 360 controller.

PlayStation 4 (DS4) or PlayStation 5 (DualSense)

Not natively supported – requires wrapper. Since "Sleeping Dogs" is a older game (originally

Method A – DS4Windows (Recommended):

  1. Download DS4Windows.
  2. Install drivers (Run DS4Windows → Settings → Controller/Driver Setup).
  3. Set "Emulated Controller" to Xbox 360.
  4. In game settings, ensure "Use Xbox Controller" is NOT forced.
  5. Launch game. It will see an Xbox controller.

Method B – Steam Input (for DE only):

  1. Steam → Settings → Controller → Enable PlayStation Support.
  2. Game Properties → Controller → Enable Steam Input.
  3. In-game, PS button icons may appear but are rare – you'll see Xbox icons.

Common PS Issue: Triggers or gyro acting weird → In DS4Windows, disable "Use Virtual Bus Driver" if enabled.

Fix 1: Disable Steam Input (The #1 Fix for Most Users)

Steam tries to wrap modern controllers into Xbox 360 emulation, but Sleeping Dogs gets confused by the double input. For PlayStation 4 (DualShock 4) & PlayStation 5

  1. Open Steam → Go to Library.
  2. Right-click Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition → Properties → Controller.
  3. Dropdown menu: Select “Disable Steam Input”.
  4. Launch the game. Your controller should now work natively (if it’s an Xbox controller).