Touchpad Mode vs. Controller Mode: When to Actually Switch
Switching modes at the wrong moment is more disruptive than just living with the "wrong" mode for a menu. Here is a simple rule for exactly when switching is worth it.
AI Summary
Use controller mode for anything inside the game itself — almost all modern games support full controller navigation in menus and inventories. Switch to touchpad mode only for things that were never designed for a controller at all: desktop app launchers, browser windows, or PC settings outside the game.
Switching modes takes a few seconds and breaks flow — knowing when you genuinely need to versus when the controller already works saves those interruptions.
The Simple Rule
If the thing on screen is part of the game — its main menu, pause menu, inventory, settings, or map screen — try the controller first. The overwhelming majority of modern PC games are built with controller navigation for all of these, since consoles require it and most games target both.
If the thing on screen is NOT part of the game — a launcher client sitting on the desktop before the game opens, a browser tab, or a Windows settings panel — that is when touchpad mode earns its place, since those interfaces were built assuming a mouse and have no controller navigation at all.
The Launcher Problem Specifically
The most common "do I need touchpad mode" moment is a game launcher (Steam's desktop view outside Big Picture, Epic Games Store, a standalone launcher) sitting in front of the actual game. These are desktop applications, not games, and usually have no controller support — this is the single clearest case for switching to touchpad mode temporarily.
Once the actual game loads, switch back to controller mode — most players find they switch modes once per session, right before launch, rather than repeatedly during play.
When People Switch Unnecessarily
A common mistake is switching to touchpad mode for an in-game inventory or crafting menu just because it looks complex, when the game actually supports full controller navigation for it — this adds an unnecessary mode-switch and a mouse-cursor workflow that is often slower than the controller shortcuts the game already built for that screen.
If a menu feels awkward with the controller, check the game's own control hints on screen first (they often show a controller-specific shortcut) before assuming touchpad mode is required.
Checklist
Questions People Ask
Does switching to touchpad mode disconnect the controller?
No — it is a mode switch on the same connection, not a disconnect and reconnect, so switching back is instant.
Can I use touchpad mode and controller mode at the same time somehow?
No, Gamepad operates in one mode at a time per phone — but switching takes a tap and has no meaningful delay.
Is touchpad mode precise enough for actual desktop work, not just launchers?
It is built for quick navigation tasks like clicking through a launcher or dismissing a popup, not as a full replacement for a real mouse during extended desktop use.
Ready to use your phone as a controller?
Download the phone app and Windows server, then connect over local WiFi.
Download GamepadRelated Guides
Touchpad Mode Guide for Steam Games with a Phone Controller
Switch to touchpad mode when a launcher, emulator menu, or game inventory works better with mouse input.
Touchpad Mode Guide for Epic Games with Your Phone as a Controller
Switch to touchpad mode when a launcher, emulator menu, or game inventory works better with mouse input.
Touchpad Mode Guide for Xbox App and Game Pass with a Phone Controller
Switch to touchpad mode when a launcher, emulator menu, or game inventory works better with mouse input.
Touchpad Mode Guide for PC Emulators with Your Phone as a Controller
Switch to touchpad mode when a launcher, emulator menu, or game inventory works better with mouse input.