linux-joystick

linux-joystick is a Linux C++ server that:

1. Creates a virtual gamepad with /dev/uinput.
2. Receives controller state over UDP.
3. Applies that state to the virtual gamepad.
4. Exposes a UDP discovery endpoint so clients can find the server.

The executable built by this repo is virtual_remote_server.

Virtual Linux Remote 🎮

System Architecture

Server Initialization & Runtime Flow

Discovery Protocol

Demo Screenshots

Key Features

• Binary UDP controller input on 9000/udp.
• UDP discovery service on 9002/udp.
• Virtual gamepad output via /dev/uinput.
• Sender pair-lock with timeout-based unlock.
• Input watchdog that falls back to neutral state on silence.

Project Layout

• src/: runtime implementation (server_main, controller engine, UDP receiver, discovery service, virtual gamepad).
• include/: protocol, mapping, and public headers used by the server sources.
• docs/demo/: architecture diagrams and demo screenshots.
• CMakeLists.txt: builds virtual_remote_server with C++17.

Build

cmake -S . -B build
cmake --build build

Run

sudo ./build/virtual_remote_server

sudo (or equivalent permissions) is usually required for /dev/uinput.

Runtime Output

On successful start, the server prints its control and discovery ports and then waits for controller traffic.