jstest
TLDR
Test joystick
$ jstest [/dev/input/js0]
Test with non-blocking mode$ jstest --normal [/dev/input/js0]
Select specific joystick$ jstest --select [/dev/input/js1]
List joysticks$ ls /dev/input/js*
SYNOPSIS
jstest [options] device
DESCRIPTION
jstest is a joystick testing tool that displays real-time axis and button states. It reads input from Linux joystick devices and shows values as they change.
The tool is useful for verifying joystick functionality, calibration, and troubleshooting input issues. It works with gamepads, flight sticks, and other game controllers.
PARAMETERS
device
Joystick device path.--normal
Non-blocking test mode.--select
Wait for input before testing.--event
Event interface mode.
OUTPUT
$ Driver version is 2.1.0.
Joystick (Microsoft X-Box One pad) has 8 axes (X, Y, Z, Rx, Ry, Rz, Hat0X, Hat0Y)
and 11 buttons (BtnA, BtnB, BtnX, BtnY, BtnTL, BtnTR, BtnSelect, BtnStart, BtnMode, BtnThumbL, BtnThumbR).
Testing ... (interrupt to exit)
Axes: 0: 0 1: 0 2:-32767 3: 0 4: 0 5:-32767 6: 0 7: 0
Buttons: 0:off 1:off 2:off 3:off 4:off 5:off 6:off 7:off 8:off 9:off 10:off
Joystick (Microsoft X-Box One pad) has 8 axes (X, Y, Z, Rx, Ry, Rz, Hat0X, Hat0Y)
and 11 buttons (BtnA, BtnB, BtnX, BtnY, BtnTL, BtnTR, BtnSelect, BtnStart, BtnMode, BtnThumbL, BtnThumbR).
Testing ... (interrupt to exit)
Axes: 0: 0 1: 0 2:-32767 3: 0 4: 0 5:-32767 6: 0 7: 0
Buttons: 0:off 1:off 2:off 3:off 4:off 5:off 6:off 7:off 8:off 9:off 10:off
CAVEATS
Requires joystick driver support. Device paths may change on hotplug. Calibration may be needed. Some controllers need xpad or other drivers.
HISTORY
jstest is part of the joystick package for Linux, providing basic input device testing. It works with the kernel's joystick API (/dev/input/js*).
SEE ALSO
jscal(1), evtest(1), inputattach(1)
