Universal, idiomatic C# wrapper for Microsoft.GameInput. Targets .NET 8+ with optional shims for Unity, MonoGame, Godot C#, Stride, and WPF/WinUI. This package covers game and desktop input, haptics, and device callbacks.

Repository layout: This repo contains the GameInputSharp.Core project only. Open GameInputSharp.Core.sln to build the library, samples, and tests. The package is published on NuGet.org as GameInputSharp.Core.

This is a third-party C# wrapper library. It requires the official Microsoft.GameInput NuGet package. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or supported by Microsoft Corporation. Intended for Windows PC development.

• Dependency: Use only the Microsoft.GameInput NuGet package. Do not depend on the full GDK or Xbox-specific libraries.
• Redistribution: You must redistribute gameinput.dll (and any other runtime files) according to Microsoft's rules. See the Microsoft.GameInput package and documentation for current redistribution requirements.
• How the wrapper and Microsoft.GameInput relate: The developer adds the official Microsoft NuGet (or gets it automatically when adding GameInputSharp.Core). This repo and the GameInputSharp.Core package do not bundle or repackage Microsoft’s files; they only declare a dependency so NuGet pulls Microsoft.GameInput from nuget.org. See docs/DISTRIBUTION.md.

using GameInputSharp.Abstractions;
using GameInputSharp.Devices;

using var manager = new GameInputManager();
var devices = manager.GetDevices();
foreach (var device in devices)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"{device.DisplayName} — {device.DeviceId}");
    if (device is GamepadDevice gamepad)
        gamepad.Haptics.SetVibration(0.5f, 0.5f); // simple rumble
}

1. Add the GameInputSharp.Core NuGet package to your project. The official Microsoft.GameInput package is required by the wrapper and is restored by NuGet.
2. NuGet vs runtime: The Microsoft.GameInput NuGet supplies C++ headers and a link library for native builds; it does not ship the runtime DLL (GameInput.dll / GameInputRedist.dll). The wrapper loads the native DLL at runtime from: (1) the application directory, then (2) %SystemRoot%\System32. The runtime must be installed on the machine (e.g. inbox on newer Windows, or winget install Microsoft.GameInput, or the GameInput redist). If the DLL is present but load fails, install Visual C++ Redistributable (x64). If no compatible runtime loads, GetDevices() returns an empty list without throwing.
3. Target .NET 8+ (or use the provided Unity/MonoGame shims where applicable). The library is intended for Windows; other targets build but return no devices.

• GameInputSharp.Core — Low-level interop (COM/P-Invoke, device enumeration, rumble).
• GameInputSharp.Abstractions — GameInputManager, IInputDevice, IHapticEffect.
• GameInputSharp.Devices — Device factory, gamepad, keyboard, mouse, motion.
• GameInputSharp.Haptics — Basic rumble and advanced waveforms (up to 8 locations per device).

• Polling: Call GetCurrentGamepadState(gamepad), GetCurrentMouseState(mouse), or GetCurrentKeyboardState(keyboard, maxKeys) each frame. Use when you need continuous state (buttons, axes, keys).
• Callbacks: Subscribe to GameInputManager.DeviceCallback and call DispatchCallbacks(quotaMicroseconds) from your game loop to receive device connect/disconnect events without re-enumerating.

• GameInputSharp.Samples.Console — Device enumeration and basic gamepad rumble; run on Windows with GameInput runtime for full behavior.
• GameInputSharp.Samples.MonoGame — MonoGame game loop integration (Update/Draw with GameInputManager).
• samples/GameInputSharp.Samples.Unity/README.md — Unity integration notes and optional Input System override.

See docs/COMPATIBILITY.md for Unity, MonoGame, Godot C#, Stride, and WPF/WinUI setup and shims.

See LICENSE (MIT). By using this library you agree to comply with Microsoft's redistribution and licensing terms for GameInput.