Gamepad synthesizer and music workstation

Make music with a game controller on Windows.

JoySynth turns a compatible USB or Bluetooth gamepad into a musical instrument for Windows. Play chords and melodies, add percussion, and layer your ideas into songs. Start experimenting with familiar controls, even if you have never played a keyboard.

Download JoySynth on itch.io Watch the demo

Windows desktop appGame controller requiredMicrophone optional

Designed and developed by Eric Polley.

JoySynth game controller music software for Windows with gamepad and synthesizer graphics

Development log

Watch JoySynth take shape

Follow the complete development playlist for feature experiments, controller design decisions, audio improvements, and the path to the finished release.

Open the playlist on YouTube

See it in action

Watch JoySynth make music with a gamepad

See the controller synthesizer, drum machine, live looper, microphone effects, and performance recorder working together.

For gamers and musicians

Turn familiar gamepad controls into a musical instrument

If analog sticks, triggers, shoulder buttons, and face buttons already feel natural in your hands, JoySynth gives those controls a musical purpose. The layout is built for immediate play while still providing deeper sound, looping, sampling, and recording options.

Playable synths

Select chords with the left stick and melodies with the right, then play with the shoulder buttons. Supported triggers bend pitch by up to an octave.

Drums and custom samples

Play percussion with the D-pad. Add your own drum sounds or turn WAV, MP3, and OGG samples into pitched instruments.

Live looping

Overdub drums, chords, and melodies. Pause or resume a loop, undo and redo layers, or clear it to start again.

Creative voice effects

Record vocals with harmony, robot, telephone, or reverb effects. Mix microphone, line-in, and USB audio sources with separate volume and loop controls.

Performance recording

Save your finished performance as an audio file.

Flexible setup

Choose two instruments independently, adjust the key and scale, and use a left- or right-handed layout. Optional MIDI controls operate the mixer.

Game controller music FAQ

Playing music with JoySynth

Quick answers for gamers and musicians looking for a gamepad synthesizer and controller-based music workflow.

Can I make music with a game controller?

Yes. JoySynth maps analog sticks, shoulder controls, face buttons, and the directional pad to synthesizers, chords, drums, effects, looping, and recording controls.

Do I need a MIDI keyboard?

No. JoySynth is designed to be played with a compatible game controller. MIDI controls are optional and can be used for the sound-board mixer.

What can gamers and musicians create?

You can perform synth melodies and chords, trigger drum patterns, load samples, build layered loops, process a microphone, and record complete performances.

What kind of controller does JoySynth use?

Use a Windows PC, a compatible USB or Bluetooth controller, and an audio output device. Microphones and other audio inputs are optional.

Ready to play?

Connect a controller, choose your sounds, and start building a performance.

Download JoySynth

Find your way into making music

Explore a playing approach that fits your next idea.