How to Fix Spider-Man 2 Controller Not Working on PC

By
Ambar Jimenez
2025-02-03 10:07:30


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 Troubleshoot and fix your Spider-Man 2 controller issues on PC with our easy guide. Get back to gaming in no time!

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has finally swung onto PC, but some players are encountering a frustrating issue: their controllers aren't being recognized or are malfunctioning. Don't let controller problems keep you from web-slinging! This comprehensive guide will provide detailed solutions to get your controller working perfectly with Spider-Man 2 on PC.

Understanding the Controller Conundrums

Before we dive into the fixes, let's explore the common reasons why your controller might not be working correctly.

  • Conflicting Input Devices: Multiple connected input devices (keyboards, mice, other controllers) can cause confusion.
  • Driver Issues: Outdated, corrupted, or missing controller drivers can prevent proper recognition.
  • Steam Configuration: Incorrect Steam controller settings can interfere with detection and functionality.
  • Bluetooth Instability: Wireless controllers connected via Bluetooth can experience connection drops or lag.
  • Game Configuration: Issues with the game's configuration files can sometimes affect controller input.
  • Hardware Problems: Problems with the controller itself or the USB cable can be the source of the issue.
  • USB Port Issues: Problems with the USB port you're using can cause connection issues.
  • Background Processes: Some applications running in the background can interfere with controller input.
  • Windows Settings: Certain Windows settings might not be optimized for controller use.

Fix Spider-Man 2 Controller Not Working on PC



Let's address these potential problems with the following troubleshooting methods, working through them systematically.

1. Restart Everything (Thoroughly):

A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches. Don't just restart the game – restart your PC, close Steam completely (from the system tray), and disconnect/reconnect your controller.

2. Reconnect Your Controller (Physically and Digitally):

  • Close Spider-Man 2 and exit Steam.
  • If using a wireless controller, turn it off completely.
  • Reconnect the controller via USB (even if you plan to use Bluetooth later, try USB first).
  • Restart Steam and Spider-Man 2.
  • 3. Unplug Other Peripherals (Isolate the Problem):

    Disconnect all unnecessary USB devices, including:

    • External keyboards, mice, and other controllers.
    • USB drives, printers, webcams, and VR headsets.
    • Anything else connected via USB that isn't essential for the game.

    4. Press ALT + ENTER In-Game (Refresh Input):

    If your controller stops working mid-game, try pressing Alt + Enter to toggle between fullscreen and windowed mode. This can sometimes refresh input recognition.

    5. Enable Steam's Big Picture Mode (Controller Focus):

    Big Picture Mode can improve controller compatibility.

  • Open Steam and click "View" > "Big Picture Mode."
  • Navigate to your Library and launch Spider-Man 2 from Big Picture Mode.
  • Exit Big Picture Mode and relaunch the game normally.
  • 6. Check Monitor Refresh Rate (Compatibility):

    Some high refresh rates can cause controller input issues. Try temporarily setting your monitor's refresh rate to 60Hz to see if that resolves the problem.

    7. Launch Spider-Man 2 in Windowed Mode (Configuration Tweak):

    Force the game to launch in windowed mode by editing the configuration file.

  • Open File Explorer and go to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\Spider-Man 2\settings.
  • Open Config.ini using Notepad.
  • Find the line [window] mode = no and change it to yes.
  • Save the file and restart the game.
  • 8. Enable Steam Overlay (Input Handling):

    The Steam Overlay can sometimes be necessary for proper controller input.

  • Open Steam > Library.
  • Right-click Spider-Man 2 > Properties.
  • Check "Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game."
  • 9. Configure Steam Controller Settings (Detailed):

  • Open Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.
  • Check the box for your controller type (PlayStation, Xbox, Generic Gamepad).
  • If you're using a PlayStation or Xbox controller, also check "PlayStation Configuration Support" or "Xbox Configuration Support" respectively.
  • Click "OK" and restart Steam.
  • 10. Set High Performance for Spider-Man 2 (Resource Allocation):

  • Search for "Graphics Settings" in the Windows search bar.
  • Click "Browse" and select the Spider-Man 2 executable file.
  • Choose "Options" > "High Performance" > "Save."
  • 11. Disable/Enable Steam Input (Experiment):

  • Right-click Spider-Man 2 in your Steam Library > Properties > Controller.
  • Try disabling Steam Input. Restart the game.
  • If that doesn't work, re-enable Steam Input and try again.
  • 12. Force Steam Input On/Off Per Game (Advanced):

  • Open Steam in Big Picture Mode.
  • Go to Library > Spider-Man 2 > Manage Game > Controller Options.
  • Under "Steam Input," try "Forced On." Restart the game.
  • If that doesn't work, repeat and try "Forced Off."
  • 13. Use DS4Windows (PlayStation Controllers - Advanced):

    DS4Windows can improve compatibility for PlayStation controllers.

  • Download and install DS4Windows.
  • Run DS4Updater.exe to ensure it's up-to-date.
  • Open DS4Windows and go to "Settings."
  • Enable "Hide DS4 Controller" to prevent conflicts.
  • Restart DS4Windows.
  • 14. Try a Wired Connection (Reliability):

    For wireless controllers, a wired connection via USB can often provide a more stable and reliable connection.

    15. Check USB Ports (Try Different Ports):

    Try connecting your controller to different USB ports on your computer. Avoid using USB hubs if possible.

    16. Update Controller Drivers (If Applicable):

    While less common for standard controllers, some specialized controllers might require separate driver updates. Check the manufacturer's website for your controller model.

    17. Background Process Check (Interference):

    Make sure no other applications are actively trying to use your controller or are interfering with input devices.

    18. Windows Game Mode (Optimization):

    Ensure Game Mode is enabled in Windows Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.

    19. Check Device Manager for Errors:

    Open Device Manager and look for any yellow exclamation marks or errors related to your controller or USB devices.

    20. Reinstall Controller Drivers (Advanced):

    In Device Manager, uninstall your controller driver (and any related USB hub drivers) and then restart your computer. Windows will usually automatically reinstall the drivers.

    21. Test Controller on Another Game:

    Test your controller with another game to isolate whether the problem is specific to Spider-Man 2 or a more general controller issue.

    22. Check for Game Updates:

    Ensure Spider-Man 2 is fully updated, as patches can sometimes address controller compatibility problems.

    By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the controller connection issues in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PC. Remember to test the game after each change to see if it has resolved the problem. If you continue to experience controller problems, consider contacting the game's support team or seeking help from online communities, providing as much detail as possible about your system configuration, controller model, and the steps you've already taken.



    Platform(s): PlayStation 5 PS5
    Genre(s): Action-adventure
    Developer(s): Insomniac Games, Marvel Games, Nixxes Software
    Publisher(s):Sony Interactive Entertainment
    Release date: October 20, 2023
    Mode: Single-player
    age rating (PEGI): 16+
    Video preview





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