Adapters, tools and hacks

Besides official compatibility, it is possible to use unofficial adapters, tools and hacks to use controllers with software which does not normally support train controllers.

Autotraintas’s DenConv tool

Autotraintas has created a tool that makes it possible to use nearly any Densha de GO! controller with the PC versions of the games. This includes classic console controllers (USB adapter required) and USB controllers. The tool patches the game memory on the fly to reflect the input from the controller.

The tool is available on their website: https://autotraintas.hariko.com

Input plugins for BVE Trainsim/OpenBVE

BVE Trainsim and OpenBVE both support input plugins, which allow expanding the controllers compatible with the software.

BVE Trainsim requires installing external input plugins, depending on the controller:

OpenBVE includes built-in input plugins supporting a wide range of controllers. They can be enabled and configured in the software settings.

Sony PlayStation 2 cheat codes

While Densha de GO! 3 and Densha de GO! Shinkansen officially support the original (non-USB) PlayStation controllers, the rest of PS2 software is only compatible with USB controllers. Via cheat codes, it is possible to use the original PlayStation controllers on real hardware, either with retail discs or via Open PS2 Loader.

The codes emulate a Type 2 controller. You will need to connect the controller as follows:

  • Port 1: Dualshock or Dualshock 2 (D-pad, SELECT)
  • Port 2: PlayStation controller (handles and buttons, SELECT is mapped to D)
Note

Other controllers may be used like this with an adapter (Titan One/Titan Two + Brook adapter/PADEMU). In this case, buttons are not remapped and the Dualshock on port 1 is not needed. More information

Each game requires a specific cheat code:

There are also cheat codes available for games in the Train Simulator series, emulating a Multi Train Controller (MTC):

For retail discs, the codes can be loaded with ps2rd or Cheat Device. If you are using Open PS2 Loader, it already includes ps2rd and you just need to copy the codes and enable cheats.

Check the technical description for all the details on how these cheat codes work.

USB adapters

Console controllers can be used with many software using a USB adapter. While there is a wide variety of adapters in the market at all prices, not every one is supported. Check for the following when looking for a USB adapter:

  1. Make sure the adapter converts every button independently and does not combine four of them into a D-pad. The Sony PlayStation and Nintendo 64 controllers require pressing button combinations not possible on a D-pad and data may be incorrect. This can lead to erratic behaviour (handles moving in unexpected ways).
  2. Make sure the software you want to use the adapter with supports the adapter. Most software support any adapter and allow calibration (button mapping), but a few only support very specific models.

Titan One/Titan Two adapters

ConsoleTuner sells the Titan One and Titan Two USB devices. They support scripts to remap buttons or change the behaviour of a controller entirely. There are many repositories available with scripts to make a Densha de GO! controller behave like a different one:

Before using a script, check whether it was designed for the Titan One or the Titan Two. Scripts all use the same extension (.GPC) but are different. The Titan Two is backwards compatible with many Titan One scripts, but not viceversa.