First of all, RPG Maker XP is compatible with game pads, you don't need extra applications or anything like that to use a game pad with RMXP.
The controls in RMXP are confusing for keyboard users, as Z=A, X=B and C=C, so here's a short explanation of the controls for anyone who has difficulties.
There are 8 buttons and 4 Direction Keys in RPG Maker XP, the direction keys are simple, up is up, down is down, etc, but it's the other 8 keys that cause confusion.
RMXP to Keyboard Match up
RMXP Describes the keys as Q,W,X,Y,Z,A,B and C, strangely C is the action button and not A, most of the keys aren't used, such as X,Y,Z and A, it's best to leave these for mini games or ABS's, for the keyboard the buttons match up like this:
(Keyboard on the left, RMXP on the right)
Z = A
X,Esc,Ins = B
C,Space,Enter = C
A = X
S = Y
D = Z
Q = L
W = R
It's probably most confortable to use the "Z,X,C" controls, which include Q,W,A,S,D,Z,X and C, but some RMXP games describe their controls as Enter and Esc, but there are alot more button to this.
Main Buttons and their Uses
L and R (RMXP Controls) are thought to be not used, this is wrong, if you go into the Status Scene, Magic Scene or the Equip Scene you can use L or R (Q and W on keyboard) to quick switch to another character without having to close the scene and re open it at the menu. You can also use L or R with the variable modification scene in test play to Add/Subtract variables by 10.
C (RMXP Controls) is the basic action key, this by default is used to interact with events if they have the Action Button trigger, or it selects options in decision windows, C is C, Enter or Space on keyboard, so it is easy to find.
B (RMXP Controls) is the Cancel button, it goes back on decision choices or it can open up the Menu on map, B is X, Esc or Ins on keyboard.
A, X, Y or Z have no use, I use these for minigames by using then Conditional Branch command and the Key Input, you could also use common events and use these keys for a second player, but this can be difficult. A is Z on keyboard, X, Y and Z are A, S and D in that order.
RMXP to Game Pad Match up
RMXP is compatible with game pads, it's best to use a 12 button pad with rmxp, the best I found is the Saitek SP550, it has the buttons Labled with ABC, XYZ and has the L/R triggers, it is almost designed for RMXP.
The game pads use Button numbers as opposed to the keys on a keyboard, the ones RMXP uses are the Y+/Y- axis, X+/X- axis, Button 1 right through to 8.
Layout
Button 1: A
Button 2: B
Button 3: C
Button 4: X
Button 5: Y
Button 6: Z
Button 7: L
Button 8: R
Dpad: Direction keys
(Taken from the Battle World RPG Walkthru)
Changing the controls
In the F1 menu you can also change the controls of the keyboard or gamepad, just remember what you changed them to. This could confuse you though, so it's best to keep them to default.
Note
Keyboard input/Mouse input Scripts turn the entire RMXP controls upside down, it is not recomended that Game pads should be used with keyboard input games unless the game designer says it has compatibility, usually keyboard input scripts keep the same controls but add the extra keys, but you'll need to look this up yourself.
So that's it. If any RMXP newbeis found this useful then please say so. If I missed out anything then also say so, if your game will be released to anyone outside RMXP remember to pack the DLL with it and write a readme describing the controls to them, as some people will try clicking the mouse for a while and then wonder where the L and R buttons are.
The controls in RMXP are confusing for keyboard users, as Z=A, X=B and C=C, so here's a short explanation of the controls for anyone who has difficulties.
There are 8 buttons and 4 Direction Keys in RPG Maker XP, the direction keys are simple, up is up, down is down, etc, but it's the other 8 keys that cause confusion.
RMXP to Keyboard Match up
RMXP Describes the keys as Q,W,X,Y,Z,A,B and C, strangely C is the action button and not A, most of the keys aren't used, such as X,Y,Z and A, it's best to leave these for mini games or ABS's, for the keyboard the buttons match up like this:
(Keyboard on the left, RMXP on the right)
Z = A
X,Esc,Ins = B
C,Space,Enter = C
A = X
S = Y
D = Z
Q = L
W = R
It's probably most confortable to use the "Z,X,C" controls, which include Q,W,A,S,D,Z,X and C, but some RMXP games describe their controls as Enter and Esc, but there are alot more button to this.
Main Buttons and their Uses
L and R (RMXP Controls) are thought to be not used, this is wrong, if you go into the Status Scene, Magic Scene or the Equip Scene you can use L or R (Q and W on keyboard) to quick switch to another character without having to close the scene and re open it at the menu. You can also use L or R with the variable modification scene in test play to Add/Subtract variables by 10.
C (RMXP Controls) is the basic action key, this by default is used to interact with events if they have the Action Button trigger, or it selects options in decision windows, C is C, Enter or Space on keyboard, so it is easy to find.
B (RMXP Controls) is the Cancel button, it goes back on decision choices or it can open up the Menu on map, B is X, Esc or Ins on keyboard.
A, X, Y or Z have no use, I use these for minigames by using then Conditional Branch command and the Key Input, you could also use common events and use these keys for a second player, but this can be difficult. A is Z on keyboard, X, Y and Z are A, S and D in that order.
RMXP to Game Pad Match up
RMXP is compatible with game pads, it's best to use a 12 button pad with rmxp, the best I found is the Saitek SP550, it has the buttons Labled with ABC, XYZ and has the L/R triggers, it is almost designed for RMXP.
The game pads use Button numbers as opposed to the keys on a keyboard, the ones RMXP uses are the Y+/Y- axis, X+/X- axis, Button 1 right through to 8.
Layout
Button 1: A
Button 2: B
Button 3: C
Button 4: X
Button 5: Y
Button 6: Z
Button 7: L
Button 8: R
Dpad: Direction keys
(Taken from the Battle World RPG Walkthru)
Changing the controls
In the F1 menu you can also change the controls of the keyboard or gamepad, just remember what you changed them to. This could confuse you though, so it's best to keep them to default.
Note
Keyboard input/Mouse input Scripts turn the entire RMXP controls upside down, it is not recomended that Game pads should be used with keyboard input games unless the game designer says it has compatibility, usually keyboard input scripts keep the same controls but add the extra keys, but you'll need to look this up yourself.
So that's it. If any RMXP newbeis found this useful then please say so. If I missed out anything then also say so, if your game will be released to anyone outside RMXP remember to pack the DLL with it and write a readme describing the controls to them, as some people will try clicking the mouse for a while and then wonder where the L and R buttons are.