Affiliate Disclosure & Editorial Transparency
Compliance with FTC 16 CFR § 255 • Last Updated: October 2026
🤝 Reader-Supported Independence
xoutput.org is an independent documentation initiative and hardware testing laboratory. To maintain our testing benches, cover hosting costs, and keep our guides 100% ad-free and free to access, we participate in affiliate partnerships. When you click our retail product links and make a purchase, we may receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.
1. Retail Affiliate Programs We Participate In
We maintain active affiliate partnerships through the following authorized global retailers:
- AliExpress Services LLC Associates Program: An affiliate advertising initiative designed to provide a means for independent websites to earn referral fees by advertising and linking to AliExpress.com and affiliated regional marketplaces.
- AliExpress Affiliate Network (Remessa Conforme Compliant): Direct manufacturer links for international readers in South America (Brazil), Southeast Asia (Indonesia), and Europe seeking certified customs-compliant peripheral imports.
2. Strict Editorial Independence Policy
Commercial partnerships never dictate our testing verdicts, ratings, or recommendations:
🔬 Physically Lab-Tested Only
Every controller (e.g. GameSir G7 SE, 8BitDo) recommended on xoutput.org has been physically tested by Alex Mercer using hardware polling rate and GPDL latency instruments.
🚫 No Paid Placements or Gifts
We do not accept paid reviews, sponsored rankings, or review units that mandate favorable coverage. Products that suffer from potentiometer stick drift or driver latency are explicitly flagged.
3. Software Remains 100% Free
XOutput is open-source software distributed under the MIT license. You never need to purchase anything to use XOutput, ViGEmBus, or HidHide. Hardware recommendations are strictly provided as “escape ramp” alternatives for users who prefer native plug-and-play gaming without software emulation.
If you have questions regarding our testing methodology or affiliate relationships, feel free to inspect our Lab Methodology or Contact Editorial.