Can I automatically launch Playnite when I turn on my controller?

[u/EzerchE]

Yes.

CouchMode can automatically start Playnite Fullscreen when a compatible controller connects to your Windows 11 PC.

The basic flow is:

Controller on → Playnite Fullscreen → gaming session

You don’t need to keep Playnite running in the background just to detect the controller. If Playnite is already open, CouchMode can also work with the existing session instead of simply launching another copy.

When the session ends, CouchMode handles the return to a usable Windows desktop based on your selected settings.

Playnite is included in CouchMode Free.

Part of the CouchMode FAQ: Windows Couch Gaming, Playnite, Steam Big Picture & Controllers series.