This tutorial shows you how to connect and use a controller for the first time on Recalbox.
There are 4 connection modes for controllers:
D-Input aka Android modeX-Input aka Xbox / Windows modeS-Input aka Switch modeA-Input aka Apple / Mac modeRecalbox supports the basic Android mode. You can try Windows mode if you like, but there's no guarantee that it will work. Switch and Mac modes are not supported.
Not all controllers have all connection modes. Please consult your controller's manual for more information.
First of all, check the compatibility of your 8bitdo controller with Recalbox.
8Bitdo controllers are not recognized in Switch and Apple/Mac modes.
If the procedure described for your controller does not work, please update the firmware of your controller, taking care to check which version is recommended here.
Check that ALL the controller's LEDs are off, then :
STARTAt least one of the 4 LEDs on the bottom edge of the controller will light up.
If at least one of the controller's LEDs is lit :
START for 3 seconds.START for 8 secondsWhen the joystick LEDs go out, the joystick is switched off.
Please follow the procedure in the following order
These controllers are only compatible in Windows (X-Input) or Android (D-Input) mode.
Switch and Apple/Mac modes are NOT compatible.We recommend using Android (D-Input) mode.
With the joystick switched off (ALL joystick LEDs are off), perform the following steps depending on the connection mode.
B keySTART so that the joystick lights upB key (or X for Windows/X-Input mode) and the START key.START for 3 seconds to switch off the joystick.X keySTART to switch on the joystickX key and the START keySTART button for 3 seconds to switch off the joystick.The controller mode is now configured and saved in the controller.
Please first configure a compatible mode on your controller to be able to apply the following steps.
If you wish to use your gamepad via Bluetooth, this step should be skipped if the Bluetooth pairing bar is displayed in the top left-hand corner of the screen and time has not run out.
This step must be performed ONLY if the Bluetooth pairing bar is not displayed at the top left of the screen. Otherwise, go to the tab « With Bluetooth pairing started ».
Please configure a compatible mode on your gamepad first, before applying the following steps.
Perform the following actions with the 8Bitdo controller you are configuring using a USB cable (see previous paragraph), or with another controller already configured on Recalbox:
START to open the main menu.HANDSET SETTINGS menuASSOCIATE BLUETOOTH HANDSETS.B.Your controller is now paired with your Recalbox.
The next time you start Recalbox, simply switch on your controller and it will automatically reconnect via Bluetooth.
This step is to be performed ONLY if the Bluetooth pairing bar is displayed at the top left of the screen. Otherwise, go to the tab « Without Bluetooth pairing started ».
The following actions must be performed with the joystick TURNED OFF.
Your controller is now paired with your Recalbox.
The next time you start Recalbox, simply switch on your controller and it will automatically reconnect via Bluetooth.
Check that the light bar on the controller is off, then :
PS HOME button.The light bar on the controller will turn on and off alternately.
If the light bar on the controller is on :
PS HOME button for 8 seconds.When the light bar on the joystick goes out, the joystick is switched off.
If you wish to use your controller via Bluetooth, this step is necessary if the Bluetooth pairing bar is displayed in the top left-hand corner of the screen and the time has not elapsed.
This step is to be performed ONLY if the Bluetooth pairing bar is not displayed at the top left of the screen. Otherwise, go to the tab « With Bluetooth pairing started ».
Perform the following actions with the Sony gamepad you are configuring using a USB cable (see previous paragraph), or with another gamepad already configured on Recalbox:
START to open the main menu.HANDSET SETTINGS menuASSOCIATE BLUETOOTH HANDSETS.B.SHARE buttonPS HOME buttonSHARE and PS HOME buttons.X to confirm.Your controller is now paired with your Recalbox.
The next time you start Recalbox, simply switch on your controller and it will automatically reconnect via Bluetooth.
This step is to be performed ONLY if the Bluetooth pairing bar is displayed at the top left of the screen. Otherwise, go to the tab « Without Bluetooth pairing started ».
The following actions must be performed with the joystick TURNED OFF.
SHARE buttonPS HOME buttonSHARE and PS HOME buttonsX to confirm.Your controller is now paired with your Recalbox.
The next time you start Recalbox, simply switch on your controller and it will automatically reconnect via Bluetooth.