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Setting up Batocera controllers

Batocera auto-detects most USB and Bluetooth gamepads — Xbox, PlayStation, 8BitDo and generic XInput/DInput pads often work the moment you plug them in. This guide covers connecting, mapping and troubleshooting them.

USB / wired

  1. 1
    Plug the controller into any USB port — Batocera detects most pads instantly.
  2. 2
    If it isn't recognised, configure it under Configure / map inputs below.

Bluetooth

  1. 1
    Put the pad in pairing mode (usually hold the pair button until the LED flashes).
  2. 2
    Press Start → Controller & Bluetooth Settings → Pair a Bluetooth device.
  3. 3
    Pick your controller from the scan list; it reconnects automatically on later boots.
  4. 4
    To drop a pad, use Forget a Bluetooth device in the same menu.

Configure / map inputs

  1. 1
    Press Start → Controller & Bluetooth Settings → Configure a controller (or press a button on an unconfigured pad at the prompt).
  2. 2
    Follow the on-screen prompts to map the D-pad, face buttons, shoulders, triggers, sticks and the Hotkey.
  3. 3
    Hold a button to skip any input your controller doesn't have.

Hotkey combos

  1. 1
    The Hotkey button (often Select or the Guide button) plus another button triggers system actions.
  2. 2
    Hotkey + Start quits the running game; Hotkey also enables save / load-state and other shortcuts shown on screen.

Per-system & per-game

  1. 1
    Your global mapping applies everywhere by default.
  2. 2
    Override controller settings per system or per game from the game's options menu.

Troubleshooting

  1. 1
    Try a different USB port, or re-pair the Bluetooth device.
  2. 2
    Some pads need a mode switch — e.g. 8BitDo XInput mode is hold Start+X.
  3. 3
    Keep Batocera updated for the newest controller support.
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