[Add controller support] 8BitDo Ultimate Controller not connecting over USB, nor 2.4G dongle

[BluePhoenix]

Wasn't sure if this should be under bug, or feature request. Let me know if I should delete one or the other.

---- USB behavior ----

I realize this is a new controller, so maybe functionality for it is not yet added. However, currently unable to connect this controller via USB. No input is detected and it doesn't display as a controller in the UI.

Other (earlier models) of the 8BitDo controllers would connect as an X-input device when wired in.

---- 2.4G behavior ----

Also, not sure if related to the above, but when using the 2.4 dongle to connect the controller, it also doesn't connect or display. The behavior is a bit weirder, if looking a the Controller settings in GameUI mode, with dongle plugged in and controller connected, the system will detect that something is connected, add "Controller 0" to the UI, but then will remove it a second later. And repeats this a few times.

[jcotton42]

When in X-input mode, he new Ultimate controller shows up as a wired Xbox 360 controller when wired or using the dongle. I've opened a pull request to the xpad kernel module that adds support for that (just had to tell xpad new device IDs to look for), but that won't come down to the Deck for a while probably. https://github.com/paroj/xpad/pull/224

Also, for those that have stumbled across this thread, if you have the 2.4GHz-only model, try putting the controller in DirectInput mode, that should work for now.

[BluePhoenix]

Thanks for that update jcotton42!

Any chance you have a good reference on how to turn on X-input mode on these?

On my SN30 Pro+ I could hold the start button and X with controller off to enabled that mode. But not sure if that combo is working on these. Tried looking on the Manual online and right now it doesn't seem to reference that.

(When trying to use the dongle, I mainly switch the setting at the back).

[kavika]

Originally posted by BluePhoenix:

Thanks for that update jcotton42! :winter2019coolyul:

Any chance you have a good reference on how to turn on X-input mode on these?

On my SN30 Pro+ I could hold the start button and X with controller off to enabled that mode. But not sure if that combo is working on these. Tried looking on the Manual online and right now it doesn't seem to reference that.

(When trying to use the dongle, I mainly switch the setting at the back).

There's 2 versions of the controller.

One of them has bluetooth and 2.4ghz x-input.

The other one has 2.4ghz x-input and d-input.

I own the pro2 also, so I know what you're referring to with holding buttons. There is no such magic combo on any of the Ultimate controllers. It's a physical switch only.

You cannot swap between d-input and x-input on the bluetooth version of the controller. It's either bluetooth + switch, or 2.4ghz + x-input. If you're in 2.4ghz mode, you're in x-input mode. I believe it's the same if you have it plugged in w/ the switch set to 2.4ghz mode.

[BluePhoenix]

Originally posted by kavika:

Originally posted by BluePhoenix:

Thanks for that update jcotton42!

Any chance you have a good reference on how to turn on X-input mode on these?

On my SN30 Pro+ I could hold the start button and X with controller off to enabled that mode. But not sure if that combo is working on these. Tried looking on the Manual online and right now it doesn't seem to reference that.

(When trying to use the dongle, I mainly switch the setting at the back).

There's 2 versions of the controller.

One of them has bluetooth and 2.4ghz x-input.

The other one has 2.4ghz x-input and d-input.

I own the pro2 also, so I know what you're referring to with holding buttons. There is no such magic combo on any of the Ultimate controllers. It's a physical switch only.

You cannot swap between d-input and x-input on the bluetooth version of the controller. It's either bluetooth + switch, or 2.4ghz + x-input. If you're in 2.4ghz mode, you're in x-input mode. I believe it's the same if you have it plugged in w/ the switch set to 2.4ghz mode.

Thank you for confirming, kavika!

Based on what I had seen in some YouTube reviews and after testing some combos, you accurately describe how the firmware behaves now. It would be nice if they update that later with new firmware, but no idea if that will happen.

[thitoro]

ok. Valve fixed one thing and stop another thing... Now the controller stopped working with Bluetooth functionality. PLease Valve fixed the soon as possible.

[Quithe]

Mine is connecting through Bluetooth as Pro Con. It works with cable as XBOX pad. But it still doesn't connect through 2.4 Ghz. I updated both controller and dongle but still all the lights blinking but not connecting :( I tried on Windows and it works so both devices are fine.
I'm using JSAUX HB0602 dock.

[BluePhoenix]

PS. This update adds support for the 2.4GHz dongle. https://steamcommunity.com/app/1675200/eventcomments/3727323242807343433

For your issue Quithe, when you plug it into the deck, does the dongle show the paired light? I think it is a solid blue when it is paired. If it works wired, I imagine that you have the right OS version, but maybe worth checking that too?

Hope you figure out what is causing it!

[Quithe]

Thanks BluePhoenix. Yeah, I have latest OS. I got that controller some time before the update was released.
I noticed that the dongle light blinks for a while and then turns off during pairing.

I came across two tips.
1. USB 3.0 can cause interference with 2.4GHz connections, some users have those issues with mouses too. But I don't have any 2.0 USB cable to move the dongle away from dock. So I need to check it too.
2. Apparently there's a way to show controller how to connect with buttons combination. I need to check it too. https://forum.batocera.org/d/8653-new-8bitdo-ultimate-bluetooth-controller-doesnt-connect/6

If something works, I'll write here :)

[ProtagorasEmber]

As far as the Ultimate C version, do I have to go with the 2.4GHz version for Steam Deck? The Bluetooth version only says Nintendo Switch on the box but I'd rather have the version that didn't need a dongle.
I dunno, maybe I'll just go with the cheaper wired version and avoid the issue.

[deaddoof]

Originally posted by Quithe:

I came across two tips.
1. USB 3.0 can cause interference with 2.4GHz connections, some users have those issues with mouses too. But I don't have any 2.0 USB cable to move the dongle away from dock. So I need to check it too.
2. Apparently there's a way to show controller how to connect with buttons combination. I need to check it too. https://forum.batocera.org/d/8653-new-8bitdo-ultimate-bluetooth-controller-doesnt-connect/6

If something works, I'll write here :)

Exchange your dock. USB 3.0 interference is well known. Vendors should be shielding their devices.