Slow game loading times with 8bitdo Lite controller

sad_muso

Hi All,

I have a really strange issue that I am hoping you can help me with. I've tried searching for it but cannot find any posts with the exact same issue. I recently purchased an 8bitdo Lite controller. This controller has an S (Switch) and an X (Android/Pi etc.) mode. I have different issues depending on which mode I am using, as follows:

S Mode

Star button is not regonised in Retropie, so have to use another (already in use) button, eg: Select as the Hotkey button
Really noticable input lag - it seems to alternative between responsive/super laggy every few seconds or so

X Mode

Slow game loading time ('Launching, press a button to configure' screen) - usually takes around 20/30 seconds to load. This is the same for any core/rom

As an aside, for some reason the L2/R2 buttons aren't regonised in Retropie in either mode.

To be honest, I can live with the Star button not working, but I can't live with lag and slow loading time, so I need to get to the bottom of what exactly is going on here.

I have no such issues with my old SCF30 controller, and the Lite is updated to the latest firmware.

SETUP DETAILS
Model: Pi 3 B
Power Supply: Official 5.1v 2.5A
RetroPie Version: 4.6
Built From: Pre made SD Image on RetroPie website (Pi 2/3) - md5: 2e082ef5fc2d7cf7d910494cf0f7185b
USB Devices connected: None
Controller used: 1 x 8bitdo SCF30 Bluetooth, 1 x 8bitdo Lite

Happy to provide log info/whatever else is needed!

Thanks,

sad_muso

notthesame

Did you try switch mode? It's loading the games slow cos your mode is not correct, try switch mode also reboot after your set it up.

chillburgh

https://retropie.org.uk/forum/post/204468 You aren't completely alone.

chillburgh

I'm also having the same issue with the 8bitdo SN30pro+. 2 of them, actually. Once I had the problem I removed the bluetooth pairing and tried the second controller to see if it made a difference. It did not.

I have tried to pair using both Windows mode (X + start) and Android mode (B + start). Android mode worked within the menus but had no control within emulators. Windows mode works perfectly everywhere but I have to wait 40 seconds when loading every game, no matter the platform.

Incidentally, I believe that there is another 40 second pause as soon as I paired the controller, right as it announced that it connected successfully. This may help in debugging.

Pi Model or other hardware: 4B
Power Supply used: Canakit USB-C
RetroPie Version Used: 4.6
Built From: official image retropie-buster-4.6-rpi4.img.gz
USB Devices connected: keyboard
Controller used: 8bitdo SN30 Pro+

chillburgh

It appears that booting the 8bitdo SN30Pro+ into Switch mode (Y + start) before pairing gives the best results - for me, anyway. After pairing (and activating the 8bitdo fix in the same Bluetooth menu) I used my USB controller to navigate back to Emulation Station, configured input for the SN30Pro+ and was running normally as expected without a 40 second delay when loading a ROM.

Hope this helps someone.

sad_muso

Thanks everyone. Thing is, I'm unsure as to why I perceive there to be greater input lag in S mode - is that even possible, or just a figment of my imagination?

I'm currently running in S mode. I spoke to 8bitdo support and they said that some of the buttons, eg: Star button is only meant for Switch (odd then, that this button doesn't work in Switch mode but does in X mode.

I think I'm going to have to resign the Lite controller to one I roll out for multiplayer sessions rather than my main controller.

Out of interest, what is considered the 'best' Bluetooth retro controller all round for Retropie, considering the build quality, input lag and button compatibility with Retropie?

mitu

@sad_muso said in Slow game loading times with 8bitdo Lite controller:

Out of interest, what is considered the 'best' Bluetooth retro controller all round for Retropie, considering the build quality, input lag and button compatibility with Retropie?

The PS4 DualShock controller is a good Bluetooth controller, no problems pairing and low input lag.