Pi3 First controller disconnecting when second one is paired ?

[Shane959]

Pi Mode: Pi 3
Power Supply used: 3A@5V
RetroPie Version Used: 4.3
USB Devices connected: Bluetooth dongle for wireless mouse/keyboard
Controller used: PS3/EasySMX KC-8236
Error messages received: None

Can anyone help me please. I have been using retropie on my Pi 3 for a few years with no problems at all with 1 or 2 player games but suddenly now as soon as I pair a second controller, the first controller cuts out and light number 1 goes out on it. If I pair the first controller again it assigns itself as controller number 2 so both controllers have light 2 lit up for a few seconds before it cuts out again.

I thought it was maybe a problem with the controllers but they are both fully charged and you can use either in one player mode for hours without a problem so it does not appear to be a charging problem. I tried also another PS3 controller from a friend and also purchased a completely new controller from Amazon (EasySMX KC-8236) which uses a dongle and still the same problem. All controllers are fine in one player but as soon as you connect a second one it conflicts with the first and disconnects the first controller making two player games impossible. As I say, this has suddenly happened after nearly 3 years with no problem and I have not changed any settings or updates I am aware of.

Could it be a power supply issue as lately the lightening bolt shows up quite frequently in the corner.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

Shane

[mitu]

@Shane959 said in Pi3 First controller disconnecting when second one is paired ?:

Could it be a power supply issue as lately the lightening bolt shows up quite frequently in the corner.

That's an indication that your power source is not providing enough power - you should try to remedy that first.

[Shane959]

Thanks. I changed the power to a new official one and this has solved the lightening bolt issue. However the controller cutting out remains.

No matter what I do, as soon as I connect a second controller the light goes out on the first one and controller one cuts out. Its driving me nuts. Can anyone help please.