Switch Pro Controller + X-Arcade Tankstick in MAME

westopher

Pi Model or other hardware: 4 (CanaKit)
Power Supply used: CanaKit 3.5A Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (USB-C)
RetroPie Version Used: 4.7.1 (with all downloadable updates applied)
Built From: Pre made SD Image on RetroPie website
USB Devices connected: X-Arcade Tankstick with Trackball; USB Keyboard
Controller used: X-Arcade Tankstick with Trackball; Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Emulator: lr-mame2003

While I'm still trying to wrap my head around the controller configuration and customization in RetroPie, I've searched for and read everything I can find and yet still cannot seem to figure this out.

For most MAME games, I want to (and do) use the X-Arcade Tankstick, and it works great (in its Mode 4, as a pair of Xbox controllers); I've customized some of the games with the Tab menu in MAME, and everything works perfectly, including the trackball.

For Atari Food Fight specifically, which needs an analog stick to work properly, I want to use my Switch Pro Controller. IF I UNPLUG THE X-ARCADE from the USB ports of the Pi, the Pro Controller maps to Port 1 / Retropad 1, and it works 100% in Food Fight (and everything else).

But, if connect the Switch Pro Controller WHILE THE X-ARCADE IS PLUGGED-IN AS USUAL, it gets assigned to Port 3, and presumably then, Retropad 3, and I can't use the MAME Tab menu to set it up; the movements don't register.

Ideally I'd like to just leave the X-Arcade plugged-in, and use the Pro Controller in games where I need an analog stick or want the wireless ability, but so far anyway, no joy. Surely I'm missing something obvious...

Any help appreciated.

mitu

What if you open the RetroArch menu, go to Controls and for Pad 1 change the device index to the Switch Pro Controller ? You can then save the core or game remap file so that the Switch Pro Controller is P1 for that particular game/emulator.

westopher

@mitu Thanks for the reply. If I bring-up RGUI while that game is loaded, and go to Controls, I actually don't see a way to view or change the device index.

mitu

You're right, the device index is in Settings -> Input -> Port [1|2|3|4] Binds.

IanDaemon

@mitu Is that the same as RGUI MAIN Menu (not Quick Menu) > Settings > Input > User 1 Binds to turn off unwanted controllers? I don't see a "controls" option.

mitu

@iandaemon It was a typo, thanks for noticing.