[solved] Cannot connect 8bitdo NES30 to Retropie

pmdci

I have two 8bitdo gamepads that I bought at a clearance:

8Bitdo NES30 (N30) [image]
8bbitdo NES30 Pro (N30 Pro) [image]

Both are using the latest firmware from 8bitdo.

I followed the instructions from the Retropie Wiki to the letter. I can pair and connect the Pro controller to Retropie without any issues. However, the NES30 (non-pro) is being a massive pain. I cannot for the life of me connect the NES30 controller with the Retropie.

Controller is using the last firmware (4.20).
Controller is listed as paired, but does not connect. Not even when I choose to connect paired devices.
I already created the udev rules for the controller.
I can use the controller with other hosts/devices without any issues (e.g., Windows, Android Phone).

I am trying the normal (mode 1) mode, not the X mode (mode 2, START+X). When I try the X mode, the controller does not even show as a pair option in Retropie. I can use it in X mode without any issues with other hosts/devices (e.g., Windows, Android Phone). Since mode 1 and mode 2 broadcast different MAC addresses, they can be paired as individual devices.

Curious that documentation says that I should hold select for a few seconds until blue LED rapidly blinks for pairing controller, but when using Windows or my Android Phone, I don't need to do that. Get note of this, as it helped me solve my problem.

Any thoughts?

EDIT: Here is how I fixed this issue:

I removed the udev rule entry for the NES30 from /etc/udev/rules.d/99-bluetooth.rules
I removed the NES30 from the list of connected bluetooth devices.
I changed the bluetooth connection mode back to default (just for now, it was on background).
I rebooted just in case.

I proceeded to pair the controller again:

This time I just ensured that it was ON on mode 1 (turn on by just pressing START, not START+<some-key>). I DID NOT press SELECT to get the blue LED flashing rapidly.
When asked, I've chosen the option DisplayYesNo for the pairing security mode. Controller finally connected.
I proceeded to re-add the udev rule for the controller.
I also changed the connection mode back to background.

NOTES:

You might need to press a few buttons on the controller whilst Retropie is looking for it during the pairing.
Sometimes just the MAC address of the controller shows when trying to pair with the Retropie. It might be useful pairing the controller to another device (e.g., Windows) that allows you to find out the device MAC address. Make sure to disconnect or unpair the controller afterwards from this other device.
You might want to have another device (e.g., your Phone) looking for Bluetooth devices in the meantime to ensure that the 8bitdo is in pairing mode. Just don't pair it with this other device.

Arrafart

Dietpi on Orange Pi zero 2w.

Thanks, I'll try!

For my N30, SN30 and my P30 mod kit. I'll update this post when tried. And I'm writing this to find the topic tomorrow evening 😉

Edit: I needed to activate the flashing status.
Followed the rest of your steps though. Did not successfully and stably connect the N64 mod kit yet.

Edit: Best ways of working to connect 8bitdo modkit Bluetooth controller with Retropie on the Orange Pi Zero 2w, so far…

Do not install blueman-manager.
Do not connect via Bluetoothctl in the terminal.

Use Retropie Bluetooth menu to connect to the controller. Assure the /var/lib/bluetooth/MACADDRESS/ does not contain the controller device you wish to connect. Delete the controller file, and also from the cache folder, if any issues occur.

Hope this helps any future Dietpi users.