Controller Configuration

pencerm

I tried searching around and couldn't find anyone with the exact problem as me, so I'm hoping I can get an answer here.

I recently bought a Raspberry Pi 3 B from a a friend of a friend. It's running the most up to date software.

I plugged it in and booted it up and it took me right to the EmulationStation home screen where it shows the consoles and ROMs already installed by the previous owner. All good. Except now I can't get any of my controllers to work.

I've plugged in a Yobo SNES USB game pad, and I also tried my XBOX One Elite controller. Both were being picked up by the Pi, but the only reason I know this is because when the screen dims I can hit any button and the screen goes bright again. Outside of that it controls nothing. Literally nothing. Cant move anything or select anything.

I don't get the "Game Pad Detected" screen and holding in a button doesn't bring anything up to configure it. I don't have a wired keyboard, but I'll buy one if it's the only way I can fix this problem.

Does anyone have any advice for a fix that doesn't require a keyboard? Even if it means reinstalling RetroPie from scratch or something.

Thanks!

mediamogul

@pencerm

Topic moved (Should be in Help and Support)

Does anyone have any advice for a fix that doesn't require a keyboard? Even if it means reinstalling RetroPie from scratch or something.

It's really preferable in your case to start over. As you run into issues, it'll be very difficult to troubleshoot, as you won't have first hand knowledge as to what has been changed by your friend.

Edit: Of course, this won't guarantee that it will solve your controller issue.

pencerm

@mediamogul That's what I was afraid of. I'm just wondering if I connect a keyboard if I would be able to fix it. I'm guessing starting from scratch wouldn't be too hard. I can just wipe the SD card and reinstall the image right?

Thanks for the reply!

ThatGuy-UNo

Recommend this YouTube channel, you will find your solution and much more link text

mediamogul

@pencerm

I'm guessing starting from scratch wouldn't be too hard. I can just wipe the SD card and reinstall the image right?

Starting fresh puts you at eye level with everyone else here and will ultimately help in troubleshooting issues as you continue forward. It's as simple as wiping the card and reinstalling. Again, this will not guarantee that your controller will be recognized, but it will eliminate any changes your friend has made as being the cause. What kind of controller do you have?

DarkWolf

You will defineley need a keyboard OR a network connection via network!
If you have a network connection you can try this (mentioned here by @BuZz )

SSH in (https://github.com/retropie/retropie-setup/wiki/ssh), run sudo ~/RetroPie-Setup/retropie-setup.sh and go to Emulation Station configuration via

Manage Packages -> Core Packages -> emulationstation -> Configuration or
Configuration / Tools -> emulationstation

and choose the option to Clear/Reset Emulation Station input configuration

(All packages with configuration appear in Configuration / Tools when installed)

This deletes all mapped controllers and emulationstation will ask you to setup a controller on next boot! That would fix your problem :)

Otherwise do a fresh install, save the roms before you do it (you will need a linux machine/a network connection/a keyboard and a usb drive)

mediamogul

@pencerm

The above is really good advice if you do decide to stick with your current image. Regardless of how you decide to proceed, a keyboard is always be a good idea to have around for maintenance purposes.

pencerm

@mediamogul I have a Yobo brand SNES style USB controller, but I also have Xbox One, PS4 and PS3 controllers.

pencerm

Thanks for the advice everyone. I will pick up a cheap keyboard after work. Hopefully that works. Otherwise I will just have to start from scratch.