Configuring Retroarch controls across two controllers

SpudsMcToole

So here's my problem: I have a twin arcade stick hooked up to my RPi, and it's great. But I'd really like to use both sticks on Super Smash TV on the SNES, and the game doesn't support twin controllers natively.

So my question is, is there any way to set up Retroarch configs so that I can use the Player 2 joystick as the Player 1 fire buttons?

You can't do it within the Retroarch GUI, which will only let you switch Player 1's buttons around, and I can't see any way to hardcode it into the config files either.

For example, this is my current SMASHTV.ZIP.CFG file, in the same folder as the ROM:

input_player1_joypad_index = 0
input_player1_start_btn = 6
input_player1_up_axis = -1
input_player1_a_btn = 4
input_player1_b_btn = 2
input_player1_reset_btn = 4
input_player1_enable_hotkey_btn = 5
input_player1_down_axis = +1
input_player1_right_axis = +0
input_player1_x_btn = 0
input_player1_select_btn = 7
input_player1_y_btn = 1
input_player1_l_btn = 3
input_player1_r_btn = 5
input_player1_left_axis = -0

That jiggles the buttons around to be a bit friendlier. But can I/how do I change the input_player1_x_btn control (which fires left and is currently set to Button 0) to be left on the second joystick instead? Is there a unique identifying code of some sort for the second stick? Or am I just screwed?

markwkidd

This not possible yet. It is a relatively major project to add, but RetroArch leadership is willing to accept the addition of this feature there is a bounty fundraiser going to reward any coder willing to take it on: https://www.bountysource.com/issues/68042280-multiple-gamepads-mapped-to-one-retropad-and-one-gamepad-to-multiple-retropads

pjft

@mediamogul would xboxdrv be an option here?

mediamogul

@pjft

It would indeed. You'd first want to map a full set of keyboard controls in RetroArch for players one and two. Then, you'd just create an xboxdrv key-mapping that combined the desired keys into one control scheme. I've done it on many occasions and it works well. I even went overboard and mapped 'BASIC Programming' for the 2600, which requires two separate keypads, onto a single Logitech Rumblepad 2. I'll likely never end up using it, but the title is fully functional with my setup nonetheless.

pjft

@mediamogul Seriously, reading everything you do with xboxdrv makes me want to look into it one day, just for kicks. I'm sure I'd have some uses for it in my current setup, but for laziness I always pursued other alternatives or just gave up on it. Thanks!

mediamogul

@pjft said in Configuring Retroarch controls across two controllers:

but for laziness I always pursued other alternatives or just gave up on it.

We've all been there. If it's not laziness, it's a lack of time. I'm lucky if I can squeeze in a daily game of 'Tetris' lately.

robertvb83

@SpudsMcToole maybe this is interesting for you:

With mame2003-plus it is easily possible to control dual joystick games like smash tv or robotron. There now is a RA core option that does everything for you.

Of course you can only play the arcade version of the game...

mediamogul

@robertvb83 said in Configuring Retroarch controls across two controllers:

Of course you can only play the arcade version of the game...

That's just as well, as it's really the best version anyway. The SNES 'Super Smash TV' may have the distinction of being the best home port, but it doesn't add anything new, has less blood and a lower default speed.

@SpudsMcToole

If you like 'Smash TV', be sure to check out its spiritual successor, 'Total Carnage'. It's also a super high octane, twin stick shooter developed by the same team and even has voice work from Boon and Tobias of 'Mortal Kombat' fame.

SpudsMcToole

@robertvb83 Yes, MAME's internal configuration makes dual-controller play a breeze on all versions I've used.

SpudsMcToole

That's just as well, as it's really the best version anyway. The SNES 'Super Smash TV' may have the distinction of being the best home port, but it doesn't add anything new, has less blood and a lower default speed.

The technique would however be very useful elsewhere, for example on the N64 (which has far too many controls for a single stick and six buttons), or for various console sequels to Crazy Climber which never appeared in arcades.

mediamogul

@SpudsMcToole

Very true.