Bluetooth vs. Wireless Controllers
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Hi all, apologies if this has been asked elsewhere, I've searched a fair bit both here and on the web in general, but couldn't find an answer. I notice a lot of retro controllers are available as both Bluetooth and Wireless versions and I'm wondering what the pros and cons are when used with RetroPie.
I'm building a RetroPie system and ideally I want to connect a few different retro controllers, i.e. 2x MegaDrive style, 2x SNES style, and maybe some others so I can use the controller best suited to the game in question to play it close to how it was originally designed with close to original controllers.
Given I want to connect a number of controllers, before I buy any, is there anything I need to consider when using them with RetroPie on a Raspberry Pi 4b? When comparing Bluetooth vs. Wifi options, is there anything I need to be aware of in terms of compatibility? relative latency of the two connection types? stability of wireless connection? Are there likely to be any issues connecting 2, 4, 8 or so controllers? It's been a while since I did anything with RetroPie, years in fact, can I configure it to seamlessly switch between them depending on which console core I'm using or is this a no go?
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I have seen many threads here and on Reddit about issues with bluetooth gamepads with raspberry, personally i avoid them. I have a wireless (Logitech F710 ) and i never had connectivity issues so far.
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When comparing Bluetooth vs. Wifi options, is there anything I need to be aware of in terms of compatibility?
Assuming the adapters are compatible with a PC, both versions should work.
relative latency of the two connection types?
Some users report that using the Wireless adapter is better.
stability of wireless connection?
Haven't used one, so can't offer any opinions here. I think both types may be subject to radio interference, though the wireless ones are meant to be 1-to-1 (1 controller per adapter) so that can be an advantage.
Are there likely to be any issues connecting 2, 4, 8 or so controllers?
I think the Wireless adapters are meant to be used with just one controller, while the Bluetooth ones may allow multiple controllers. IMHO, if the gamepad supports Bluetooth, then you don't need a 'special' adapter, just buy any Linux supported USB/Bluetooth dongle and you can connect as many as you want.
can I configure it to seamlessly switch between them depending on which console core I'm using or is this a no go?
You can, the simplest option is to configure them all, then power on just the ones you use for the system, but prioritizing controllers based on the system can be done also (assuming the system can distinguish between controllers by name and they're not all called My Wireless RetroController).
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@Xefan I've never had any significant issues using bluetooth (wireless) controllers with the Pi 4. If you're looking for good quality replicas of classics pads like the SNES, Megadrive and so forth then 8bitdo is the company to go with. I own so many of their controllers and have never had any latency issues. Their version of the megadrive controller - 8Bitdo M30 is a particular favourite of mine. I found the set up for these controllers to be very easy too. I've never had any issues connecting more than one either as I have 4 connected at the moment working fine.
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@hawkes_84 I've got two Bluetooth M30s and two Bluetooth SFC30s, no issues with latency either.
Both of my Pi setups are 3B+, I believe prior to that model the Pi had a crap BT radio chip. My mate's got an older one and can't use BT controllers due to the varying latency and disconnections. Both of mine work perfectly.
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@segasonic I remember a time when I was desperate for a decent BT controller for the Pi. I hadn't even heard of 8bitdo. They were dark days. I bought a couple of of Retrofighter megadrive controllers with their own dongles. Had to send them back as they seemed to have minds of their own. Then I discovered 8bitdo and have never looked back. My only beef with them is they haven't made a new decent n64 replica. They did one years back but it's rare af!
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@hawkes_84 I'd like them to do an M30 Pro with dual analogues, hard to fit on the 6 button layout though. There's a cheapo Chinese one that sort of does it, they've tilted the buttons the other way to make room for the right analogue. From what I could work out though it's not a proper 6 button layout, one of them is for turning on autofire.
Got a 2.4G M30 on the way for my real Mega Drive, can't wait!
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