PS3 Controller | Ubuntu 16.04 - can't use in RetroPie-Setup or advanced rom settings

[johnglensen]

Pi Model or other hardware: x86 PC - Ubuntu 16.04
Power Supply used: N/A
RetroPie Version Used (3.6, 3.8.1, 4.01 etc.. - do not write latest): 4.1.8
Built From: git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup.git
USB Devices connected: Adapter for wireless keyboard/touchpad
Controller used: PS3
Error messages received: See Below
Log found in /dev/shm/runcommand.log (if relevant):
Guide used:
File:
Emulator: Any
Attachment of config files:
How to replicate the problem: Enter any emulator settings prior to launch or RetroSetup script

I'm having issues getting RetroPie fully functional on Ubuntu 16.04 with a PS3 controller using Bluetooth and was hoping someone with the same setup could help me out.

When connecting the controller using built-in bluetooth it connects successfully but none of the directional buttons work. After additional research I installed and setup sixad which works for the most part. Although the controller works flawlessly in any game I've played, I can't change emulator settings prior to launching a ROM or navigate any of the Retro-Setup options using the PS3 controller.

I'm not sure what I should be focusing my efforts on here - trying to get it paired correctly using the built-in bluetooth daemon or sixad.

[BuZz]

@johnglensen There are known issues with SDL2 2.0.4 and ps3 controllers. We have a patch for RPI, but the package is not available for Ubuntu. I will look into making it available, in the meantime forcing a downgrade to 2.0.2 from Trusty might be an option.

need to download the debs for

http://packages.ubuntu.com/trusty/libsdl2-dev
http://packages.ubuntu.com/trusty/libsdl2-2.0-0

and then install them with dpkg -i

It will at least confirm it's the sdl2 issue anyway.

[BuZz]

Ignore that - I misunderstood (And the PS3 controller does work ok in Ubuntu 16.04 unlike I said above - I just had to configure it by holding the playstation button it seemed).

You mean it's fine in ES and games, just no good in the retropie-setup menu ?

It works - it's just it doesn't use the same mapping. Left analog moves, and select will choose an option. This will be resolved at some point in the future, but the menus were never originally designed for navigating via joypad - it was added later via joystick to keyboard mapping. Since it;s mostly configuration and you are on a PC, it's not a big deal to use a keyboard to configure if you don't like the ps3 mapping.