Sony DS4 Controller (wireless) reads inputs as if hotkey enabled button is pressed

potatobox

Pi Model or other hardware: B3
list itemPower Supply used: Apple iPad USB PSU
list itemRetroPie Version Used: 4.1.10 (latest)
Built From: Ontop of Raspian
list itemUSB Devices connected: None
list itemController used: Sony DS4
list itemError messages received: No errors!
list itemGuide used: RetroPie setup, “How to connect DS4 controller to RetroPie”

How to replicate the problem:
Well this is the second time I have done a fresh install, so in theory - just fresh install of raspian, RetroPie and ds4drv.

Root of the problem:
Followed guide for DS4 controller, works as expected on the RetroPie menus (ROM selection etc.) & when wired. However, if wireless & using bluetooth - when in emulation, all inputs are being read as if the select (hotkeys enabled button) is pressed.

E.g. Playing FF7, instead of normal expected result of pressing X button on controller, hitting X triggers a reset of the emulator, as the hotkey for reset is set to the X button.

Edit: Just to be crystal clear here, controller works perfectly wired, and reads in all inputs fine even when wireless. Difference is, when wireless, it's as if the hotkey enabled button (select) is being pressed or is not even tied to the select button! Every button does it's corresponding hotkey function.

I’ve been trying the past 24 hours or so to find anyone online with the same issue, I cannot find any.

Notes:
2nd fresh install of both raspian and RetroPie.
I’ve tried it with multiple ROMs and emulators. No luck.

Thank you for reading.

andrea_ita

my first config configuration... when i started to use retropie and rpi3 was ps4 joystick.
no problem ot use joypad wired and by bluethoot
i suggest in first attempt to delete and reconfig joystick.

delete /config/all/emulationstation/es_input.cfg
reboot raspberry and connect ps4 JOYpad in usb port 0
reconfig joypad like first controller...
if you want connect a keyboard and reconfigure it too.
than unplug the wired... configure bluethoot... and map joypad buttons (bluethoot activated)

ps4 joypad doesen't have matter.. is perfect ;)

potatobox

@andrea_ita Thanks for your reply, I followed your instructions - still no luck :(

andrea_ita

ok, exit from emulationstation
linux command line... try this.. command

sudo jstest /dev/input/js1

retropie would give you the possibility to try buttons mapping..
try to press single button and note if the row of number flash when you press a single button or if you can see double funtion or other...
for exit press crtl+c

(for re-enter in emulationstation... write " exit " and press return by keyboard)

potatobox

@andrea_ita I've followed your instructions, when I test the joystick and press select (key 8) I get this output (see below). Everything is 0 (bar the axies)

screenshot

Is it possible the enable hotkey button is being overridden? I've had a look through the other configs, everything seemed to be fine.

andrea_ita

ok, i notice a little difference in use from raspian iso... and retropie iso..
normally i'm using retropie 4.1 iso for play with emulator.
in the past there was some little problem with ps4 joypad.
actually with retopie 4.1 iso it's all ok.
you necessarily need to start by raspbian? because in different case.. i suggest you to try to use retropie 4.1 native iso... there are many way to optimezed it.. ;)

all the emulators give you this matter?

in this page is described same problem related..
https://github.com/retropie/retropie-setup/wiki/Setting-up-a-PS4-controller

but i would say you to evaluate the use of retropie 4.1 native
https://retropie.org.uk/download/

potatobox

@andrea_ita I could do native that's true, I just like having raspian for other things as well. I will probably try that & see if problem persists.

Also, I thought I should add that RetroPie is registering 2 controllers ("Wireless controller" and "Sony Playstation Dualshock...") And when I say, click 2 player mode in a game, the input is doubled... (so clicking X on the controller means both players click X) would this cause an issue?

Yes it happens on all emulators :(

andrea_ita

@potatobox

ok... you have to try... the command above to see in detail the two controller.
sudo jstest /dev/input/js1
sudo jstest /dev/input/js2

this is the method to test joypad
some people have problem with two joypad... "some cases"..

i loose many ours to understand the behavior of a self-made joystick to bar cabinet ... and I still have some minor problems
retopie 4.1 is a great project.. but there is some little matter to fix..

try to understand if it responds in correct mode... than try to connect "only" ps4... and test it alone.