darthcloud
Sony Dualshock 4 V2 and Dualsense controllers create random inputs (typically pauses) playing on Genesis
BlueRetro firmware version
24.04 Tested on various firmware, 1.7.3, 1.4, 1.8.3, 24.10
BlueRetro firmware specification
HW1
BlueRetro firmware variant
Universal and Genesis.
BlueRetro hardware type
External adapter with multiple hardwired cord
Manufacturer
Self Built - pmgducati AIO boards
System used
SEGA MegaDrive Genesis
Bluetooth controller brand & name
Several. Details in report.
What is problem? (only list ONE problem per report)
This initially started as a discussion topic here: https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetro/discussions/1040. The behavior described there is exhibited when using DualShock 4 V2 and Dualsense controllers. The issue that typically presents itself is a random game pause. When playing with my 8bitdo Pro 2 these issues appear to be gone or greatly diminished.
May be related, may not. Discovered that holding Genesis “c” in the game Crying (Bio-Hazard Battle) results in the press and rapid pauses. Checked with different controller types, multi tap compatible and non multi tap dongles. Further testing shows that when the second controller port is disconnected, this game doesn't exhibit this issue.
For reference, the other game I experience phantom presses in is Streets of Rage 2. It doesn't matter if plugged, unplugged, etc. It will eventually exhibit this behavior. Inputs are fast pace as play is at Mania difficulty.
What did you expect to happen?
For the input to be sent accurately and quickly from Sony controllers to the console.
Attach files like logs or Bluetooth traces here
Added 12/27/24 - at a glance they don't look very helpful. Logged data toward the end is when the issue occurred. My hope was to also capture with Wireshark in promiscuous mode, but it appears that may not be possible (at least with the equipment I have available).
I experienced something similar to this with my DS4 v2 connected to a BlueRetro for PS1/PS2.
BlueRetro firmware version 24.04
BlueRetro firmware specification HW1
BlueRetro firmware variant playstation
BlueRetro hardware type External adapter for PS1/PS2 controller port.
Manufacturer pcp.tech @ eBay
System used PlayStation 2, SCPH-90004 PAL
Bluetooth controller brand & name SONY MODEL CUH-ZCT1E (DualShock 4 v2 Steel Black)
What is problem? (only list ONE problem per report) I noticed random infrequent ghost START button inputs while playing. In my case, it happens more often while idling. For example, I pause the game (usually with START button) for a visit to the toilet, to check my mobile or to take a look to a game guide on the tablet, and after a while the pause quits itself when I'm not even touching the controller. This same behavior happened with several games for PS2 and PS1. Notice I updated recently to version "24.04 hw1 playstation" from "1.7.3 psx_external" that came installed when I bought this BlueRetro a couple of years ago, and this behavior described above didn't happen before.
What did you expect to happen? No ghost inputs.
Attach files like logs or Bluetooth traces here I don't have any.
Hi! 👋 I’m also experiencing the same issue when using 3–4 controllers via PS1 multitap. The pause button triggers automatically after some time in Quake II and NFS Porsche 2000, but everything works fine in Crash Team Racing.
Setup:
Firmware: v25.04 hw1
ESP32 DevKit v1 and ESP32 Mini
Controllers: DualShock 4 & DualSense (PS4/PS5)
Power: Stable 5V 1A+
Seems related to multitap polling timing or false “Start” signal detection.
👋 Hi again!
I just wanted to add that this same issue also happens on PlayStation 1 when using multitap with multiple controllers.
The Pause (Start) button triggers automatically after some time during gameplay, just like in the Genesis report.
It happens in Quake II and Need for Speed: Porsche 2000, but not in Crash Team Racing (which works perfectly).
Tested on BlueRetro firmware v25.04 hw1
Hardware: ESP32 DevKit v1 and ESP32 Mini
Controllers: original wireless DualShock 4 and DualSense (PS4/PS5)
Setup: Port 1 → Slot 1 (Multitap) with 4 controllers configured
Power: stable 5 V 1 A+
So it seems this “random pause” issue affects PS1 multitap as well, possibly related to polling timing or Start signal debounce.
Thanks again for your great work — I can test any beta firmware or config changes if needed! 🙏