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DualShock 4 does not work correctly via Bluetooth in the latest emulator builds

Open OsbornX98 opened this issue 2 months ago • 14 comments

Platform / OS / Hardware: Poco F5/ Android 13

Flycast version: v2.5-161-g922ca3e54

Description of the Issue: I’ve been experiencing an issue with the newer versions of the emulator. When I connect my DualShock 4 to my phone via Bluetooth, I simply can’t use the emulator properly because the cursor keeps being pulled downward, as if the left analog stick were being pushed down on its own. I’ve tried using other DualShock 4 controllers — I have three — and all of them have the same problem. It becomes impossible to play this way.

I tested the version from the Play Store and it works normally; this issue only happens in the latest master build versions.

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https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/e46bd6ac-1f81-4f2e-ba79-755b876935e5

OsbornX98 avatar Nov 14 '25 17:11 OsbornX98

Have you tried to remap the thumbstick axes? or to reset the mapping to default?

I see that the right thumbstick doesn't seem to be affected by the problem. Is it true or does it have the same issue?

There has been some changes in the way analog axes are handled in Flycast and it looks like this is an unfortunate consequence of these changes. So I'm trying to understand what's going on.

flyinghead avatar Nov 15 '25 14:11 flyinghead

I have reset the settings multiple times and have also uninstalled and reinstalled several recent versions, all of which exhibit the same issue. Regarding the right thumbstick, I have not experienced any problems; as mentioned previously, the issue lies with the down thumbstick

OsbornX98 avatar Nov 15 '25 15:11 OsbornX98

I am able to play the Play Store version without any issues; the problem occurs only in the latest versions of the master build.

OsbornX98 avatar Nov 15 '25 15:11 OsbornX98

I meant the right-side thumbstick:

Image

Do you have the same issue with it?

Do the left and right analog triggers work fine?

flyinghead avatar Nov 15 '25 15:11 flyinghead

I have not encountered any issues with the right-side thumbstick; as previously stated, the problem is limited to the left-side thumbstick.

OsbornX98 avatar Nov 16 '25 00:11 OsbornX98

Could you install this app? https://gamepad-tester.en.softonic.com/android I would like you to move the left and right thumbsticks full left and right, and full up and down. And also the left and right triggers from 0% to 100%. Please record a video or screenshots. And let me know if you see anything strange. Thank you.

flyinghead avatar Nov 16 '25 09:11 flyinghead

Here is an example with an Xbox Series gamepad:

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flyinghead avatar Nov 16 '25 09:11 flyinghead

Image Image Image Image

OsbornX98 avatar Nov 18 '25 01:11 OsbornX98

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/b625276e-05c4-43b3-bcba-cba20ea78bed

OsbornX98 avatar Nov 18 '25 01:11 OsbornX98

Thanks a lot for this. This is very helpful.

One last question: do you see other devices listed in Controls > Physical Devices when you connect your DualShock 4? such as Sony Wireless Controller Motion Sensors or Sony Wireless Controller. I guess a screenshot of this page would help.

In the mean time I pushed some changes to the master branch. I'm not sure this will help but please install the latest build and let me know.

flyinghead avatar Nov 18 '25 18:11 flyinghead

Hi! I checked in the Gamepad Tester app, and only a single device shows up when I connect my DualShock 4:

Name: Wireless Controller Touchpad Product: Vendor_054c_Product_09cc

No additional devices appear, such as “Sony Wireless Controller” or “Sony Wireless Controller Motion Sensors.”

Image

OsbornX98 avatar Nov 19 '25 21:11 OsbornX98

Even after updating to the latest version of the master branch, the problem still persists.

OsbornX98 avatar Nov 19 '25 22:11 OsbornX98

Should be fixed on the master branch.

I actually had to buy a DualShock 4 controller to understand and fix the issue. And I don't think I would have been able to fix it without one.

flyinghead avatar Nov 22 '25 11:11 flyinghead

It’s back to normal. Thank you, and apologies for the inconvenience.

OsbornX98 avatar Nov 23 '25 02:11 OsbornX98