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Configure multiple wireless controllers for RetroPie

Set up and configure multiple USB or Bluetooth controllers for multiplayer gaming on your RetroPie Raspberry Pi console.

IntermediateRetroPie · GamingBy Vilros

Overview

RetroPie supports up to 8 controllers simultaneously, making it perfect for multiplayer retro gaming. This guide covers USB and Bluetooth controller setup for popular gamepads like PlayStation, Xbox, SNES-style USB controllers, and 8BitDo controllers.

Supported controller types:

  • USB controllers (plug-and-play for most models)
  • Bluetooth controllers (PS3, PS4, Xbox One, 8BitDo, etc.)
  • Wireless controllers with USB dongles (Xbox 360, some third-party controllers)

USB controllers

USB controllers are the easiest to set up and provide the most reliable connection.

Connect USB controllers

  1. Plug your USB controller(s) into the Raspberry Pi's USB ports.
  2. RetroPie will detect them automatically.
  3. If you see "X Gamepad(s) Detected" on the RetroPie splash screen, your controllers are ready to configure.
Tip: If you have more than 4 controllers, use a powered USB hub to avoid power issues.

Bluetooth controller setup

Bluetooth controllers require pairing before first use.

Pair a Bluetooth controller

  1. From the RetroPie main menu, select RetroPie (the icon with a pie).
  2. Select Bluetooth.
  3. Choose Register and Connect to Bluetooth Device.
  4. Put your controller into pairing mode:
    • PS4: Hold Share + PS button until the light bar flashes.
    • Xbox One S/X: Hold the pairing button on top of the controller.
    • 8BitDo: Hold Start + Y (varies by model; check manual).
  5. Select DisplayYesNo for security when prompted.
  6. Wait for RetroPie to discover your controller and select it from the list.
  7. Choose Pair, then Trust, and finally Connect.

Your controller should now be paired. Test it by navigating the RetroPie menu.

Reconnecting Bluetooth controllers

Most Bluetooth controllers reconnect automatically after pairing:

  • PS4: Press the PS button.
  • Xbox: Press the Xbox button.
  • 8BitDo: Hold Start or press Home (varies by model).

If a controller won't reconnect, re-pair it from the Bluetooth menu.

Configure controllers in RetroPie

Each controller must be configured before you can use it in games.

Configure a new controller

  1. When you connect a new controller, RetroPie will prompt: "X Gamepad(s) detected. Hold a button to configure."
  2. Hold any button on the controller you want to configure.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to map each button:
    • D-Pad (up, down, left, right)
    • Face buttons (A, B, X, Y or Cross, Circle, Square, Triangle)
    • Shoulder buttons (L, R)
    • Triggers (L2, R2 or LT, RT)
    • Start, Select
    • Analog sticks (if available)
  4. If your controller doesn't have a specific button, hold any button to skip that input.
  5. When done, press OK to save the configuration.
Important: Configure Hotkey Enable (usually Select or the back button). This lets you exit games with Hotkey + Start.

Configure additional controllers

To configure Player 2, 3, or 4 controllers:

  1. Go to RetroPie → RetroPie Setup → Configuration / Tools → Emulation Station.
  2. Select Clear/Reset Emulation Station Input Configuration.
  3. Restart Emulation Station.
  4. Hold a button on each controller when prompted to configure them in order (Player 1, Player 2, etc.).

Per-game controller configuration

Some emulators (like RetroArch cores) allow per-game controller customization.

Remap controls in-game (RetroArch)

  1. Launch a game.
  2. Press Hotkey + X (default) to open the RetroArch Quick Menu.
  3. Navigate to Controls → Port 1 Controls (or Port 2, 3, 4 for other players).
  4. Remap buttons as needed.
  5. Go back and select Save Core Remap File to apply this layout to all games in that system, or Save Game Remap File for only this game.

Troubleshooting

Controller not detected

  • USB: Try a different USB port. If using a hub, ensure it's powered.
  • Bluetooth: Re-pair the controller. Some controllers require a wired USB connection first.
  • Restart RetroPie and try again.

Controller disconnects randomly

  • Bluetooth: Weak signal or interference. Move closer to the Pi or remove other Bluetooth devices.
  • USB: Power issue. Use a powered USB hub or upgrade to a higher-amperage power supply (5V 3A recommended for Pi 4/5).

Wrong buttons in-game

  • Reconfigure the controller in Emulation Station (see "Configure controllers" above).
  • Some emulators (MAME, standalone emulators) have their own button configs. Check the RetroPie wiki for system-specific controls.

Can't exit a game

  • Press Hotkey + Start (Hotkey is usually Select or the back button).
  • If this doesn't work, SSH into your Pi and run killall emulationstation, or reboot with sudo reboot.

Need more help?

Visit the RetroPie documentation or contact Vilros support.