How to Pair PS4 Controller with Recalbox? (Bluetooth)
The PlayStation 4 controller is definitely one of the best controllers for almost any game. But as it’s a proprietary system, it’s not always the easiest one to configure on retro-gaming platforms like Recalbox. Today, I’m giving you a step-by-step tutorial on how to do this exactly.
The PS4 controller works directly with Recalbox using a USB cable. To use Bluetooth mode, the controller must be set to pairing mode and associated. Then the configuration can be done from the controller settings.
Let’s see now how to do this step-by-step. By the way, it’s the solution to use a PS4 controller on Recalbox, but it works the same way with other controllers (PS3, Xbox or 8bitdo for example).
By the way, if you’re looking for some great retro games, I’ve got a list of my 24 favorites for Retropie, Recalbox, or Lakka. It’s packed with screenshots, descriptions, and download links to make it easy for you. Grab the list for free here!
Video Tutorial
Before going into the step-by-step process just after here, for those of you who prefer a quick explanation in video, you can watch this one directly (and jump to the explanations below if needed):
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Connecting a PS4 Controller to Recalbox
In this section, I’ll show you how to get Recalbox to pair wirelessly with your PS4 controller.
Start with Another Controller
The first thing to do is to set up and configure Recalbox correctly. If you need some help with this, I have an entire guide for Recalbox on Raspberry Pi that you can check out.
Before you can connect your PS4 controller on Recalbox, you need to start with a different controller that’s wired. I don’t recommend plugging in the PS4 for this purpose. Instead, start with your keyboard or some other basic controller.
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Once your Recalbox installation is complete, you can move to the next step.
Put the PS4 Controller into Pairing Mode
The step I missed the first time I tried was that I didn’t put the PS4 controller in pairing mode.
When you press the PS key, the controller searches for the console, but that doesn’t enable Bluetooth access.
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Here’s how to put the PS4 controller into pairing mode:
- Make sure the controller is off.
- Press the PS and Share keys simultaneously:
- The front light will start to blink.
The controller is now ready to pair with your Raspberry Pi.
Pair the PS4 Controller with Recalbox
We now need to tell Recalbox to connect to the PS4 controller.
This step is not specific to this controller—any Bluetooth controller works the same once in pairing mode.
- Make sure the light is still blinking on your PS4 controller.
You don’t have very long before it turns off again. - Open the start menu on Recalbox (press Start on your other controller).
- Go to the “Controller Settings” option.
- Select the “Pair Bluetooth Controllers” option.
- Pick the PS4 controller from the list and confirm the pairing
If you only have one, it will likely be paired automatically.
That’s it, your controller should be working now.
Configuring PS4 Buttons
As it does with wired USB controllers, Recalbox will generally detect and configure the PS4 controller automatically. But if you want to change the default settings, you can easily do it.
Controller Configuration on Recalbox
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After the Bluetooth association, the controller configuration wizard shows up. If not, you can always open it in Start > Controller Settings > Configure a Controller.
You can configure all the keys in it, as you want. Try to configure everything at once, so you don’t need to come back to this menu again later.
How to Use a PS4 Controller After a Reboot
You don’t need to go through the pairing process again with your PS4 controller every time time you load up. The association is memorized by Recalbox, and you can use it directly like on a PS4.
Just press the “PS” button to turn it on, and the Bluetooth connection will work automatically.
You might also like: Pi5 vs. Pi4: I tested them, here's the result
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Enjoy Your PS4 controller!
That’s it, you can now use your PlayStation 4 controller easily on Recalbox, and enjoy any games with it! I really love this controller because I’m used to, but also because it’s the perfect controller for retro-gaming.
Download the free PDF, keep it open, and stop wasting time on Google.
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With so many keys, you can configure it for any game, even for the N64 ones that requires many controls. And obviously for PSX games there is no best alternative.
For example, if you want to play Goldeneye 007 on N64, at least one stick is mandatory to control the camera and the movement separately.
Here is a quick reminder about this game for older people like me 🙂
Yes, you can find a N64 controller replica (check it if you don’t remember how it looks like), or use something like the excellent 8Bitdo controller to do the same thing (links to Amazon). But if you already have a PS4 controller, it’s perfect.
That’s it for this tutorial on how to use a PS4 controller with Recalbox.
I hope it was helpful for you, and even if you don’t have a PS4 model, any Bluetooth controller should work the same way.
Let me know in the community if you have any issue with this!
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