How to set up an N64 controller for RetroArch?

[Keaks]

I have looked online, YouTube, Reddit. The usual places. Everyone has a different answer and they never seem to work properly.

Could their be an installation for a Hori style controller for RetroArch? I have used other, stand-alone N64 emulators. But, they are really spotty, working with some games and completely bugging out with others. This issue does not happen with RetroArch, but again, the controller NEVER seems to be completely right.

My controller is like the one in the attached picture but with a USB cord at the end, instead of a regular N64 end.

Thanks very much for your time. Hope someone else has figured this out.
Keaks

 

[SkunkyBeaumont]

You're gonna have to keep poking at it till it works, or switch to a modern controller.

Assuming that the controller worked in an og N64, the buttons should be mapped the same way, which means the C buttons register as the right analog stick, according to this post that I'm assuming you saw.

Mapping a real Nintendo 64 controller

Thanks for the reply! What I’ve been doing: Load Core, Load Content, Run. Hit F1 for Quick Menu (in-game settings). Quick Menu> Controls> Port 1 Controls> … Device Type: “CONTROLLER” or “MOUSE” or “NONE” Analog to Digital Type: “NONE” or “LEFT ANALOG” or “RIGHT ANALOG” ^^^ Not sure...

forums.libretro.com

 

[freebie#47]

I use a Xbox controller for all my emulation now. Man that controller feels so good. Also what device are you playing retroarch on and what adapter are you using? Knowing what kind of set up can help pinpoint the issues to fix it.

 

[Keaks]

I use a Xbox controller for all my emulation now. Man that controller feels so good. Also what device are you playing retroarch on and what adapter are you using? Knowing what kind of set up can help pinpoint the issues to fix it.

Playing retroarch on PC, with a Hori USB controller. It appears as a normal controller. It just makes too much sense to me playing an N64 game with it.

Post automatically merged: Jan 15, 2025

You're gonna have to keep poking at it till it works, or switch to a modern controller.

Assuming that the controller worked in an og N64, the buttons should be mapped the same way, which means the C buttons register as the right analog stick, according to this post that I'm assuming you saw.

Mapping a real Nintendo 64 controller

Thanks for the reply! What I’ve been doing: Load Core, Load Content, Run. Hit F1 for Quick Menu (in-game settings). Quick Menu> Controls> Port 1 Controls> … Device Type: “CONTROLLER” or “MOUSE” or “NONE” Analog to Digital Type: “NONE” or “LEFT ANALOG” or “RIGHT ANALOG” ^^^ Not sure...

forums.libretro.com

I tried this before, this was one of the usual places I checked and tried out. It does not work right, annoyingly.

 

[SkunkyBeaumont]

Playing retroarch on PC, with a Hori USB controller. It appears as a normal controller. It just makes too much sense to me playing an N64 game with it.

Post automatically merged: Jan 15, 2025

I tried this before, this was one of the usual places I checked and tried out. It does not work right, annoyingly.

Have you tried another N64 controller?

 

[Keaks]

Have you tried another N64 controller?

No, It works fine with software specifically N64. But it does not work with anything outside of that. But they do not clock in Retro Achievement goals.

 

[Jeanfranc]

I have looked online, YouTube, Reddit. The usual places. Everyone has a different answer and they never seem to work properly.

Could their be an installation for a Hori style controller for RetroArch? I have used other, stand-alone N64 emulators. But, they are really spotty, working with some games and completely bugging out with others. This issue does not happen with RetroArch, but again, the controller NEVER seems to be completely right.

My controller is like the one in the attached picture but with a USB cord at the end, instead of a regular N64 end.

Thanks very much for your time. Hope someone else has figured this out.
Keaks

I use the NSO n64 controller with my pc so I suggest you getting that, it's basically an official 1:1 replica of the original with the rumble pak included

 

[Keaks]

I use the NSO n64 controller with my pc so I suggest you getting that, it's basically an official 1:1 replica of the original with the rumble pak included

Definitely going to look this up. I prefer the HORI shape, with the two handles to grab, instead of the weird 3 pronged n64 controller.

 

[Nidstang]

Get a Saffun Wireless N64 controller. It's shaped like an original N64 controller, works on Switch, PC, and original N64s, and has better stick zones than even the official Nintendo N64 Switch controller.

 

[Jeanfranc]

Definitely going to look this up. I prefer the HORI shape, with the two handles to grab, instead of the weird 3 pronged n64 controller.

Beware that it doesn't work very well with joy4cemu, some guy on Reddit made a fork of it to make it work with the Switch's N64 controller, so I recommend you check it out:

Release Version 6.4β - Quick Fix + N64 · mattdog1000000/BetterJoy

For anyone having trouble with the Z + C-Down buttons, please try Version 7.1.n64. Hopefully the same as Version 6.4β - Quick Fix, but with Nintendo Switch N64 Controller support. It seems using HI...

github.com

 

[PhrawzT]

I use the Retro Fighers wired USB N64 controller or the Superpad 64 with a USB adapter. I think that those controllers feel much better than many of the 3 pronged Nintendo controllers.

 

[Keaks]

I use the Retro Fighers wired USB N64 controller or the Superpad 64 with a USB adapter. I think that those controllers feel much better than many of the 3 pronged Nintendo controllers.
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The first one has a perfect shape for the type of controllers I use. Cheers for the heads up.