8bitdo_manual

8bitdo manual

The missing manual, documentation for 8bitdo gamepad controllers (initial focus the NES30/N30/F30).

Latest version available from https://clach04.github.io/8bitdo_manual/

So you have a http://www.8bitdo.com/retro-receiver-nes-classic what’s next?

First thing is to flash the latest firmware.

Also see https://github.com/jayp76/8bitdo_faq/wiki

The NES30 was renamed after release to the N30. Same firmware/controls for N30/F30 and SN30/SF30. Even though the N30/F30 is discontinued, there are recent firmware updates.

Firmware

• There is firmware for the game controller.
• There is also firmware for retro receivers for use on original consoles (and also via USB cable on new hardware).

Retro receiver firmware

No recommendations at this time, see https://github.com/ClusterM/hakchi2/issues/257 And consider gamepad controller firmware 2.70 which allows to remap Turbo (L/R/X/Y) buttons via RemapTool. alternative is to start in Switch mode with latest firmware.

Controller firmware

• current/new as of May 2019 latest is 4.20 - http://download.8bitdo.com/Firmware/Controller/N30+F30/
• legacy 3.0 - http://download.8bitdo.com/Firmware/Controller/N30+F30/
• Original 2.x - from http://download.8bitdo.com/Firmware/GamePad/

NOTE SNES style pad SN30 uses the exact same (Windows) application and firmware data file for firmware version 4.20. I.e. *.exe and *.dat file in http://download.8bitdo.com/Firmware/Controller/SN30+SF30/SN30+SF30_Firmware_V4.20.zip is identical to the exe and dat file in http://download.8bitdo.com/Firmware/Controller/N30+F30/N30+F30_Firmware_V4.20.zip (just with a different name).

Firmware information

For updating firmware under Linux, see https://github.com/hughsie/8bitdo-firmware

For Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOs see 8bitdo support and downloads.

Firmware change logs:

• https://web.archive.org/web/20170520112357/http://www.8bitdo.com/snes30/firmware.html

Current firmware 4.x

recommended, most instructions and documentation online is for version 4.0 and later.

Legacy 3.0

Last version to support iOS and keyboard emulation mode.

Original 2.x

Version 2.70 appears to be the last/only version to support button remapping, via the Remap tool (provided in the same zip the 2.70 firmware is in). If using GamePad with a retro receiver (for example, with original NES console consider this version).

Connecting gamepad

USB cable

With new firmware, can plug in USB cable and it will be recognized as a gamepad. Older firmware needs to have USB mode enabled.

Bluetooth pairing

Enter Bluetooth pairing mode by pressing SELECT for 3 seconds.

If prompted for a PIN code, use 0000. Note this may only be for certain firmware versions.

LED Light(s) status

1. Blue light flashing: Bluetooth disconnected.
2. Solid Blue light: Bluetooth connected.
3. Green light flashing: Battery charging.
4. Green light off: Charging completed.
5. Solid Red light: Battery low.
6. No LED lights active: Power off or Sleep mode.

Controls

Power On by pressing START (and optionally a button combination) for 1 second.

Power Off by pressing START for 3 seconds.

Enter Bluetooth pairing mode by pressing SELECT for 3 seconds.

To restore to factory settings (or force power off) hold down the START button for 8 seconds.

Android (D-Input, default mode)

Hold START for 1 second Blue LED flashes 1 time per second

Windows (X-Input)

START + X for 1 second power on Blue LED flashes 2 times per second

macOS

START +A for 1 second power on Blue LED flashes 3 times per second

Nintendo Switch

START + Y for 1 second power on Blue LED flashes 4 times per second

DOWN+SELECT = Switch home button

Battery

• 480mAh Li-on battery, 18 hours play time
• 1-2 hours charging (via Micro USB cable)

Power saving

• Enters sleep mode if not connected via bluetooth after 1 minute
• Enters sleep mode if connected via bluetooth after 15 minutes
• Press start to wake up

Other resources

• http://support.8bitdo.com/
  • http://download.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/N30+F30/ version 4 and legacy documents
  • http://download.8bitdo.com/Manual/Receiver/nes_classic/
  • https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=7m%2FRN9p%2Fv8MKEPZXeG4UyQ%3D%3D&fcc_id=2AH7N-SNES30 fcc application for SNES30, documentation here is more detailed (not pretty v4.x firmware), translation appears to be from third party.
• https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/wiki/8Bitdo-Controller
• https://github.com/recalbox/recalbox-os/wiki/8bitdo-on-recalbox-(EN) note instructions are for 2.x firmware
• udev rules https://github.com/paalfe/mixedcontent/blob/master/udev_rules.d/99-8bitdo-bluetooth-controllers.rules

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