this post was submitted on 15 Oct 2025
38 points (97.5% liked)

Linux Gaming

21825 readers
186 users here now

Discussions and news about gaming on the GNU/Linux family of operating systems (including the Steam Deck). Potentially a $HOME away from home for disgruntled /r/linux_gaming denizens of the redditarian demesne.

This page can be subscribed to via RSS.

Original /r/linux_gaming pengwing by uoou.

No memes/shitposts/low-effort posts, please.

Resources

WWW:

Discord:

IRC:

Matrix:

Telegram:

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
monolalia@lemmy.world
38
8BitDo controllers? (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 week ago by ArchmageAzor@lemmy.world to c/linux_gaming@lemmy.world
36 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

I have an 8BitDo Pro 2 controller I've used a bunch without issue on Windows, now I'm moving to Linux (Mint specifically) and I'm having trouble getting the controller to work. It's supposed to work with Linux, but I can't get it to work. Steam doesn't detect the controller in its settings.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] Thassodar@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago (2 children)

Are you using the dongle that came with the controller? Bluetooth via direct connection doesn't work for these controllers, you have to use the dongle. The Bluetooth direct (no dongle) only works for mobile devices.

[–] ArchmageAzor@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I don't recall getting a dongle with it, I used Bluetooth before I think

[–] Thassodar@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

If it's the Pro2 the dongle should be in the charging base under a little flap. When I get home I can take a pic if needed. To be clear: I am not running Linux but I had this issue attempting to use the controller Bluetooth without using the dongle.

EDIT: I am using the Ultimate 2, not the Pro2, this may not apply. I apologize.

[–] actionjbone@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago

Yeah, I was gonna say. I use the Pro2 with Bazzite via Bluetooth. There is no dongle, it's just a Bluetooth controller.

[–] snooggums@piefed.world 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I use an 8bit duo2 with Bluetooth in Windows, but am planning on switching to Linux by the end of the year after doing a proper data backup.

Just to be clear, the Bluetooth in Linux doesn't work with these controllers and requires the dongle?

[–] Thassodar@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

~~TBH I am not using Linux and am using a Pro 2 like OP, however I was attempting to connect to my laptop (Win 10) via Bluetooth only, and it wouldn't work.

That's when I discovered Bluetooth to Bluetooth only works with mobile, and to connect to a PC you have to have the USB dongle that came with it. If OP is saying it works fine direct connection I'm recommending they try the dongle.~~

EDIT: I am using the Ultimate 2, not the Pro2, this may not apply. I apologize.

[–] snooggums@piefed.world 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

I have been using my 8bitdo pro2 with the Bluetooth built into my Win11 desktop PC motherboard for at least a year. Mine didn't come with a dangle, but I could have purchased it separately. It was the old chunky style dangle iirc.

Dongle is a good suggestion though as that should work out of the box.