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Parsec CouchLink

Parsec CouchLink turns a remote Parsec gamepad into a real controller input for a retro console.

Remote player
   |
   | Parsec virtual Xbox controller(s)
   v
Windows host running couchlink.exe
   |
   | Wi-Fi
   v
Raspberry Pi Pico W or Pico 2 W running CouchLink firmware
   |
   | USB as selected input persona
   v
USB4MAPLE or another USB-to-console adapter
   |
   v
Console player 2

Start Here

• Quick Start - install from a release zip and run the setup script.
• Controller Routing - choose which controller goes to which Pico.
• Setup and Flashing - what the script does and how to recover a Pico.
• Troubleshooting - what to run when setup or discovery fails.
• Hardware Lab - unattended bench checks for firmware, reconnects, and controller output.
• Reporting-Bugs - how to make a bundle and what to include in an issue.
• Build - build the release zip from source.
• Protocol - short runtime and setup protocol reference.
• Changelog - release notes.

What Ships In A Release

File	Purpose
setup.ps1	The first-run setup script.
couchlink.exe	Windows app that guides setup, routing, flashing, diagnostics, and streaming.
couchlink-pico2w.uf2	Firmware for Pico 2 W.
couchlink-picow.uf2	Firmware for Pico W / Pico WH.
README.txt	Short copy of the release-folder instructions.
CHANGELOG.md	Release history.
LICENSE / NOTICE	License text and release archive notes.

Normal Flow

1. Download the release zip.
2. Extract it.
3. Run setup.ps1 from PowerShell.
4. When prompted, hold BOOTSEL, plug in the Pico, then release BOOTSEL as soon as Windows shows the RPI-RP2 or RP2350 drive. Do not press BOOTSEL again during the reboot that follows.
5. Enter the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi credentials.
6. Let setup add the Startup shortcut.
7. Run couchlink.exe, choose the Pico on the Basic tab, start streaming, then start a Parsec session and play.

The Wi-Fi password is sent to the Pico over USB setup mode. It is not saved on the PC.

For development benches with the Pico plugged into the Windows host, couchlink lab can cycle setup mode, BOOTSEL flashing, run-mode controller enumeration, and signal checks. See Hardware Lab.