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.
- 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).
No recommendations at this time, see ClusterM/hakchi2#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.
- 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).
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:
recommended, most instructions and documentation online is for version 4.0 and later.
Last version to support iOS and keyboard emulation mode.
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).
With new firmware, can plug in USB cable and it will be recognized as a gamepad. Older firmware needs to have USB mode enabled.
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.
- Blue light flashing: Bluetooth disconnected.
- Solid Blue light: Bluetooth connected.
- Green light flashing: Battery charging.
- Green light off: Charging completed.
- Solid Red light: Battery low.
- No LED lights active: Power off or Sleep mode.
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.
Hold START for 1 second Blue LED flashes 1 time per second
START + X for 1 second power on Blue LED flashes 2 times per second
START +A for 1 second power on Blue LED flashes 3 times per second
START + Y for 1 second power on Blue LED flashes 4 times per second
DOWN+SELECT = Switch home button
- 480mAh Li-on battery, 18 hours play time
- 1-2 hours charging (via Micro USB cable)
- 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
- 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