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FAQ: Console Compatibility

GP2040-CE supports a wide variety of consoles and the most common questions regarding console compatibility are listed below.

General​

Is there additional latency when using the Host USB authentication for PS4, PS5, and Xbox One?​

As long as Host USB authentication is configured correctly and the passthrough authentication device is properly plugged into the controller, there should be no additional latency. The passthrough authentication device is used solely for authentication without processing inputs and inputs come directly from the GP2040-CE firmware.

How do I plug in my passthrough authentication device for PS4, PS5, and Xbox One Input Modes?​

When using converters and adapters with PS4, PS5, and Xbox One Input Modes, you plug the device directly into the controller through a USB host port. You do not plug anything else into the converter/adapter.


Incorrect Usage of Converters/Adapters with Passthrough Add-ons

Many users incorrectly plug their controllers into the converters/adapters and then plug the converter/adapter into the console. This is not how passthrough authentication is intended to be used and will result in additional latency as inputs are processed by the converter/adapter.

Do not plug the converter/adapter as shown below.

Playstation​

Why does my controller stop responding after a while on PS4 or PS5?​

PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 use an authentication mechanism to ensure only authorized controllers are used on the console. If a device doesn't implement this authentication mechanism, the controller is subject to an 8-minute timeout.

Using PS4 Input Mode on a PC does not result in any timeout behavior, but note that XInput is the suggested mode on PC for best compatibility.

What is the 8-Minute Timeout?​

The 8-minute timeout works like this:

  1. Plug your controller into the PS4/5
  2. Press the PS button to initialize the controller
  3. Play for roughly 8 minutes
  4. Console rejects the controller due to failed authentication
  5. User unplugs their non-functional controller
  6. Go back to step 1 and repeat

How do I avoid the 8-Minute Timeout?​

GP2040-CE provides multiple methods for you to avoid the 8-Minute Timeout. The recommended method will depend on whether you are using your controller on Playstation 4 or Playstation 5.

For PS4, you can either use the PS4 Input Mode or the PS5 Input Mode.

For PS5 you can only use the PS5 Input Mode.

How do I get my GP2040-CE unit to work on a Playstation 4 or Playstation 5?​

For Playstation 4 compatibility, you will need to use either the PS4 Input Mode or the PS5 Input Mode.

For Playstation 5 compatibility, you cannot use the PS4 Input Mode. You will need to use the PS5 Input Mode

What is the PS4 Input Mode?​

The PS4 Input Mode is an input mode that grants GP2040-CE compatibility with the Playstation 4 console. You can either use uploaded key files or a Host USB port with a passthrough authentication device to bypass the 8-minute Timeout.

Additional Hardware Required

In order to use this setting, a USB Peripheral must be configured in Web Configurator > Peripheral Mapping > USB Host.

Once the USB Peripheral is configured, you need to plug in the dongle, converter, or categorized licensed PS4 controller into the USB A port on your GP2040-CE device.

How do I get the necessary keys and files for the PS4 Input Mode - Uploaded Key File?​

The GP2040-CE project will not provide any files or information related to acquiring these keys and files.

danger

Do not ask via any of communication channels (e.g. social media, direct messages, Github Issues, GP2040-CE Discord) as this will result in a permanent blacklist/ban.

What is the PS5 Input Mode?​

PS5 Input Mode is an input mode that grants GP2040-CE compatibility with the Playstation 4 or Playstation 5 console by using another controller or dongle to answer authentication.

Additional Hardware Required

In order to use this setting, a USB Peripheral must be configured in Web Configurator > Peripheral Mapping > USB Host.

Once the USB Peripheral is configured, you need to plug in the dongle, converter, or categorized licensed PS4 controller into the USB A port on your GP2040-CE device.

For more information, refer to PS5 Input Mode in the Web Configurator - Settings section of the documentation.

What controller or dongle do I use for Host USB with PS4 and PS5 Input Modes?​

note

The list of devices is shared between PS4 and PS5 as the controller is authenticating as a licensed, "categorized" PS4 controller. If it works for PS5, it will work for PS4 as well.

There are a number of devices that the PS5 recognizes as a "categorized" controller (e.g. arcade stick, racing wheel, flight sim joystick, etc.) where the developer of the game has supported the use of "categorized" controllers. These devices have the NXP7105 chips that allow them to authenticate with PS5 consoles.

Any USB device that works as a categorized PS4 controller (arcade stick/racing wheel/flight sim joystick) or a USB dongle that allows a controller to authenticate should work with PS Passthrough. Note that this functionality is not present in all games, but is common in fighting games and racing simulators.

Some devices that do work for PS5 include, but are not limited to;

Because your experience and purchased products may vary, GP2040-CE will not provide additional specific recommendations beyond these known working devices.

Incompatible Controllers

The following controllers are not supported at all with the PS4 and PS5 Input Modes

  • DualShock 4
  • DualSense
  • DualSense Edge
  • Other licensed PS5 controllers

How do I know the PS4 or PS5 Input Mode is working?​

If you're using an OLED display,

  • PS4 Input Mode - The displayed input mode will change from PS4 to PS4:AS to indicate your device has successfully authenticated with the PS4 console
  • PS5 Input Mode- the input mode will change from PS5 to PS5:AS to indicate your device has successfully authenticated with the PS4 console

Otherwise the common option is to plug the controller into a PS4 or PS5 and wait 8 minutes to verify that the controller is still responding afterwards.

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For the MagicBoots Adapter and N5 listed above, there is an indicator light on the dongle that should flash on boot and then become solid after a moment. If the indicator light is on and solid, your controllers should be compatible with PS5 at that point and not time out.

Can I remove the PS4/PS5 authentication device once I have plugged in my controller?​

Playstation consoles repeatedly send authorization requests every 30 seconds or so. If the request fails (i.e. there is no passthrough authentication device plugged in), in about 8 minutes, the controller will stop responding. Once this happens, the only option is to either reset the controller or unplug and then plug the controller back into the console.

Xbox​

How do I get my GP2040-CE unit to work on a Xbox One, Xbox Series S, or Xbox Series X?​

For Xbox One, Xbox Series S, or Xbox Series X compatibility, you will need to use the Xbox One Input Mode

What is the Xbox One Input Mode?​

Additional Hardware Required

Xbox One Input Mode grants GP2040-CE compatibility with the Xbox One, Xbox Series S, or Xbox Series X by using another controller or dongle to answer authentication

For more information, refer to Xbox One Input Mode in the Web Configurator - Add-ons section of the documentation.

What controller or dongle do I use for Xbox One Input Mode?​

Some devices that do work for Xbox One Input Mode are currently limited to the following;

Because your experience and purchased products may vary, GP2040-CE will not provide additional specific recommendations beyond these known working devices.

Xbox One Controllers

Xbox Wireless Controllers, Xbox One Elite Controllers, and other licensed Xbox One controllers will not work with this add-on.

How do I know the Xbox One Input Mode add-on is working?​

Because of the numerous devices to be used for passthrough authentication, there is not just one way to verify that the input mode is working without plugging the controller into a console and attempting to use it.

For the MagicBoots Adapter listed above, there is an indicator light on the dongle that should flash on boot and then become solid after a moment. If the indicator light is on and solid, your controllers should be compatible and you may use your controller as intended.

For the Magic-X Adapter listed above, there is an indicator light on the dongle that will continue flashing after the controller boots, unlike the MagicBoots Adapter.

Can I remove the Xbox One authentication device once I have plugged in my controller?​

Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X consoles only perform the authentication process once when the controller is plugged into the console. Once this occurs, the passthrough authentication device can be removed. However, it is still recommended to keep the device plugged in.