RetroScaler Wireless Controller Adapter for NEO-GEO Consoles
Introduction
This device is a wireless controller adapter for NEO-GEO Consoles, compatible with many popular Bluetooth controllers on the market. It is based on the open-source project darthcloud/BlueRetro and built using the ESP32 chip.
It supports a wide range of controllers including PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox One S, Xbox Series X|S, Wii, Wii U Pro, Switch Pro, Switch Joycon, 8bitdo, and Retro-Bit Wireless Controllers, as well as Bluetooth mouse and keyboard devices.
You can connect via Web Bluetooth at https://blueretro.io/ to configure the adapter (supported in Windows/macOS/Android Chrome).
GitHub Repositories:
- Retroscaler Github: https://github.com/RetroScaler
- Darthcloud Github: https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetro
Features
- Only suitable for NEO-GEO consoles.
- Supports firmware updates.
- Almost zero latency: PS4 & PS5 controllers experience less than 6ms of latency using BlueRetro.
- Compatible with PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox One S, Xbox Series X|S, Wii, Wii U Pro, Switch Pro, Switch Joycon, 8bitdo, Retro-Bit Wireless Controllers, and Bluetooth mouse/keyboard devices.
- Configuration via Web Bluetooth at https://blueretro.io/ (Windows/macOS/Android Chrome).
Instructions
Button Usage
"BOOT" Button:
- Under 3 seconds hold: Disconnect all Bluetooth devices.
- 10 seconds hold: Restore to default configurations and clear BT pairing keys.
Image Description: A NEO-GEO console is shown connected to the BlueRetro adapter. Two controllers, one resembling a PS4/PS5 controller and another an Xbox controller, are held by hands.
LED Status
- RED LED FULLY ON: Bluetooth failure
- PURPLE LED Pulsing: Searching wireless controller
- BLUE LED FULLY ON: Bluetooth connected successfully
Pairing with PS4 or PS5 Controller
First time pairing
- Boot up BlueRetro and ensure the adapter is in inquiry mode ("SYNC" PURPLE LED pulsing).
- Hold down the “Share” button (PS4) or "Create" button (PS5) and the “PS” button of the controller simultaneously until the light bar starts flashing.
Image Description: A PS4/PS5 controller is shown with the "Share" or "Create" button and the "PS" button highlighted. Text indicates "(Bluetooth Inquiry Mode Enable)".
Successful pairing
For BlueRetro adapter: The “SYNC” BLUE LED is fully on.
For PS4 or PS5 controller: The light bar is fully on.
Image Description: A PS4/PS5 controller and the BlueRetro adapter are shown with their respective LED indicators for successful pairing.
Reconnect
Simply hold down the "PS" button on the PS4 or PS5 controller until the Bluetooth function is activated. It will then reconnect to the BlueRetro adapter automatically.
Pairing with Xbox One S, Series X|S Controller
As of v1.2.1, the minimum required Xbox FW for controllers are: Xbox One S: 4.8.1923.0, Adaptive: 4.5.1680.0. Series X|S: 5.9.2709.0. Update via the Xbox accessories Win10 app: Microsoft Store Link.
For details on the update procedure, please visit: Xbox Support Link.
Note: The adapter does not support the Xbox One 1st Gen Controller.
First time pairing
- Boot up BlueRetro and ensure the adapter is in inquiry mode ("SYNC" PURPLE LED pulsing).
- Power on the controller using the "Xbox" button and then hold the black “SYNC” button until the LED of the “Xbox” button flashes rapidly.
Image Description: An Xbox controller is shown with the "SYNC" button highlighted. Text indicates "(Bluetooth Inquiry Mode Enable)".
Successful pairing
For BlueRetro adapter: The "SYNC" BLUE LED is fully on.
For Xbox One S, Series X|S & Adaptive controller: The LED of the “Xbox” button comes to constant.
Image Description: An Xbox controller and the BlueRetro adapter are shown with their respective LED indicators for successful pairing.
Reconnect
Simply hold down the "Xbox" button on the controller to power on. It will then reconnect to the BlueRetro adapter automatically.
Pairing with Wii & WiiU Pro Controller
First time pairing
- Boot up BlueRetro and ensure the adapter is in inquiry mode ("SYNC" PURPLE LED pulsing).
- Press the red "SYNC” button, then the four lights on the controller will flash.
- LEDs will stop blinking on the controller once pairing is complete.
Image Description: A Wii U Pro controller is shown with the red "SYNC" button highlighted. Text indicates "(Bluetooth Inquiry Mode Enable)".
Successful pairing
For BlueRetro adapter: The "SYNC" BLUE LED is fully on.
For Wii & WiiU Pro controller: The first light is fully on.
Image Description: A Wii U Pro controller and the BlueRetro adapter are shown with their respective LED indicators for successful pairing.
Reconnect
Simply press the power button on the controller. It will then reconnect to the BlueRetro adapter automatically.
Pairing with Switch Pro & Joycon
First time pairing
- Boot up BlueRetro and ensure the adapter is in inquiry mode ("SYNC" PURPLE LED pulsing).
- Press and hold the “SYNC” BUTTON on the top of the gamepad until the indicator on the underside of the pad starts flashing back and forth.
Image Description: Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons and a Switch Pro controller are shown with their respective "SYNC" buttons highlighted. Text indicates "(Bluetooth Inquiry Mode Enable)".
Successful pairing
For BlueRetro adapter: The “SYNC” BLUE LED is fully on.
For Switch Pro & Joycon controller: The first light on the left is fully on.
Image Description: Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons and a Switch Pro controller, along with the BlueRetro adapter, are shown with their respective LED indicators for successful pairing.
Reconnect
Simply press any button on the controller. It will then reconnect to the BlueRetro adapter automatically.
Pairing with 8bitdo Controller
Note: This adapter is only compatible with 8bitdo controllers that have Bluetooth functionality. Before use, ensure your controller supports Bluetooth. The 8bitdo Pro2 controller was used as an example in this manual.
For details of the update procedure, please visit: 8bitdo Firmware Updater.
First time pairing
- Boot up BlueRetro and ensure the adapter is in inquiry mode ("SYNC" PURPLE LED pulsing).
- Power up the 8bitdo controller in Xinput mode, then LED 1 will start to blink. (Use "Start + X" button or set the switch to X). This is only supported in Xinput mode.
Image Description: An 8bitdo controller is shown with a switch set to 'X' (for Xinput mode) and its "SYNC" button highlighted. Text indicates "(Bluetooth Inquiry Mode Enable)".
Successful pairing
For BlueRetro adapter: The “SYNC” BLUE LED is fully on.
For 8bitdo controller: The first light on the left is fully on.
Press the 'A' button a few times to ensure the joystick center value is properly initialized.
Image Description: An 8bitdo controller and the BlueRetro adapter are shown with their respective LED indicators for successful pairing.
Reconnect
Simply press the start button on the controller. It will then reconnect to the BlueRetro adapter automatically.
D-pad as Joystick or D-pad Configuration
Most 8bitdo controllers are configured to have the D-pad emulate a joystick by default. For BlueRetro, you will likely want to configure it as a D-pad.
See 8bitdo support page FAQs for each controller for more info: 8bitdo Support.
- 8bitdo S30 Modkit: Hold Up + L + R for 5 seconds
- 8bitdo N30 Modkit: Hold Up + Select for 5 seconds
- 8bitdo M30 Bluetooth: Hold Up + Select for 5 seconds
Pairing with Retro-Bit Controller
Note: This adapter is only compatible with retro-bit controllers that have Bluetooth functionality. Before use, ensure your controller supports Bluetooth. The retro-bit Saturn controller was used as an example in this manual.
First time pairing
- Boot up BlueRetro and ensure the adapter is in inquiry mode ("SYNC" PURPLE LED pulsing).
- Power up the Retro-Bit controller in Xinput mode ("Home + X"), then the LED starts flashing back and forth. (Only supported in Xinput mode!).
Image Description: A Retro-Bit Saturn controller is shown with the "HOME + X" buttons highlighted. Text indicates "(Bluetooth Inquiry Mode Enable)".
Successful pairing
For BlueRetro adapter: The “SYNC” BLUE LED is fully on.
For Retro-Bit controller: The LED is fully on.
Image Description: A Retro-Bit Saturn controller and the BlueRetro adapter are shown with their respective LED indicators for successful pairing.
Reconnect
Simply press the “Home” button on the controller. It will then reconnect to the BlueRetro adapter automatically.
Pairing with PS3 Controller
Note: Only official PS3 controllers are supported.
First time pairing (Windows)
- Download and install Sixaxis Pair Tool.
- Connect the BlueRetro adapter to your PC or phone to get the BD ADDR (MAC address). Ensure your converter is plugged into the console or connected to the USB cable for power.
- Open https://blueretro.io/ in a Chrome web browser (Windows PC).
- Navigate to "BlueRetro System Manager".
- Click on "Connect BlueRetro". (Ensure your PC has built-in Bluetooth compatibility or a Bluetooth dongle plugged in.)
- The BD ADDR of your BlueRetro will be displayed when connected. Write it down.
Image Description: Screenshot of the BlueRetro System Manager software showing connection status, device name, and the BD_ADDR (MAC address) being read.
3) Use a USB cable to connect your PS3 controller to your PC.
4) Launch Sixaxis Pair Tool and enter the BD ADDR into the "Change Master" field.
5) Click "Update". Once the update is complete, the controller can be disconnected from the PC.
Image Description: Screenshot of the Sixaxis Pair Tool software showing the "Current Master" and "Change Master" fields populated with a BD_ADDR, and buttons for "Update" and "Cancel".
6) Insert your BlueRetro adapter into your console to boot up BlueRetro. Ensure the adapter is in inquiry mode ("SYNC" LED pulsing).
7) Hold down the “PS” button on your controller until the four red lights on top of the DualShock 3 start flashing.
Image Description: A PS3 DualShock 3 controller is shown with the "PS" button highlighted. Text indicates "(Bluetooth Inquiry Mode Enable)".
Successful pairing
For BlueRetro adapter: The “SYNC” BLUE LED is fully on.
For PS3 controller: The four red lights on top of the DualShock 3 are fully on.
Image Description: A PS3 DualShock 3 controller is shown with its four LEDs indicating a successful connection.
Reconnect
Simply hold down the "PS" button on the PS3 controller until the Bluetooth function is activated. It will then reconnect to the BlueRetro adapter automatically.
Firmware Update
- Download the NodeMCU-PyFlasher and the BlueRetro firmware.
- Execute NodeMCU-PyFlasher.exe.
Image Description: A QR code linking to the GitHub repository for the firmware.
3) Connect the BlueRetro adapter to your computer using a USB Type-C cable. Select the 'Serial port' in NodeMCU-PyFlasher.
Image Description: Screenshot of NodeMCU-PyFlasher showing the "Serial port" dropdown menu with options like COM1, COM5, and "Auto-select".
4) Select the latest firmware file (e.g., blueretro neo-geo.bin).
Image Description: Screenshot of NodeMCU-PyFlasher showing the "NodeMCU firmware" field where the firmware file path can be entered or selected.
5) Set the Baud rate to 115200, Flash mode to Dual I/O (DIO), and Erase flash to "yes, wipes all data".
Image Description: Screenshot of NodeMCU-PyFlasher with the Baud rate set to 115200, Flash mode to Dual I/O (DIO), and Erase flash set to "yes, wipes all data".
6) Click "Flash NodeMCU" and wait for the firmware to be successfully flashed.
Image Description: Screenshot of NodeMCU-PyFlasher's console output showing the progress of chip detection, flash erasing, writing, and verification, concluding with "Firmware successfully flashed".
Note: Unplug/replug or reset the device to switch back to normal boot mode after flashing.
Buttons Mapping Reference
| NeoGeo (Parallel 1P) | PS3 | PS4/PS5 | Xbox One S/XS | Switch Joycon | Switch Pro | WiiU | 8bitdo Pro2 | Retro-bit Saturn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Left stick left | Left stick left | Left stick left | Left stick left | Stick left (H) | Left stick left | Left stick left | Left stick left | Left stick left |
| Left stick right | Left stick right | Left stick right | Left stick right | Stick right (H) | Left stick right | Left stick right | Left stick right | Left stick right |
| Left stick down | Left stick down | Left stick down | Left stick down | Stick down (H) | Left stick down | Left stick down | Left stick down | Left stick down |
| Left stick up | Left stick up | Left stick up | Left stick up | Stick up (H) | Left stick up | Left stick up | Left stick up | Left stick up |
| Right stick left | Right stick left | Right stick left | Right stick left | Right stick left | Right stick left | Right stick left | Right stick left | |
| Right stick right | Right stick right | Right stick right | Right stick right | Right stick right | Right stick right | Right stick right | Right stick right | |
| Right stick down | Right stick down | Right stick down | Right stick down | Right stick down | Right stick down | Right stick down | Right stick down | |
| Right stick up | Right stick up | Right stick up | Right stick up | Right stick up | Right stick up | Right stick up | Right stick up | |
| D-pad left | D-pad left | D-pad left | D-pad left | D-pad left | D-pad left | D-pad left | D-pad left | D-pad left |
| D-pad right | D-pad right | D-pad right | D-pad right | D-pad right | D-pad right | D-pad right | D-pad right | D-pad right |
| D-pad down | D-pad down | D-pad down | D-pad down | D-pad down | D-pad down | D-pad down | D-pad down | D-pad down |
| D-pad up | D-pad up | D-pad up | D-pad up | D-pad up | D-pad up | D-pad up | D-pad up | D-pad up |
| C | Square | Square | X | B | Y | Y | Y | A |
| B | Circle | Circle | B | X | A | A | A | C |
| A | X | X | A | B | B | B | B | |
| D | Triangle | Triangle | Y | X | X | X | Y | |
| Start | Start | Options | Menu | "+" | Capture | Start | Start | Start | Start |
| Select | Select | Share | View | "-" | Home | Select | Select | Select | Select |
| Extra | PS | PS | Xbox | Home | Home | Home | Home | |
| touchpad | Share | Capture | Capture | Capture | Capture | |||
| 6 | L2 | L2 | LT | SL | ZL | ZL | L2 | L |
| 6 | L1 | L1 | LB | LR | L | L | L | X |
| L3 | L3 | Left stick | Stick click | L Stick | ||||
| Credit | R2 | R2 | RT | SR | ZR | ZR | R2 | R |
| Credit | R1 | R1 | RB | ZR | ZR | R | R | R | Z |
| R3 | R3 | Right stick | Right stick | Right stick | R Stick |
Product Images
Image Description: Outline drawings of NEO-GEO consoles.
Contact & More Information
RetroScaler
- Facebook: RetroScaler
- Twitter: @RetroScaler
- Website: www.retroscaler.com
- Email: barry@retroscaler.com
