gamepad object supported controllers and non cable connection
Hello,
I got 2 questions about the new gamepad object in Max version 8.6
1) Is there a list of supported controllers ?
2) What if I want to connect a controller without cable, like the Nintendo Switch controllers, is it possible ?
As soon as my friend lets me borrow a couple Switch controllers will find out!
in the meantime-
keyword: couple
I will add to the subject creator that Thrustmaster T.Flitght Hotas One controller haven't supported yet. At least there is no output in gamepad help file. So the question is: will there be support for flight controllers like the above mentioned one?
I'm just going to copy-paste jkc's answer from the discord:
gamepad uses the SDL2 library internally, so any gamepad device supported by SDL2 should work with the Max object.
Here's what's supported now (and many generic controllers will simulate one or more of PS/Xbox/Switch):
https://github.com/libsdl-org/SDL/blob/main/src/joystick/SDL_gamepad_db.h
In theory if there is significant need, we could look at supporting a custom game controller db like this one:
https://github.com/gabomdq/SDL_GameControllerDB/
In general, with gaming hardware for gamepad, I would recommend googling on your platform and controller device and following the advice that people have for using other systems that work with SDL2 (e.g. Steam).
For example on Mac I found the following link that pointed towards a third party extension called USB Overdrive being problematic along with additional advice: https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/147336/ps4-controller-dualshock-4-for-mac-not-working
For Windows, I found this guide:
https://systweak.com/blogs/ps4-controller-not-working-on-pc/
FWIW, game controller support on Macintosh doesn't seem as good as Windows and some controllers only work via bluetooth (xbox) and other controllers only seem to fully function via USB (PS sensor data).
Earlier versions of Mac OS on Intel also allow for proprietary drivers for xbox controllers that allegedly support a wired connection like this one:
https://github.com/360Controller/360Controller/releases
And again, would recommend consulting the internet for trouble shooting your game controllers, unless it seems a specific max problem.
Hope this helps!
I have a bad experience of using PS4 controller with new gamepad object on macOS 14.2.1, here is what I've done:
Connected PS4 controller
Launched Max 8.6
Created gamepad object
Opened gamepad help patch to view if everything is ok
On this stage there is no output from gamepad object
Dump says that new controller added: gamepad: adding device 0: Name=PS4 Controller InstanceID=3 type=ps4
Still no output from gamepad object
I tried the gamepad object on windows with the switch pro controller with no sucess
Hi,
I can confirm that for me old gamepads (like Logitech Dual Action and Thrustmaster Analog 3.2) are working on Mac but not on Windows (it looks like PS5 controllers do work on Mac and Windows).
If anybody knows why my gamepads aren't working with gamepad object on Windows...
Regards,
Jérémie
@JGASTONRAOUL On windows, the gamepad object currently only supports XInput compatible devices. You can use the hi object for older DirectInput devices, or you can use software to take DirectInput devices and emulate XInput devices. More info on this topic available here: https://www.howtogeek.com/792984/directinput-vs.-xinput-for-game-controllers-whats-the-difference/
@RUSLAN We have no plans to support flight sticks or Joysticks with the gamepad object which is restricted to gamepad form factor devices. Please use the hi object for those other types of input devices. I have had success on Mac with third party PS4 clone controllers, but typically I've had best results with using them wired, not wirelessly on Mac (xbox x|s controllers on the other hand only work wirelessly on the mac).
I may suggest Amazon Luna: wide compatibility and bluetooth connection. Works great with the new gamepad object. Could someone help me for the bluetooth connection of the Wii remote with MAC OS on Mac Book Pro?
I'm having good luck using Nintendo compatible "pro controllers" with the gamepad object, with one very notable problem: I can't figure out a way to keep inputs from multiple controllers separate from eachother! If I have a gamepad based patch, it will respond in precisely the same way to any controller connected over Bluetooth. This rules out most useful applications for me.
So if anyone has any ideas of how to keep the inputs from multiple controllers separate from each other, I'm all ears!