SDL2: Improper mapping of input_r_y_plus_axis or input_r_y_minus_axis for Sony DualSense disrupts keyboard functionality for SDL2

[davidhedlund]

Description

When using the SDL2 joypad driver with a DualSense controller in the RetroArch AppImage, the controller behaves erratically and interferes with keyboard functionality. This issue does not occur with the Flatpak version or with other controllers like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Steps to Reproduce

Part 1

To address the issue with the DualSense controller, revert to the previous autoconfig file for the PS5 Controller. The problematic configuration is caused by either or both of these lines:

input_r_y_plus_axis = "+3"
input_r_y_minus_axis = "-3"

Commenting out one of these lines may not resolve the issue, as the presence of either can trigger the bug.

Important Note

It's worth noting that I have submitted an updated autoconfig file to prevent this problem with DualSense controllers in the future. However, the unexpected behavior where improper mapping causes the keyboard to stop functioning is a separate concern that requires further investigation.

Part 2

Method 1

1. Launch RetroArch AppImage
2. Change "Settings -> Drivers -> Controller" from "udev" (default) to "sdl2"
3. Main Menu -> Restart RetroArch -- required for the controller driver to take effect
4. Connect a DualSense controller via USB or Bluetooth
5. Attempt to use the controller in RetroArch

Method 2

4. Connect a DualSense controller via USB or Bluetooth
5. Launch RetroArch AppImage
6. Change "Settings -> Drivers -> Controller" from "udev" (default) to "sdl2"
7. Main Menu -> Restart RetroArch -- required for the controller driver to take effect
8. Attempt to use the controller in RetroArch

Expected Behavior

The DualSense controller should function normally, allowing for proper input and configuration.

Actual Behavior

Still Functional:

• The mouse operates normally (left mouse button = Back, right mouse button = OK).
• The "Set All Controls" feature is functioning as expected.

Method 1

Issues:

• The controller exhibits erratic behavior (refer to 00:20 in the video).
• It interferes with keyboard functionality.

vokoscreenNG-2024-08-03_04-06-07.webm

Method 2

Issues:

• It interferes with keyboard functionality.

Environment

• OS: Ubuntu MATE 20.04/22.04/23.04/24.04 (tested in live mode)
• RetroArch version: AppImage 1.19.1
• Controller: Sony DualSense

Additional Information

• This issue is specific to the AppImage version with the SDL2 driver and DualSense controller
• The problem does not occur with the Flatpak version of RetroArch
• Other controllers (e.g., Nintendo Switch Pro Controller) work correctly with the same setup
• Both "udev" and "linuxraw" drivers work correctly with the DualSense controller

Video Evidence

[Link to video demonstrating the issue]

References

1. PR correcting Product ID for SDL2/DualSense: SDL: Fix PS5 Controller Product ID libretro/retroarch-joypad-autoconfig#1115

Possible Related Issues

• Is this related to the SDL2 implementation in the AppImage?
• Could there be a conflict between the AppImage packaging and the SDL2 driver specifically for the DualSense controller?

Any assistance in resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated.

[hizzlekizzle]

I can't reproduce the problem of sdl2 controller driver reverting to udev on a fresh appimage download.

[davidhedlund]

I can't reproduce the problem of sdl2 controller driver reverting to udev on a fresh appimage download.

Thank you for testing it.

[davidhedlund]

I tested it in Trisquel 11. Which distro did you test it in?

[hizzlekizzle]

Ubuntu Mate 23.10 (edited; forgot I updated my system)

[davidhedlund]

I can't reproduce the problem of sdl2 controller driver reverting to udev on a fresh appimage download.

Ubuntu Mate 23.10 (edited; forgot I updated my system)

Apparently this bug is caused by an autoconfig file for DualSense. I rewrote the top post from scratch.