bluepad32

Bluepad32

A Bluetooth controller “host” for the ESP32, ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3, ESP32-C5, ESP32-C6, ESP32-H2, Raspberry Pi Pico W, Pico 2 W, and Posix (Linux, macOS).

Add Bluetooth gamepad, mouse and keyboard support to your projects easily.

In other words, it allows you to control a robot using a DualSense controller.

Where to start

Choose your target platform:

Platform	Start here	Further info	Community projects
Arduino IDE		Doc	Controller for Tello drone
Arduino using ESP-IDF toolchain	Template project	Doc	Lego Robot (video), gbaHD Shield (a GameBoy consolizer)
Pico W	Pico W example	Doc	Pico Switch, PicoNtrol
ESP-IDF	ESP32 example	Doc	OGX-Wireless-Lite
Posix (Linux, macOS)	Posix example, Posix ImGui	Doc
Unijoysticle	Unijoysticle2	Doc

Features

• Supports most, if not all, modern Bluetooth gamepads, mice and keyboards (see below)
• Supports ESP32 and Pico W families
• Supported APIs: ESP-IDF, Pico-SDK and Arduino
• Fast (very low latency)
• Small footprint
• Uses only one core (CPU0). The remaining one is free to use.
• C11 based
• Open Source (see below)
• Easy to integrate into 3rd party projects

Supported controllers

• Sony DualSense (PS5)
• Sony DualShock 4 (PS4)
• Sony DualShock 3 (PS3)
• Nintendo Switch Pro controller
• Nintendo Switch JoyCon
• Nintendo Wii U controller
• Nintendo Wii Remote + accessories
• Xbox Wireless controller (models 1708, 1914, adaptive)
• Android controllers
• Steam controller
• Stadia controller
• PC/Window controller
• 8BitDo controllers
• Atari joystick
• iCade
• Mouse
• Keyboards
• And more

NOTE: Original ESP32, Pico W and Pico 2 W support all listed controllers. ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3, ESP32-C5, ESP32-C6 and ESP32-H2 only support a subset.

See: Supported gamepads, supported mice and supported keyboards

Pre-compiled binaries

Download pre-compiled binaries for Unijoysticle:

• https://github.com/ricardoquesada/bluepad32/releases

Creating your project

See the examples folder which includes examples for:

• Bluepad32 for ESP32 (ESP32, ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3, ESP32-C5, ESP32-C6 and ESP32-H2)
• Bluepad32 for Pico W (Pico W and Pico 2 W)
• Bluepad32 for Posix (Linux, macOS)
• Bluepad32 Posix ImGui Diagnostic Suite

Arduino examples are in:

• Bluepad32 for Arduino IDE
• Bluepad32 for Arduino + ESP-IDF

Support

• Documentation
  • Linux / macOS (POSIX)
• Discord

License

Bluepad32 is open source, licensed under Apache 2.

However, Bluepad32 depends on the great BTstack library. Which is free to use for open source projects. But commercial for closed-source projects.

If you are developing a commercial product for:

• ESP32: You should contact BTstack people.
• Pico W: You are already covered by Raspberry Pi License.

Notice: I’m not affiliated with BTstack people. They are super friendly and willing to help.