Linux Game Controllers Guide

Complete beginner-friendly guide to game controllers on Linux, covering Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions including Xbox, PlayStation, and generic controllers.

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Table of Contents

1. Xbox Controllers
2. PlayStation Controllers
3. Generic Controllers
4. Controller Configuration
5. Troubleshooting

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Xbox Controllers

Xbox One/Series Controllers

Wired connection:

# Usually works automatically
# Plug in via USB

Wireless (Bluetooth):

# Pair controller
bluetoothctl
scan on
pair XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX
connect XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX

Install drivers:

# Arch/CachyOS
sudo pacman -S xpadneo-dkms  # For newer controllers

# Or xpad (older)
sudo pacman -S xpad

Xbox 360 Controllers

Wired:

# Install drivers
sudo pacman -S xboxdrv

# Or use xpad
sudo pacman -S xpad

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PlayStation Controllers

PlayStation 4/5 Controllers

Wired connection:

# Usually works automatically
# Plug in via USB

Wireless (Bluetooth):

# Pair controller
bluetoothctl
scan on
pair XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX
connect XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX

Install drivers:

# Arch/CachyOS
sudo pacman -S bluez-utils

# DS4 support
sudo pacman -S ds4drv

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Generic Controllers

USB Controllers

Most USB controllers work automatically:

# Check if detected
lsusb

# Test with jstest
sudo pacman -S joystick
jstest /dev/input/js0

Configure with jstest-gtk

GUI configuration:

# Install
sudo pacman -S jstest-gtk

# Launch
jstest-gtk

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Controller Configuration

Steam Controller Support

Enable in Steam:

1. Steam → Settings → Controller
2. Enable controller support
3. Configure per-game

SDL2 Configuration

Configure SDL:

# Set environment variable
export SDL_GAMECONTROLLERCONFIG="..."

# Or use antimicrox
sudo pacman -S antimicrox

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Troubleshooting

Controller Not Detected

Check connection:

# List input devices
ls /dev/input/

# Check USB devices
lsusb

# Check kernel modules
lsmod | grep -i xpad

Controller Not Working in Games

Check permissions:

# Add user to input group
sudo usermod -aG input username

# Log out and back in

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Summary

This guide covered game controller setup for Xbox, PlayStation, and generic controllers on Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions.

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Next Steps

• Gaming Configuration - Gaming setup
• Steam Guide - Steam setup
• Bluetooth Configuration - Bluetooth setup

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This guide covers Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other Linux distributions. For distribution-specific details, refer to your distribution's documentation.