DualSense Controller Interface for Raspberry Pi Pico 2W
This project enables Bluetooth HID host functionality on the Raspberry Pi Pico 2W, allowing it to connect to a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller and read real-time inputs through an easy-to-use C API.
Features
- Bluetooth HID Host implementation for DualSense controller
- Real-time monitoring of all controller inputs (buttons, joysticks, triggers, D-pad)
- Joystick axis normalization with configurable deadzone
- Normalized trigger (L2/R2) axis values (0-100)
- D-pad directional values (0-8) and button queries (square, cross, circle, triangle)
- Optional polling-frequency counter for performance diagnostics
- Simple API functions exposed in
DS5_hid_host.h - Sample
main.cdemonstrating usage and onboard LED feedback
Hardware Requirements
- Raspberry Pi Pico 2W module
- PlayStation 5 DualSense controller
- Micro-USB cable for programming and power (or VBUS/VSYS pins)
Software Requirements
- Visual Studio Code (or another C/C++ IDE)
- Raspberry Pi Pico SDK (version >= 2.1.1)
- ARM/RISC-V toolchain (GCC 14.2Rel1 or compatible)
- CMake (version >= 3.13)
cmake,make, andgitavailable on your PATH
Repository Structure
Raspberry-pi-pico-2W-DS5-host/
+-- btstack_config.h # BTstack settings
+-- CMakeLists.txt # Build configuration
+-- DS5h_hid_host.c # HID host implementation and API
+-- DS5_hid_host.h # Public header with API declarations
+-- main.c # Example usage demonstrating the API
+-- pico_sdk_import.cmake # Generated project file
+-- README.md # This documentation file
Setup Instructions
1. Clone the Repository
git clone https://github.com/Pim-Hartendorp/Raspberry-pi-pico-2W-DS5-host.git
cd Raspberry-pi-pico-2W-DS5-host
cd Raspberry-pi-pico-2W-DS5-host
2. Initialize the Pico SDK
This is usually handled by the Pico extension for VS Code. If not:
- Set the
PICO_SDK_PATHenvironment variable:export PICO_SDK_PATH=/path/to/pico-sdk
3. Build the Project
The Pico extension may auto-build CMake. if not, select a kit using this comand in the VSCode search bar:
> CMake: Select a Kit after this press ctrl + shift + B to build the project.
Otherwise:
mkdir build && cd build
cmake ..
make -j$(nproc)
cmake ..
make -j$(nproc)
The output .uf2 file will be in the build/ directory.
4. Flash to the Pico
- Hold BOOTSEL on the Pico and connect via USB.
- It appears as a mass-storage device.
- Copy the generated
.uf2file onto it. - The Pico reboots and runs the HID host firmware.
- Reconnect to access console output over USB (if needed).
Usage
- Put the DualSense into pairing mode (hold PS + Create until the light bar blinks rapidly).
- The Pico will auto-connect using the address passed to
DS5_init()inmain.c. - Call the API functions to read joystick, button, trigger, and D-pad states.
Example (main.c)
#include
#include
#include "DS5_hid_host.h"
int main(void) {
const char *remote_addr = "01:23:45:67:89:AB"; // Replace with your controller's MAC
stdio_init_all();
DS5_init(remote_addr, false);
while (true) {
int8_t lx = DS5_left_joystick_X_axis(5); // the deadzone is 5 percent in this case so the outputs values at 6
int8_t ly = DS5_left_joystick_Y_axis(5);
bool cross = DS5_cross_button();
printf("LX=%d, LY=%d, Cross=%d\n", lx, ly, cross);
tight_loop_contents();
}
return 0;
}
#include
#include "DS5_hid_host.h"
int main(void) {
const char *remote_addr = "01:23:45:67:89:AB"; // Replace with your controller's MAC
stdio_init_all();
DS5_init(remote_addr, false);
while (true) {
int8_t lx = DS5_left_joystick_X_axis(5); // the deadzone is 5 percent in this case so the outputs values at 6
int8_t ly = DS5_left_joystick_Y_axis(5);
bool cross = DS5_cross_button();
printf("LX=%d, LY=%d, Cross=%d\n", lx, ly, cross);
tight_loop_contents();
}
return 0;
}
API Reference
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
int DS5_init(const char *addr, bool f); |
Initialize HID host and connect to addr. |
int8_t DS5_left_joystick_X_axis(uint8_t dz); |
Left stick X (-100...100) with deadzone dz. |
int8_t DS5_left_joystick_Y_axis(uint8_t dz); |
Left stick Y (-100...100) with deadzone dz. |
int8_t DS5_right_joystick_X_axis(uint8_t dz); |
Right stick X (-100...100) with deadzone dz. |
int8_t DS5_right_joystick_Y_axis(uint8_t dz); |
Right stick Y (-100...100) with deadzone dz. |
uint8_t DS5_Dpad_value(void); |
D-pad direction (0...8). |
bool DS5_square_button(void); |
Square button pressed? |
bool DS5_cross_button(void); |
Cross button pressed? |
bool DS5_circle_button(void); |
Circle button pressed? |
bool DS5_triangle_button(void); |
Triangle button pressed? |
bool DS5_L1_button(void); |
L1 button pressed? |
bool DS5_R1_button(void); |
R1 button pressed? |
bool DS5_L2_button(void); |
L2 button pressed? |
bool DS5_R2_button(void); |
R2 button pressed? |
bool DS5_create_button(void); |
Create/Share button pressed? |
bool DS5_options_button(void); |
Options/Menu button pressed? |
bool DS5_L3_button(void); |
L3 (stick press) pressed? |
bool DS5_R3_button(void); |
R3 (stick press) pressed? |
bool DS5_ps_button(void); |
PS/Home button pressed? |
bool DS5_touchpad_button(void); |
Touchpad click pressed? |
uint8_t DS5_L2_axis(void); |
Normalized L2 axis (0...100). |
uint8_t DS5_R2_axis(void); |
Normalized R2 axis (0...100). |
Troubleshooting
- Controller not connecting: Ensure the DualSense is in pairing mode and the MAC address is correct.
- High latency or low frequency: Enable the frequency counter by passing
truetoDS5_init()(observed ~780-800 Hz). - Build errors: Verify
PICO_SDK_PATHand toolchain versions.
License
This code (and any modifications) is distributed under the following terms, as originally authored by BlueKitchen GmbH:
BlueKitchen Non-Commercial BSD-Style License
(Full text in LICENSE)
You may redistribute and modify the source as long as you retain the copyright notice, conditions, and disclaimer. Any use must be for non-commercial, personal benefit only.
Acknowledgements
- BlueKitchen GmbH: HID host implementation adapted from the Pico Keyboard example.
- Raspberry Pi Foundation: Pico SDK and example code.