libretro / libretro/RetroArch

Controllers Don't Work on Linux after Steam Update

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distro: arch linux platform: linux platform: steam
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Description

First and foremost consider this:

  • Only RetroArch bugs should be filed here. Not core bugs or game bugs
  • This is not a forum or a help section, this is strictly developer oriented

Description

After installing the latest update to Steam (Linux) version, I am no longer able to use either my Steam controller or Switch Pro controller to navigate the menus or play games. I am able to get input out of the controller for perhaps a second upon launching RetroArch, but I am unable to get any more input unless I restart the controller, where I am able to use it for about a second again. Going into the input bindings section, I am not even able to bind any of the buttons on the controller manually.
I have tried resetting the settings within RetroArch, reinstalling RetroArch (after disabling Steam Cloud), and tested both my Steam Controller and Switch Pro controller.
I had no issues using my Steam controller before the update today.

Expected behavior

I expect to be able to navigate the menus in RetroArch using my controllers.

Actual behavior

Pressing any of the buttons on either of my controllers causes nothing to happen.

Steps to reproduce the bug
  1. Launch Steam and verify Steam controller is properly connected.
  2. Lanch RetroArch on Steam.
  3. Attempt to navigate menu with controller.
Bisect Results

Issue began to occur after today's (10/3) update on Steam.

Version/Commit
  • RetroArch: 1.9.10 d11ffdbb6b
Environment information
  • OS: Arch Linux (Kernel: 5.14.8-zen1-1-zen)
  • Compiler: N/A

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start by reproducing the controller input failure on Arch Linux with RetroArch 1.9.10 d11ffdbb6b after the Steam update, using both the Steam Controller and Switch Pro controller. Verify the result against the listed launch and menu-navigation steps; done means both controllers navigate menus, play games, and allow manual button binding.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
linux
Domain
frontend, operating-systems
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
25/100

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