4-Play Gamer-Pro and jr
Older firmware host elsewhere.
Please follow this link for the 2.0
Please follow this link for the 1.0
Adapter Features
- Full Emulation: A wide variety of controllers are fully supported right out of the box. This includes even complex features like the Sony Playstation 2's pressure sensitive buttons or the Sega Dreamcast's VMU. The Compatibility List shows everything currently supported. This list is periodically updated and amended as we expand the adaoters capabilities.
- Multi-platform: Use your Adapter on almost any modern operating system. This adapter works on Windows, OSX, Linux, Raspberry Pi, sndroid, and most all USB devices.
- Plug & Play: The Adapter does not need software or drivers to be installed by the user. Simply plug it in and select your emulator, game, and controller.
- Hot Swap: This feature makes it easy to switch between controllers in mid-game. If Auto Pause is enabled (default setup) The Adapter will pause your game while you switch, and you can continue playing when you're ready. The new controller is detected automatically.
- Easy-Upgradable Firmware: The Adapter can be quickly updated via USB with a firmware file downloaded from our website. This allows new features and controllers to be added painlessly. Each 4-Play controller port has its own firmware chip so multiple firmware versions can be used if desired.
- Global Button Mapping: Starting with 3.0 this layout has changed for modern gaming. Please note that 2.0 mapping is not the same. The Adapter's internal button mapping is set up so that buttons on different controllers match each other's layouts as closely as possible. This makes Hot Swapping more intuitive. For additional details, see the layouts at the end of this doc.
- Alternative Mapping: The global mapping now has an alternative layout for c/x l/r configs. See details below (Global button mapping and layouts.).
- Force Feedback and rumble: Controller rumble works on a wide variety of controllers. The currently supported rumble controllers are the Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube, Sony Playstation , Sony Playstation 2, and the Sega Dreamcast. The Gamecube racing wheel supports force feedback steering.
- Single-Player Mode: The 4-Play can be switched to Single-Player Mode. This will allow for some advance features like using the 4-Play on an Xbox with special firmware, or up-linking to other future Bliss-Box add-on accessories (i.e. Bliss-Box Bridge adapter).
- Auto Pause: When the adapter senses the controller has become unplugged, it presses the pause button.
- Hotkey: Pressing and holding START will trigger a Hotkey combo. You may configure this combo for a hot key in front-ends like Retro Arch.
- Native Support: The Adapter has the ability to allow communication from the emulated game directly to the controller and back with any of the supported controllers (N64, Gamecube, Playstation, partial Dreamcast).
- Port Naming: Each port can now be named a player. A special USB ID is saved for each port and the USB is named "4-Play/GP PORT.x" Where x equals the player you specified.
- Save to EEPROM: The 4-Play can save all of your features per port. You can see your saved setting by using the API Tool. This also works with the Gamer-Pro.
- Developer API: This Adapter has an API with which emulator developers can communicate directly with and transfer data. This allows native support for advanced features. For example, developers can use the API to see exactly which controllers are currently connected to the Adapter for displaying on the screen or automatic custom remapping. Also native support for saving to the controller's attached memory card or even write images to the Dreamcast controller's LCD screen. Support for the GameCube's Gameboy Advanced Link can be added, and the emulators can talk directly to the controller bypassing dirrectx. The possibilities are endless. An API tool is also available on the download page. With this tool you may turn on and off the configurable features listed below.
- LLAPI (Low Level API): In addition to the developer API there is a wire to wire mode for getting data and controlling the Adapter.This is simply done over the existing USB wires and can be used with other devices connected to the USB port. The first device to utilize this is the Bridge. An add-on that allows the adapters to work on many consoles. The second device to take advantage of this is the ever-growing MiSTer. The MiSTer can use this protocol and directly poll controllers with no USB involved.
Programmable Features of the Adapter where applicable.
- Auto Pause Disabled: Turns on and off auto pause mode.
- D-Pad-(UDLR): This mode shifts the directional controller buttons from HAT to analog.
- Analog to D-pad: (deprecated in 3.0) This mode was added for retro arch. This mode maps d-pad only controllers to buttons instead of default mapping to analogs.
- Turbo Mode: Any of the main buttons (i.e. b,a,x,y,l,r) can now be put in turbo mode.
- D-pad Only: This is a read only mode and it cannot be set. This mode will turn off when any analog movement is seen. It simply tells you if you are using a controller with no analogs. Used for API integration.
- Button Mapping: The API tool allows button mappings. There are presets for Sony Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Android, and default. You may also make your own presets.
- Button Swapping and rotation: (3.0 only) This mode allows any two pairs of buttons to be swapped, or the 4 face buttons to be rotated.
- Hotswap Disabled: Using this feature may have undesirable effects. This will prevent auto searching for controllers (hot swap). To switch to another controller, a reset will be needed.
- Disable all combo buttons: From the API you can disable the button combos that enable and disable modes. Once active and saved, you must undo this change to get the combos features back.
Button codes for programmable features.
- D-Pad-(UDLR) Mode: Left trigger + Right Trigger + select or Z(for n64 pads) (hold for 3 seconds) (Also can be turned on via the API Tool)
- Turbo Mode: To enable turbo on any of the main buttons (i.e. b,a,x,y,l,r) press the button you wish to toggle and while leaving it pressed, do one of the following. The default mode is 20 shot. Press start 3 times to enable turbo on that button. To disable repeat the same operation. Press start 4 times to set the fast turbo mode, 35 shots a second (30ms). Press start 5 times to set the slow turbo mode, enter a custom speed (set in the API). Unset is 100.
- Button Swapping and rotation: To activate the rotation of 4 face buttons; press the 4 face buttons then press start for 2 seconds. Repeat to rotate again. To activate a button swap (you may do two pairs) press any two buttons then start for 2 seconds. For example A and B and start, to swap A and B buttons. if you wish to also swap C and D pres C and D and start for 2 more seconds. (This is only configurable via the controller).
- Hotkey: Pressing and holding START (2 seconds) will trigger a button combo. You may configure this combo for a hot key in front-ends like Retro Arch. Use the API to set this combo. Simply hold the combination of button(s) you desire and press the HotKey API button. Once that has been done, that combo will fire when you long press the start button. Only the first row of buttons (i.e. a,b,x,y,l,r) are supported. To disable this feature press the HotKey button with no combo held down. The default is unset so it will not work until it has been set in the API tool. This feature sine 3.30 now supports a home button hot key. If any hotkey is configured and the hotkey is pressed (start for 2 seconds) with select at the same time, the adapter will press the HID button ID (19) currently assumed to be the home button in the general mapping. You can configure the start button as the hotkey if this is the only hotkey configuration you want. So that select + start for 2 seconds will fire the home button.
- Alternative mapping: Currently there are two mapping modes for most controllers. These are for those that like mixing and matching controller with emulators and like controllers mapped in other ways. The default layouts are at the bottom of this page with the alt. mappings in blue. The alt. mapping is set via Z + C or L + R and then using the d-Pad for the mode. Currently, and if a controller has an alternative mode, the d-pad up is default and down is the alternative. Left and right are reserved for potential future alternative mappings. Example; With a Saturn controller you may press both Z and C along with the down d-pad for 2.5 seconds to enter the alternative mapping mode or L and R along with the D-pad direction. Note that with a TG16 or PC-FX controller that combo woudl be down with III and IV.
Controller Detection
- Third-Party Sega Genesis 6-Button: Start Button (Not require in all cases)
- ColecoVision: Right or Purple Button (SAC)
- Bally: Trigger
- Intellivision: Hold both bottom side buttons.
Special mode
Enabling Arcade mode restricts the adapter solely to its Arcade mode functionality. There is also a feature to deactivate specific ports as needed, particularly advantageous when used in conjunction with the 4-Play adapter. This feature proves invaluable in instances where a port encounters operational issues or is deemed unnecessary. Disabling a port in this manner renders it inactive until a safe mode flash reactivates it. Once selected and reset, rresssing any main button will remove this port from the OS. Ensuring that the port remians inactive.
Atari Mode
This mode is used for Atari and like controllers that really have no electronics in them. Once in Atari mode there is no way to detect a new controller. So, to leave this mode you must press the reset button. When you first plug in the Adaptero, any ports without a controller plugged in will default to Atari mode.
Safe Mode
If your port seems unresponsive or does not show up in the USB controller list, a bad flash or HID corruption may have occurred. You can repair the port by entering safe mode and re-flashing. To enter Safe Mode, unplug the Adapter. Press and hold down the reset button on the port you wish to repair. Plug the Adapter in without releasing the reset button and proceed in flashing the port. If you are having troubles holding down the button and have a psx or jaguar dongle you may use this trick by shorting the pins with a paper clip (French 'Trombone').
Single-Player Mode
The white arrow in this image indicates the port that becomes active in Single-Player Mode. The mode is toggled via the DIP switches on the base of the 4-Play unit as follows: Do not read the labels on the DIP's themselves, follow the sticker.
Firmware Upgrade
There is a reset/upgrade button beside each port on the 4-Play and a single button for singla player verions. During normal use it works as a reset button, forcing the unit to re-detect the connected controller. If you hold it down however, it tells its the device to go into upgrade mode. When you release it, it will go back to normal operation. To upgrade firmware, you must first hold down the reset/upgrade button. The first time you do this, your system will indicate, "BLISS-UPDATOR hardware found." Make sure to let the OS auto-driver installation finish before letting go of the button. For upgrades, you can use the API tool, the older HIDBootFlash v.1.0, or the newer BBFlash tool. All are found in the Download Section. To flash the device with the older flash tool follow the steps below.
Step 1: With the reset/upgrade button still held down, select "Find Device."
Step 2: Specify your firmware.hex file.
Step 3: Still holding the reset/upgrade button, click "Flash Device."
Caution: Do not release the upgrade button during firmware flash as you may cause a bad flash and be forced to re-flash the port.
Step 4: Release the reset/upgrade button to return to normal operation.
Low Level API Mode. (For advanced users)
Addtional documentation is here for use with this feature.
The LLAPI uses the already available USB lines. To invoke the API you simply bring both d- and d+ high with external or internal pull ups. This condition will not cause any abnormal condition to existing USB hardware so it’s safe to use in both cases. When the Adapter detects the condition, it will go in to LLAPI mode. So this can be asserted via software or hardware in your connecting device.
Global button mapping and layouts.
For convenience the most popular controllers are now graphically displayed for quick reference. For greater detail visit global mappings. The following images are based off the HID windows assignments. this adapter has 24 HID buttons available. Some controllers can make use of the alternative mapping (seen in blue).
Blue button numbers indicate alt mappings
notes in red are when the mapping was introduced.
To visualize this, its best to think of the HID is s standard controller that does not change.
d-pad's all map to HID d-pad
select maps to HID (5) start maps to HID (6)
the 4 main buttons to HID (1-4)
secondary buttons to HID (7,8)
tertiary buttons to HID (9,10)
quaternary buttons to HID (15,16)
Game Cube |
N64 |
Neo Geo |
---|---|---|
Saturn |
Play Station |
PC-FX |
Snes |
Neo Geo AES |
7800 |
Jag Pro |
Virtual Boy |
Dream Cat |
Tg16 |
Wii |
PCE |
Jag |
Atari |
SMS |
NES |
Vectrex |
Gen |
Images provided by Don "Furluge" Scherig
__special firmware notes __
Switch
Once flashed the adapter should work on a any Switch. It is emulating a 3rd Party controller and with some modded firmware ( like Atmosphere ) you may need to load a sysmod. SX-OS didn't need this.
Mappings: This firmware makes a mapping suitable for most all conrtollres. There is an alt mapping you may use. To use alt mappings see above.
N64 emulator: The emulators will require the use of the alternate mapping. Use alt mapping (2). this is the d-pad down selection. The N64 buttons will operate just like they do on the N64 console, except for the following combo presses:
C-right will not activate if you're holding the A button and vice versa
C-up will not activate if you're are holding C-down and vice versa
Switch navigation with the N64 controller:
Ps3
Once flashed the GP should work on a Ps3. start and select should act as the ps3 button. Rumble is supported on other controllers as the large motor.
Xbox
Once flashed the GP should work on a xbox original. the PS2 pressure button will work with xbox pressure buttons as does dual rumble motors. Rumble is supported on other controllers as the large motor.
HID/PC
HID is, for the most part, trouble free. Use normal USB troubleshooting techniques to fix any devices that aren't correctly detected. Unplugging the USB, using another port, or restarting the computer is a good place to start.
Final notes.
Third-Party controllers in general should have no problems, however they are not always designed the same way as the original manufacturer intended. Some might work on the console but not with the Adapter For example, most Mad Catz Nintendo 64 and Nintendo GameCube controllers work but Mad Catz Sega Dreamcast controllers do not. See the compatibility list for more info.
Please contact support if a specific emulator is giving you trouble or if you still have issues after reading the FAQs below.
FAQ
Will this adapter work with my emulator?
In the event that an emulator lacks support for Human Interface Device (HID), compatibility may be compromised. Bliss-Box maintains limited influence over the decisions made by emulator developers. However, seamless operation is ensured provided that they fully integrate HID support into their systems. Development teams are proactive in addressing any arising issues to uphold optimal performance. It's worth noting that certain legacy emulators, particularly those based on DOS, may not be compatible with HID. Should difficulties arise, reaching out to the emulator's author for assistance is advised. Additionally, while the implementation of advanced features is generally straightforward, some emulator developers may opt not to accommodate certain adapter types. Although RetroArch endeavors to provide comprehensive support, individual projects may not exhibit the same level of receptiveness.
Why does my 4-Play shows only 3 ports?
1. The switch positions are incorrect. Please disregard the switch values (on/off) and instead refer to the provided picture to align them correctly.
2. If you're experiencing issues, it could be due to a faulty flash. Consider entering safe mode to troubleshoot.
3. Ensure there are no conflicts with drivers and that the driver installation has completed successfully.
Why aren’t some of my buttons working?
- Please reset the device.
- Is this an official gamepad? If not, support could be added. Feel free to contact us for assistance.
- If you suspect any connectors are faulty, they can be replaced. Please get in touch with us for support.
- Are you experiencing any issues with the controller's functionality? Older controllers can accumulate dirt or wear out over time. We recommend testing them on the console.
- Restore defaults from the API to rectify any potential mapping issues.
Why am I getting random nonsense inputs?
- Ensure your controller is connected before plugging in the USB. Avoid pressing buttons during the auto-detection phase (1 to 3 seconds after connection), unless necessary.
- If your gamepad isn't official, reach out to us for potential support options.
- Certain Sega Dreamcast and Nintendo GameCube controllers may exhibit similar behavior; feel free to contact us for assistance.
- Try resetting the device.
- Restore to default settings if needed.
Why isn’t my Coleco number pad working?
Reset the device, the adapter is in Atari Mode. Make sure to hold
down the button as indicated in the Controller Detection section.
My SNES or NES makes the d-pad go left when I hit a button, what's wrong?
Reset the device, the adapter is in Atari Mode.
Why aren't my sega X Y Z buttons working?
The controller may be in 3-Button Mode. If a reset does not work, try hold ing down the Start button and reset.
Why do I have more buttons on the HID window than my controller has?
This is normal; it is for compatibility. The adapter can not hold all
possible layouts so there is only one. It will not affect game play or
setup.
Why does my Guitar Hero guitar have the left button (button 13) held down?
The port is in normal Sony Playstation mode. Keep the Guitar connected, and hit the reset button.
What do I do if my controller works but it isn't included on the Compatibility List?
Send us the info, so we can add it!
If my controller isn't on the Compatibility List, will it work?
It might, give it a try! If it doesn't, we can probably update our firmware so that it does!
Can you make my control work even if it's listed as not working?
We're willing to bet we can make it work and add it to our firmware.
How can I force Windows to detect my ports in a specific order?
Use the API Tool. There is a menu Item for setting the port order.
All of my adatper are named the same in the device view and its hard to know what port or device is what?
Use the API Tool to configure the port order. Requires 2.0 or higher.
Can I force my 4-Play to show up in order?
Yes, in 3.0 there is an option for that in the API. Any port can be numbered the way you want it.
My Atari Paddles are jumpy.
To optimize paddle performance, consider utilizing our Combo Fix available in our store. Alternatively, if you prefer not to purchase this option, employing an extension cable can also enhance performance, with a longer wire length generally yielding better results. Additionally, regular cleaning of the paddles may be necessary to maintain optimal functionality.
ePSXe won't let me assign inputs.
Go to option in the menu bar and Uncheck "Auto Load PPF files" enabled.
Can I use my own or other cables with Bliss-Box devices.
We do not have any logic or prevention in place for cables, you are welcome to use what you like. We put in a lot of effort in to ensure the cables will not cause harm to the device or a controller. We recommend you use approved cables. It is always wise to know what you are buying, more info here