PS4 controllers are great controllers for Nerdbox. They have a good feel, are simple to setup, and seem to work incredibly well. They also have analog sticks, which are only useful with the Nerdbox PS system, but are pretty useful if you have one of those!
PS4 controllers work well if you connect them to the Nerdbox via a Micro USB cable. If you would like to do this, simply connect them, and follow the general configuration steps.
To configure them to work wirelessly, you will need a USB keyboard, and a USB controller both connected to your Nerdbox. Also, if you have a PS4 system nearby, be sure to unplug its power, as often times, they will try to take over the controller.
Using the USB controller, on the system menu, navigate to Nerdbox Configuration, then press A.
Select Bluetooth, and press A.
Here is where you will want to switch to the USB keyboard. At this point, you will also want to set your PS4 controller to pair mode by holding the PS button, and the Share button until the light begins to flash quickly. On the Nerdbox, select Register and Connect to Bluetooth Device on the menu, and press Enter.
At this point, the Nerdbox will begin searching for any nearby Bluetooth devices. Be sure that the light on your PS4 controller is still blinking rapidly.
If all goes properly, you will be given a list of your nearby Bluetooth devices. Select your controller, and press Enter. Note: some PS4 controllers are identified as Wireless Controller, Sony Playstation 4 Controller, or sometimes simply the unique address of the device. If you do not see it by name, try the numbered devices.
On this screen, simply select DisplayYesNo and press Enter.
With any luck, you will see a notice that you have successfully connected your controller! Press Enter to confirm.
Your controller should now be connected properly via Bluetooth. Use your keyboard to select Cancel on the following menus until you are returned to the Nerdbox Configuration Menu. Using the connected USB controller, you will now be able to follow the general configuration steps to map your controller's buttons.
Your controller will turn off when you turn the system off. If you would like to turn it off manually, you can hold the PS button for 10 seconds. When you turn the controller back on (by holding the PS button), it should automatically pair with the Nerdbox again, unless you have since paired it with another device.
To specifically enable the analog sticks in a game, you will need to do a few more steps. Keep in mind that these steps are only necessary if you are playing one of the few PS1 games that make use of the analog sticks. As the original PS1 controllers did not have the analog sticks on them, there are actually very few games that make use of them.
Be aware that these sticks cannot be used as a d-pad. Many people attempt this for systems like Atari, where a joystick will feel closer to the original than a d-pad.
Here are the instructions for how to enable these:
• Start the game you wish to use the analog sticks with.
• Press Select + X to bring up the RetroArch config menu
• Select Quick Menu
• Select Core Options
• Set Pad 1 Type -> analog
• If you have a second controller setup, set Pad 2 Type -> analog
• Navigate back to the first menu, then quit the config menu with Select + X
This will enable the analog sticks for this particular game.