Joypad OS

Joypad OS is a modular, high-performance firmware platform for building controller adapters, custom controllers, and input/output bridges across USB, Bluetooth, and native game console protocols.

Formerly known as USBRetro, this project now serves as the foundational firmware layer of the Joypad ecosystem — a universal platform for extending how controllers work, connect, and evolve.

Joypad OS focuses on real-time controller I/O, protocol translation, and flexible routing, making it easy to build everything from classic console adapters to next-generation, assistive, and AI-augmented input devices. What Joypad OS Enables

• Universal input/output translation — Convert USB HID devices into native console protocols and vice versa.
• Modular firmware apps — Build specific bridges like usb2usb, usb2gc, snes2usb, passthrough adapters, merged inputs, and hybrid devices — all on a shared core.
• Flexible routing & passthrough — Support multi-output controllers, input merging, chaining devices, and advanced mods.
• Hardware-agnostic foundation — Designed to run across RP2040 today, with future portability to ESP32 and nRF platforms.
• Foundation for accessibility & assistive play — Enables custom controllers and input extensions for gamers with diverse needs.

Joypad OS is the real-time nervous system of the Joypad platform.

Supported Input Devices

USB Controllers:

• Xbox (OG/360/One/Series X|S, 360 Wireless Adapter)
• PlayStation (Classic/DS3/DS4/DualSense)
• Nintendo (Switch Pro, Switch 2 Pro, NSO GameCube, GameCube adapter)
• 8BitDo (PCE 2.4g, M30, BT Adapters)
• Hori (Horipad, Pokken Tournament)
• Logitech Wingman
• Sega Astro City Mini
• Google Stadia
• Raphnet adapters (PCEngine, etc.)
• Generic HID gamepads

Bluetooth Controllers (via USB dongle or Pico W):

• PlayStation (DS3/DS4/DualSense)
• Nintendo (Switch Pro, Switch 2 Pro, Wii U Pro, Wiimote)
• Xbox (One/Series Bluetooth models)
• Google Stadia

Peripherals:

• USB Bluetooth dongles (connect BT controllers via USB host)
• USB Keyboards (full HID support)
• USB Mice (PCEngine mouse, Nuon spinner, 3DO mouse)
• USB Hubs (up to 8 devices for 3DO)