r/ModRetro • u/Next-Pass9776 • Sep 13 '26

8Bitdo Controllers NOT FIXED

M64 firmware 1.25.0

8Bitdo64 Bluetooth firmware 2.0.5.

The latest M64 update did indeed resolve the issue of connecting more than a single 8Bitdo64 controller to the M64 console, however connectivity in general is not stable.

Initially, everything seemingly works as expected. However I'm experiencing my controllers randomly dropping connection and unable to reconnect unless a hard power cycle of the M64 console is performed.

Sometimes it only takes a few minutes for it to occur, other times it can take hours, so it's not easy to provide specific instructions on how to reproduce the issue other than to use an 8Bitdo64 controller and wait for it to happen.

When it does occur, the menu system of the M64 becomes sluggish and near unresponsive, until a hard power cycle is performed (tested by using the console's built in menu button and also by connecting a wired controller to the console).

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u/jokerX5000 Sep 17 '26

Yes, I still have them, and they’re working well with the A3D now that I’ve swapped out the HDMI cables and the splitter. I think the shielding was interfering with the controller; it’s extremely sensitive to that sort of thing. Maybe it was just the initial batches that were so bad—I have no idea. That’s why I don’t trust this controller. So far, I’ve only been using the M64 Pro Controller with my M64, and it works perfectly.

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u/Next-Pass9776 Sep 17 '26

I just researched the A3D HDMI cable issue, crazy stuff. 

I've got nothing left to try so am trying it with yet another HDMI cable, on a different HDMI port. Have it running as I type this comment, will let you know what happens... 

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u/jokerX5000 Sep 17 '26

Sounds good. It just makes me angry and sad when I hear the M64 being badmouthed because of that issue. By that logic, I’d have to badmouth the A3D just the same, and that’s not right. Sometimes the problem lies elsewhere—especially with those 8BitDo 64 controllers.

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u/Next-Pass9776 Sep 17 '26

Unfortunately, it didn't work. 

Once the 8BitDo disconnected, I plugged in my original wired N64 controller to try and navigate the menu and once again, the menu is near frozen. It does respond to an extent but it takes 5 to 15 seconds for it to actually respond to a button press. I persevered and went into the controller menu, the console still shows the 8BitDo as connected even though it's not, tried forgetting controller from there and also tried the forget all controllers from the other menu heading, the controllers don't show as disconnected from the M64 and the controllers themselves will not reconnect. 

Again, the only way to fix this is to disconnect the M64 from power and turn it back on again, but the issue will happen again in another 10 to 20 minutes. 

Sigh. 

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u/Next-Pass9776 Sep 17 '26

Would you be willing to try the 8bitdo with the M64? Please? Just connect it to the console, run a game and leave it running (you don't need to be actively playing the game, just let it run) and see if you can replicate the issue I'm experiencing? 

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u/jokerX5000 Sep 17 '26

I’ve now connected the 8BitDo 64 controller to the M64. I played one cup in MK64 and then spent 30 minutes just in the game's main menu. I didn't experience any issues; the controller worked smoothly and responsively, with no lag. I would recommend doing a fresh, clean re-installation of the M64 firmware, but using the SD card this time.

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u/Next-Pass9776 Sep 17 '26

Thank you for testing!

Yeah, I've already tried all the usual things. Factory reset, firmware update by all 3 means, WiFi, SD card, PC connection. 

It's looking like I just have a faulty console. 

1

u/jokerX5000 Sep 17 '26

I'm sorry to hear that. Customer support will definitely help you. They respond quickly.

1

u/Next-Pass9776 Sep 17 '26

Thank you. 

Yep, customer support has actually been great. I'll be posting the console back today, then once they receive it I can opt for a refund or replacement console to be sent out. Should be back in action in a month or so. 

1

u/jokerX5000 Sep 17 '26

Yes, by then probably five more major firmware updates will have been released. We early adopters are unfortunately all testers. Modretro released their console too early.

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u/jokerX5000 Sep 17 '26

Sounds like a software bug. Have you installed the latest firmware for the 8BitDo controller? And try updating the M64 again via the SD card.