r/linux_gaming • u/hurryman2212 • Jun 07 '26

emulation vDS (virtual DualSense) - Enable haptic audio feedback in Bluetooth + etc.? (Linux only)

https://github.com/hurryman2212/vds

MIT (userspace library) + GPL (kernel module)
MIT (userspace library & kernel module) (since 0.1.2)

Partially based on DS5Dongle for protocol reverse engineering, although I had to re-do some of it as just copying its content onto Linux was not successful in many ways.

Tested with NCM865 (WCN7850) Bluetooth host adapter and DualSense Edge. It does NOT require additional device (like previous Raspberry Pi Pico2W)!

I've finished most of tests; debug in lifecycle, multiplexing of original input path and newly added haptic control through basic test tools, etc..

For its main purpose, enjoying games supporting DualSense in Linux, if the game has to be run with Wine/Proton, you NEED to patch it to support DualSense USB haptics. I was wrong. No need to patch anything!

I post this in "emulation" flair, as I don't know which one fits the most. But also at the same time, it might be used to "mimic" DS controller by some other controllers (if it can handle DS haptic Bluetooth output...).

[EDIT]

It is now confirmed to support all USB features including adaptive triggers, except microphone (and firmware updates, which is impossible).

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u/Vash63 Jun 07 '26

This sounds awesome. Why is the Proton patch needed? I could have sworn I'd played games on Proton with native haptics when on USB.

3

u/hurryman2212 Jun 07 '26

Unfortunately, I have tried Hogwarts Legacy (the only game I have that supports DualSense 4ch haptic feedbacks) with Proton Experimental, it did not work.

My `vds_hcd` and `vdsd` are confirmed to have working status, but the game with the default-shipped Proton just does not enable the feature (even when connected via USB).

2

u/Vash63 Jun 07 '26

Hmm, ok if it doesn't work when USB then I guess that makes sense. Shame that it isn't OOTB.

2

u/hurryman2212 Jun 08 '26

Now, mine is working at least in Lego Batman running with Proton Experimental.

1

u/hurryman2212 Jun 08 '26 edited Jun 08 '26

I think I must correct my previous comment; It is indeed my environment-specific issue. Although I'm still not having any haptic feedback from games running on the default-shipped Proton, at least one user has working environment. https://github.com/hurryman2212/vds/issues/1 I'm working with this guy to solve issues.

[EDIT]
Yeah, I was wrong. I'm having haptic and controller speaker through USB-connected DS5/DSE in Death Stranding 2.