8bitdo controller not working on epic games

The 8BitDo controller not working in Epic Games is a common issue, usually because Epic's launcher and some games don't have native support for the controller's default modes. Heres a step-by-step guide to fix it. Switch Your 8BitDo's Connection Mode This is the most important step. 8BitDo controllers have multiple modes that mimic different controllers for compatibility. For Windows PC, the safest bet is usually: X-Input Mode (X mode): This makes your 8BitDo appear as an Xbox 360/Xbox One controller to Windows, which has near-universal support. To activate it: Power on with X + Start (the button combination varies slightly by modelcheck your manual). The LED will typically show a solid color (often blue or purple). D-Input Mode (D mode): Makes it appear as a DirectInput controller (older standard). Some games prefer this, but X-Input is better for modern Windows games. Avoid: macOS (M) or Switch (S) modes for Epic Games on Windows, as they are not optimized for PC gaming. Use the 8BitDo Ultimate Software (For Supported Models) If you have a newer model (like Ultimate Bluetooth/2.4g), download the "8BitDo Ultimate Software" from their website. You can: Update the controller's firmware. Remap buttons and fine-tune settings for better compatibility. Ensure the correct input mode is set. Add Epic Games Launcher to Steam as a Non-Steam Game Steam has excellent, universal controller support that can wrap around other launchers. Open Steam and go to Library. Click "Add a Game" (bottom-left) > "Add a Non-Steam Game". Click "Browse" and navigate to your Epic Games Launcher executable (usually C:Program Files (x86)Epic GamesLauncherPortalBinariesWin64EpicGamesLauncher.exe). Add it. Then, right-click the new shortcut in your Steam Library > Properties. Under Controller, set the dropdown to "Enable Steam Input". Launch the Epic Games Launcher through Steam. Your controller should now work in games launched from it, as Steam Input translates the inputs. Use a Third-Party Wrapper (Most Reliable Method) These tools force games to recognize your controller. Recommended: x360ce 1. Download the 64-bit version. 2. Place the .dll files in the same folder as the game's .exe file (e.g., Epic GamesFortniteFortniteGameBinariesWin64). 3. Run x360ce.exe in that folder. It will create a virtual Xbox 360 controller. Follow the on-screen prompts to map your 8BitDo's buttons. Alternative: DS4Windows (if your 8BitDo is in Switch/Pro Controller mode) This works well for controllers emulating a PlayStation or Nintendo Pro Controller. Check Epic Games Launcher & In-Game Settings In the Epic Launcher: Go to Settings (your profile icon) > Controller. Try toggling the "Controller Options". In-Game: Always check the game's settings menu for a Controller section. Ensure it's enabled and set to the correct input type (often "Gamepad" or "Controller"). General Windows Troubleshooting Update/Reinstall Drivers: In Device Manager, find your controller under "Human Interface Devices" or "Xbox Peripherals." Right-click and choose "Update driver" or "Uninstall device" and then reconnect the controller. Disable Other Input Devices: Sometimes other peripherals (like steering wheels, other gamepads) can be seen as "Controller 1" and cause conflicts. Disconnect them. Test the Controller: Use a site like gamepad-tester.com to verify Windows is seeing your inputs correctly. Quick Summary / Order of Operations: First: Ensure your 8BitDo is in X-Input (X) Mode. Second: Try launching the Epic game through Steam using the non-Stean game method. Third: Use x360ce for the specific game that's having issues. Fourth: Update firmware via 8BitDo Ultimate Software and check all in-game settings. Following these steps should resolve the issue for the vast majority of games on the Epic Games Store.