Patrick O’Rourke
2026-01-21 19:50:00
Have you ever wanted to use an Xbox Series X gamepad with a Dreamcast? Maybe you’d like to use your kid’s Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Controller to revisit Raccoon City in Resident Evil 2? This is exactly what software developer Robert Dale Smith (@RobertDaleSmith) is making happen with his open source Joypad OS project (the project was formerly called USBRetro. The core idea behind Joypad OS is to make any controller work with whatever system you want, whether that’s using a Switch controller with a GameCube, or a Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 with the original Switch. Joypad OS aims to be universal controller firmware for adapters, controllers, and input setups across USB and Bluetooth.
Right now, the project only supports USB and Bluetooth controllers for Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo console, alongside a few more obscure gamepads, like the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn and various gamepads from 8BitDo. The Laugh & Learn compatibility confuses me because it doesn’t feature a USB port, though I imagine there might be one inside it somewhere, or maybe Smith added a USB port to the gamepad himself.
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If you’re planning to take advantage of high-end features like 120Hz, HDR, and 4K, it’s worth making sure you’re using the right HDMI cable.
It’s pretty wild to see Joypad OS in action, and it really does seem to work. In brief clips shared by Smith of Joypad OS working, you can catch a glimpse of a Nintendo 64 controller hooked up to a Dreamcast recompile of Super Mario 64 (confusing, right?), the Switch 2’s Joy-Con 2 working on the original Switch, the Switch 2’s gamepad connected to the original GameCube, and more.Check out the videos below:
According to Joypad OS’ GitHub page, the project supports universal input and output translation, modular firmware apps, and it features a hardware-agnostic foundation.If you’re interested in trying outJoypad OS for yourself, check out the project’s Github page. You can also support Smith’s Patreon for this project at this link.
