Task: Add USB Joystick Support to Your Retro PC
Needed: PicoMEM 2 Card, Compatible USB Joystick
Time: 15-30 minutes
Introduction
I recently installed a modern PicoMEM 2 card in the 8-bit ISA slot of my IBM PS/2 Model 30 that expands the machine in several important ways including modern joystick support via a USB-A port. I have now given this a try with my 8BitDo USB joystick and it work great!
Instructions
First, you will need a PicoMEM 2 card. I have instructions here on how to purchase and install the PicoMEM.
Second, you will need a compatible USB-A joystick. The first one I tried did not work. Compatibility includes Microsoft DirectInput (e.g. Xbox), PS4 and PS5, and Switch. My 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller | 8BitDo worked great!
Third, plug in your joystick to the USB-A port. My 8BitDo has a wireless dongle which is nice.
Fourth, boot the PC with the PicoMEM and enter the Setup Utility. Arrow over the Other tab shown below and toggle [On] the USB Joystick option.
Fifth, hit escape to boot your PC. You can see in the boot log below that PicoMEM BIOS detects and knows my 8BitDo joystick. It mentions it in bullet 4 for the USB device (note the smiley face!).
Sixth, boot a game and give it a try!
Comments
Playing games like Prince of Persia with a modern joystick is a very nice option.
