Retroarch Input Config File: A Comprehensive Guide for Gamers
Are you a retro gaming enthusiast looking to enhance your experience with Retroarch? One of the most crucial aspects of optimizing your setup is configuring the input settings through the Retroarch input config file. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of creating and customizing your input config file, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience.
Understanding the Retroarch Input Config File
The Retroarch input config file is a text file that contains all the settings related to your input devices, such as controllers, keyboards, and mice. It allows you to map keys, buttons, and axes to specific actions within Retroarch. By customizing this file, you can tailor your input setup to your preferences and the specific games you play.
Locating the Input Config File
Before diving into the configuration process, you need to locate the Retroarch input config file. By default, the file is usually found in the following directory:
| Operating System | Directory Path |
|---|---|
| Windows | C:UsersYourUsernameAppDataRoamingRetroarchconfiginput.cfg |
| macOS | /Users/YourUsername/Library/Retroarch/config/input.cfg |
| Linux | /home/YourUsername/.config/retroarch/config/input.cfg |
Make sure to replace “YourUsername” with your actual username on your system.
Editing the Input Config File
Once you have located the input config file, you can open it using a text editor of your choice. Here are some popular text editors you can use:
- Windows: Notepad, Notepad++, Visual Studio Code
- macOS: TextEdit, Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code
- Linux: Gedit, Kate, Visual Studio Code
When editing the input config file, you will see a series of lines containing various settings. Each line represents a specific input mapping or configuration option. Here’s an example of what the file might look like:
input_hotplug = trueinput_driver = Retroarch_SDL2input_device = /dev/input/eventXinput_scale = 1.0input_analogdeadzone = 0.15input_analogsensitivity = 1.0input_acceleration = 0.0input_acceleration_filter = 0.0input_scale = 1.0input_scaledeadzone = 0.0input_scaleexponent = 1.0input_scaleinvert = falseinput_grab = trueinput_grabkeyboard = trueinput_grabmouse = falseinput_repeat_delay = 100input_repeat_speed = 30input_max_baud = 1000000input_driver = Retroarch_SDL2input_device = /dev/input/eventXinput_scale = 1.0input_analogdeadzone = 0.15input_analogsensitivity = 1.0input_acceleration = 0.0input_acceleration_filter = 0.0input_scale = 1.0input_scaledeadzone = 0.0input_scaleexponent = 1.0input_scaleinvert = falseinput_grab = trueinput_grabkeyboard = trueinput_grabmouse = falseinput_repeat_delay = 100input_repeat_speed = 30input_max_baud = 1000000
Customizing Input Mappings
One of the most important aspects of the input config file is customizing the input mappings. This allows you to map specific keys, buttons, or axes to the desired actions within Retroarch. Here’s how you can do it:
- Locate the section of the input config file that corresponds to the input device you are using (e.g., keyboard, controller).
- Find the line that starts with “input_map_xxx =”. Replace “xxx” with the appropriate input type (e.g., “input_map_kb_a =”).
- Map the desired key or button to the action by replacing the existing value with the corresponding key or button code. For example,
