Compatible Bluetooth Joysticks / Controllers

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board are experiencing difficulties in connecting compatible Bluetooth joysticks or controllers. Specifically, Xbox controllers and Stadia controllers have been reported as incompatible. Users are seeking confirmation regarding the functionality of PS4 and PS5 controllers, as well as other Bluetooth controllers.

The issue arises predominantly during attempts to connect Bluetooth devices for gaming or application control. The affected hardware includes the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board, particularly when running Jetpack 5. The issue appears to be consistent, with multiple users reporting similar experiences and a lack of successful connections with various Bluetooth devices.

This problem significantly impacts user experience, as it limits the ability to utilize popular gaming controllers for applications that require joystick input, thereby reducing the functionality of the development board in gaming and interactive environments.

Possible Causes

• Bluetooth Compatibility Issues: Certain controllers may not be fully compatible with the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) implementation on the Jetson Orin Nano, leading to connection failures.

• Software Bugs: A longstanding bug affecting BLE in Jetpack 5 has been identified, which may prevent certain Bluetooth devices from connecting properly.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incorrect drivers for Bluetooth functionality could hinder device recognition and connectivity.

• Configuration Errors: Improper settings in the system configuration may lead to difficulties in establishing connections with Bluetooth devices.

• Environmental Factors: Interference from other wireless devices or insufficient power supply could also contribute to connectivity issues.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Device Compatibility:

   • Check if the joystick or controller is listed as compatible with Jetson Orin Nano and Jetpack 5. Refer to official Nvidia documentation for supported devices.

2. Update Software:

   • Ensure that the Jetpack version is up-to-date. Use the following command to check for updates:

     sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
     

3. Check Bluetooth Configuration:

   • Access Bluetooth settings on the device and ensure that Bluetooth is enabled. Use the command:

     bluetoothctl
     

   • Within bluetoothctl, use commands like power on and agent on to manage Bluetooth settings.

4. Test with Different Controllers:

   • Attempt to connect various controllers (e.g., PS4/PS5) to determine if specific models are affected.

5. Investigate Known Bugs:

   • Review discussions related to known bugs affecting BLE on Jetpack 5. Refer to this thread for insights: "Internal Error from Kernel When Connecting a Bluetooth Device".

6. Driver Reinstallation:

   • If issues persist, consider reinstalling or updating Bluetooth drivers. This can be done via:

     sudo apt install --reinstall bluez
     

7. Power Cycle Devices:

   • Restart both the Jetson Orin Nano and the controller to reset any temporary connection issues.

8. Isolation Testing:

   • Test connectivity in an environment free from interference (e.g., away from other wireless devices) to rule out environmental factors.

9. Consult Community Resources:

   • Engage with Nvidia Developer Forums for additional insights and shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.

10. Document Findings:

    • Keep a log of which controllers successfully connect, including any specific configurations used, to assist others in the community.

By following these steps, users can systematically approach the issue of connecting Bluetooth joysticks and potentially resolve their connectivity challenges. Further investigation into unresolved bugs may be necessary if these solutions do not yield results, particularly concerning BLE support in Jetpack 5.