Software & AppsOperating SystemLinux

How To Configure mupen64plus Controls on Ubuntu

Ubuntu 14

Mupen64plus is a command-line N64 emulator for Linux, Mac OSX, FreeBSD, and Windows. It allows you to play games designed for the Nintendo 64 console on your Ubuntu system. One of the most important aspects of using an emulator is configuring the controls. This article provides a detailed guide on how to configure mupen64plus controls on Ubuntu.

Quick Answer

To configure mupen64plus controls on Ubuntu, you have several options. You can use a GUI frontend like M64py, edit the configuration file manually, or use tools like jscal and jstest to determine button and axis mappings. Each method provides a way to customize your controls according to your preference.

Method 1: Using a GUI Frontend

M64py

M64py is a popular GUI frontend for mupen64plus. It provides a user-friendly interface to configure the controls.

After downloading and installing M64py, launch the application. You will see a controller configuration section. Here, you can set up your controls according to your preference. Once you have configured the controls, you can either launch your games directly from M64py or run the command mupen64plus /path/to/rom in the terminal.

Method 2: Editing the Configuration File

If you prefer to manually configure the controls, you can do so by editing the mupen64plus configuration file.

Locating the Configuration File

The configuration file is located at ~/.config/mupen64plus/mupen64plus.cfg. Open this file in a text editor.

Configuring the Controls

Within the configuration file, locate the section related to the controller settings. Here, you will find the mappings for buttons and axes. You can modify these mappings according to your preferences. Once you have made the necessary changes, save the file. The new configuration will be applied the next time you run mupen64plus.

Method 3: Using jscal and jstest

Another method to configure mupen64plus controls involves using the jscal and jstest tools. These tools help you determine the button and axis mappings.

Installing jscal

First, install jscal by running the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt-get install joystick

This command installs the joystick package, which includes jscal.

Calibrating the Joystick

Next, calibrate your joystick using jscal to ensure accurate readings.

Testing the Buttons and Axes

To test the buttons and axes, run the following command:

jstest-gtk /dev/input/js0 &

This command opens a GUI for button and axis testing. Press the buttons on your controller to identify their corresponding axes or buttons.

Modifying the InputAutoCfg.ini File

Once you have determined the mappings, you can edit the InputAutoCfg.ini file located at /usr/share/games/mupen64plus/InputAutoCfg.ini. Find the section for your controller and modify the settings according to the mappings you determined earlier. Save the changes. The new configuration will be applied the next time you run mupen64plus.

Conclusion

Configuring mupen64plus controls on Ubuntu can be done in several ways. Whether you prefer using a GUI frontend like M64py, editing the configuration file directly, or using jscal and jstest, this guide provides the necessary steps to configure your controls. Happy gaming!

What is mupen64plus?

Mupen64plus is a command-line Nintendo 64 emulator that allows you to play N64 games on your Ubuntu system. It is available for Linux, Mac OSX, FreeBSD, and Windows.

How can I configure mupen64plus controls on Ubuntu?

There are multiple methods to configure mupen64plus controls on Ubuntu. You can use a GUI frontend like M64py, edit the configuration file manually, or use the jscal and jstest tools. The article provides step-by-step instructions for each method.

Where can I download M64py?

You can download M64py from the SourceForge website. Use the following link to download the latest version: M64py

How do I locate the mupen64plus configuration file?

The mupen64plus configuration file is located at ~/.config/mupen64plus/mupen64plus.cfg. You can open this file in a text editor to manually configure the controls.

What is `jscal` and how can I install it?

jscal is a tool that helps you calibrate and configure joysticks. To install jscal, run the following command in the terminal: sudo apt-get install joystick

How do I calibrate my joystick using `jscal`?

After installing jscal, you can calibrate your joystick by running the jscal command followed by the device path of your joystick. For example: jscal /dev/input/js0

How can I test the buttons and axes of my joystick?

To test the buttons and axes of your joystick, you can use the jstest-gtk tool. Run the command jstest-gtk /dev/input/js0 & in the terminal. This will open a GUI for button and axis testing.

Where can I find the `InputAutoCfg.ini` file?

The InputAutoCfg.ini file is located at /usr/share/games/mupen64plus/InputAutoCfg.ini. You can edit this file to modify the controller settings according to your joystick’s mappings.

How do I launch games in mupen64plus?

Once you have configured the controls, you can launch games in mupen64plus either by using a GUI frontend like M64py or by running the command mupen64plus /path/to/rom in the terminal. Replace /path/to/rom with the actual path to your game’s ROM file.

Can I use mupen64plus to play Nintendo 64 games on other operating systems?

Yes, mupen64plus is available for Linux, Mac OSX, FreeBSD, and Windows. You can use it to play Nintendo 64 games on any of these operating systems.

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