When you start up DOSBox, it should report the detected joystick(s) in the status window. What are the exact joystick message(s) there?

Here is the output from the main window:

DOSBox version 0.74
Copyright 2002-2010 DOSBox Team, published under GNU GPL.
---
CONFIG:Loading primary settings from config file C:\Users\xxxxxx\AppData\Local
\DOSBox\dosbox-0.74.conf
MIDI:Opened device:win32
Using joystick Retr with 2 axes, 4 buttons and 0 hat(s)
MAPPER: Loading mapper settings from C:\Users\xxxxxx\AppData\Local\DOSBox\mapp
er-0.74.map

If you delete the mapper file, do the buttons work? In other words, are they only not working after you try to map them?

The games I am playing (Duke Nukem, Commander Keen and Crystal Caves) do not natively support joysticks do they? I have been using the keyboard and the buttons on the controller have to be mapped to the corresponding key...dont they?

For instance, in Duke Nukem, the jump and fire buttons are Ctrl and Alt. I need DosBox to forward that when I press the buttons on the game pad. Does that make sense?

I know what it is that you would like to do. I'm trying to ascertain if it's a mapper issue or perhaps an SDL issue with the controller you're using. You can run a program like JoyMon in DOSBox to see if the buttons are recognized with default mapping (meaning no mapper file).

It may seem obvious, but some people interpret the mapper backwards, so make sure you're using it correctly. For example, click the left CTRL event button on the mapper screen, click the "Add" button, then press the button on your controller.

Another thread was started some months ago for the same problem; here's a link for reference: Mapping Nintendo NES controller in Dosbox .74

BTW, are you using the retroUSB adapter for the NES gamepad or some other?

ripsaw8080 wrote:

I know what it is that you would like to do. I'm trying to ascertain if it's a mapper issue or perhaps an SDL issue with the controller you're using. You can run a program like JoyMon in DOSBox to see if the buttons are recognized with default mapping (meaning no mapper file).

Awesome! I deleted the map file and ran joymon.exe and the D-pad works fine but the buttons arent recognized. What does that tell us?

ripsaw8080 wrote:

It may seem obvious, but some people interpret the mapper backwards, so make sure you're using it correctly. For example, click the left CTRL event button on the mapper screen, click the "Add" button, then press the button on your controller.

Thanks for that! I am indeed using it that way. I read the FAQ pages to ensure I was using it right.

ripsaw8080 wrote:

BTW, are you using the retroUSB adapter for the NES gamepad or some other?

Indeed I am! I hope that isnt a known issue 😀

I don't suspect a driver issue, as it supposedly uses generic controller drivers in Windows; so it would seem to be something about the hardware. To others with a retroUSB NES or SNES adapter, please report your results using it in DOSBox; and perhaps more importantly, with SDL apps in general.

It appears you are correct. I have a generic NES controller that is USB and it works fine. Its a shame because the D-pad sucks 🤣.

The retro adapter works in other apps like UberNES, etc. I am guessing it may be the extra abstraction/layers involved in running the app in DOS (or so my tiny brain thinks 😀 )

It appears I do have a work around but if anyone has any tips on getting the retro adapter working I would be in your debt

Thanks for all your help ripsaw8080!

I had the same problem. Never could figure it out.

Did notice with original Super NES controller and RetroUSB adapter that some of the buttons on that controller are recognized in the mapper. Though not the two buttons you'd want to use for shooting and jumping.

I figure someone out there would know how to get the NES contoller with RetroUSB adapter to work with Dosbox.

ripsaw8080 wrote:

I know what it is that you would like to do. I'm trying to ascertain if it's a mapper issue or perhaps an SDL issue with the con […]
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I know what it is that you would like to do. I'm trying to ascertain if it's a mapper issue or perhaps an SDL issue with the controller you're using. You can run a program like JoyMon in DOSBox to see if the buttons are recognized with default mapping (meaning no mapper file).

It may seem obvious, but some people interpret the mapper backwards, so make sure you're using it correctly. For example, click the left CTRL event button on the mapper screen, click the "Add" button, then press the button on your controller.

Another thread was started some months ago for the same problem; here's a link for reference: Mapping Nintendo NES controller in Dosbox .74

BTW, are you using the retroUSB adapter for the NES gamepad or some other?

I have original NES controller with that RetroUSB adapter.

I tried that JoyMon application in DosBox. And same problem. That program recognizes the D pad only. Doesn't recognize the select, start, B, or A button.

So I guess that means an SDL issue?

Well, I ended up hooking up my original Nintendo N64 controller with that PSX/N64 USB adapter thing to the computer. And the DosBox recognized the D-pad, Start, B, and A buttons on that. Didn't try the other buttons as I didn't need those.

I don't really like using the N64 controller as it's a weird controller, but it finally at least got me up and running with DosBox.

But would much rather use the original NES or SNES controllers instead.

I'm going to be working on Duke Nukem 1 and 2. And Shamus.

Don't know if Dosbox does this as it's rather intuitive compared to NES emulation. But would love if Dosbox had a save state option. That Shamus game is a pain in the butt.