Fix Controller Problems in Chiaki-ng (DualSense Haptics, Mapping)
Most chiaki-ng controller problems are Bluetooth quirks or mapping settings, not broken hardware. The classic symptom — a DualSense that connects but loses haptics and rumble — usually means it paired while low on battery, or PipeWire isn’t running on Linux. Work through the fixes below by symptom; chiaki-ng’s controller mapping database (greatly expanded in v1.9.x) covers far more gamepads than the official client.
DualSense Loses Haptics / Rumble
- Charge the controller first. A known issue: connecting a DualSense while it is low on battery can silently drop haptic feedback. Charge it, then reconnect.
- Prefer USB over Bluetooth for full features. Bluetooth mode works, but wired USB gives the most reliable haptics and adaptive triggers.
- Linux: PipeWire must be running. DualSense haptic data travels through the PipeWire audio pipeline — without it, rumble is bypassed entirely (same requirement as game audio).
- Tune intensity manually. Newer builds let you adjust true haptic intensity and adaptive trigger strength in the controller mapping panel, scaled to your console’s own settings.
Adaptive Triggers Feel Wrong or Delayed
v1.9.x builds fixed the Bluetooth-mode adaptive trigger delay and improved trigger accuracy against the console’s settings. If triggers feel off: update to v1.10.0, then re-check the trigger thresholds in the mapping panel — chiaki-ng can now fetch trigger parameters from the console profile automatically.
Third-Party Gamepad Won’t Map Correctly
- Open the controller mapping panel in chiaki-ng and remap manually — the built-in database covers many more controllers than Sony’s official app, including Xbox, Switch Pro, and 8BitDo-style layouts.
- For Nintendo-layout controllers, try the positional layout option (maps by button position instead of labels).
- On Steam Deck desktop mode: holding the Options button toggles the Deck’s own controller mode, which can conflict with chiaki-ng’s input — make sure you are in the mode you intend.
- Check for double-input: if both Steam Input and chiaki-ng try to handle the same controller, buttons may fire twice. Disable Steam Input for the chiaki-ng shortcut.
Motion Controls / Gyro Not Working
Gyro support needs a controller that actually has a gyroscope (DualSense, DualShock 4, Switch Pro) and a mapping that assigns it. v1.9.x improved motion controller reset detection — if gyro drifts or freezes, update to v1.10.0 and re-run the mapping wizard.
fix audio crackling (PipeWire affects haptics too) ·
upstream releases on GitHub
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my DualSense lose vibration in chiaki-ng?
The two usual causes: it connected while low on battery (charge and reconnect), or PipeWire isn’t running on Linux (haptics travel through the PipeWire pipeline). On Windows/macOS, try USB instead of Bluetooth for the most reliable haptics.
Does chiaki-ng support adaptive triggers?
Yes — chiaki-ng supports DualSense adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, with intensity scaling matched to your console’s settings. Bluetooth-mode trigger delay was fixed in the v1.9.x builds, so update to v1.10.0 if triggers feel laggy.
Can I use an Xbox controller with chiaki-ng?
Yes. Chiaki-ng’s controller mapping database supports Xbox controllers and many third-party gamepads, with full button remapping. You won’t get DualSense-specific features (adaptive triggers, true haptics) on non-Sony hardware, but standard rumble and gyro (where the hardware has it) work.
Why are my buttons double-pressing in chiaki-ng on Steam Deck?
Steam Input is probably also handling the controller. Right-click the chiaki-ng shortcut in Steam → Controller settings → disable Steam Input for that shortcut, so only chiaki-ng processes the input.
How do I remap buttons in chiaki-ng?
Open the controller mapping panel in chiaki-ng’s settings, select your controller, and assign each function manually. For Nintendo-layout controllers, the positional layout option maps by physical button position instead of labels.
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