Windows Multi-Controller Support Bluetooth

Question

This question is an extention on: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/not-connect-2-bluetooth-gamepads-same-time-windows/a8707bf2-3239-480d-aac8-583fe5dead97

As meny might know,:

• Windows has always limited bluetooth to a single gamepad/gamecontroller.
• Windows is also limited to be able to use 1 bluetooth chip in your machine.

Offically Bluetooth should support to my knowledge 7 active devices.

There have been 3rd party developed solutions to bypass this limitation, example: https://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-XInput-Wrapper-for-DS3-and-Play-com-USB-Dual-DS2-Controller

Only these stop development a lot of the time. If you would use the same bluetooth chip with another operating system the limitation is not there.

It would be nice if Microsoft would remove this limitation, I always think this limitation is setup on purpose so people buy the XBox Controller adapter:

https://www.xbox.com/nl-NL/accessories/adapters/wireless-adapter-windows

Which does support 8 XBox controllers, which I also use. Bluetooth can do the same but Microsoft seems to limit this as I also like to use controllers outside XBox controllers.

Answer 1

Hi Manson,

Thanks for your fast reply, the reply only does not match the evidence.

I have tried multiple bluetooth chips from multiple manufacturers, including those that can be found in the Playstation and Nintendo Wii. These as you probably know do support multiple controllers in those devices but not on a Windows machine.

This issue has been a known limitation in Windows for years, now a lot of people as mentioned bypassed it by developing there own ways around the Microsoft Bluetooth Stack but I guess multiple gamepads is not really a thing anymore. As mentioned it is only an issue with gamepads (Wireless Controllers), the Wii Controllers for example do work. Its always been an issue with specifically connecting more than 1 Wireless Controller.

Also as mentioned, install a Linux Distro, it does work. A lot of companies now create Bluetooth chips that just work with the Microsoft Bluetooth driver and don't offer drivers anymore.

If you could provide me evidance and a chip that does support Multi-Controllers with the Microsoft Stack, please send me and I will add it to next years christmas list :)

Preferably a Bluetooth 5 chip.

Kind regards,

Paul

Answer 2

Hi Paulus88，

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

In fact, the number of Bluetooth chips supported and the maximum number of Bluetooth device connections depends on how the hardware manufacturer sets it.

Windows does not show a device connected to a mouse at the system level because Microsoft did not develop and manufacture the Bluetooth protocol and Bluetooth chip itself.

As you mentioned, there are third-party solutions that can bypass the restrictions, depending on whether the Bluetooth manufacturer on your computer provides the driver or the Settings are removed.

I can understand your views and suggestions on Bluetooth issues, but this really needs to be solved by Bluetooth manufacturers.

In addition to your question about the Xbox controller adapter, the real issue here is that both wireless adapters and Bluetooth in a sense transmit signals wirelessly. However, they are different because of different transport protocols.

Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Best Regards,

Manson - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist