Gurce Isikyildiz has released a new video about the MEGA65 five button protocol. His goal is to add Select and Start support to a Logitech F710 wireless controller. The controller connects through a mouSTer adapter, giving arcade-style functionality without using the keyboard.
The five button protocol, created by community member Crystal CT, expands joystick input in a clever way. Impossible movement combinations are remapped into extra buttons. For example, pressing up and down together becomes Select, while pressing left and right together acts as Start. Although these inputs cannot combine with movement, they work perfectly for actions like inserting credits or starting a game.
Isikyildiz tested the feature using the Wonder Boy in Monster Land arcade core. With the updated mouSTer firmware, both Select and Start worked as expected. This let him insert credits and start the game directly from the controller. The improvement creates a smoother arcade experience by reducing keyboard reliance.
However, the update introduced one drawback. Jumping, mapped to a second button, stopped functioning. The new firmware changed the value range, breaking compatibility. To address this, Isikyildiz adjusted the detection logic to accept a wider range. He then submitted the fix as a pull request for review.
The video also compares old and new mouSTer firmware, highlighting differences in button mapping. Isikyildiz shows how to configure controller settings and test them in practice. He further explains the process of building arcade cores with Vivado, noting several issues he faced under Windows. Transitioning to Linux tools helped resolve these hurdles.
This experiment demonstrates how the MEGA65 five button protocol enhances gameplay convenience. With Select and Start mapped to the controller, players gain a more authentic arcade feel. Looking ahead, newer MEGA65 boards may support even more advanced button protocols, opening further possibilities for expanded control.
For anyone exploring controller integration with the MEGA65, this video delivers both technical detail and practical results.
