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Which EmuDeck multiplayer setup should you use?
The steps depend on the emulator and, in some cases, the game. EmuDeck’s guides for Dolphin, RMG, Cemu and Ryujinx describe local multiplayer workflows. The table summarizes where to start; the detailed steps follow.
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| Emulator | Mode in EmuDeck guide | Main setup action |
|---|---|---|
| Dolphin | Game Mode workflow | Enable a controller port for each player |
| RMG (Nintendo 64) | Game Mode workflow | Enable additional ports and assign player devices |
| Ryujinx | Game Mode workflow | Configure each player’s input device and controller profile |
| Cemu | Game Mode workflow | Set additional controllers in the individual game profile |
| mGBA | Desktop Mode only | Open separate multiplayer windows and assign a controller to each |
These workflows come from EmuDeck’s Dolphin guide, RMG guide, Ryujinx guide, Cemu guide and mGBA guide.
How do you set up two or more controllers?
Dolphin: GameCube and Wii
- Connect the external controllers while in Game Mode.
- Open Dolphin and go to Controller settings.
- For each GameCube player, enable Standard Controller for that port. For Wii, enable Emulated Wii Remote for each player.
- Enable enough ports for everyone playing. Count the Deck’s built-in controls if someone will use them: one Deck player plus two external pads requires three ports. Port 1 is enabled by default, so enable two more.
EmuDeck says its Dolphin multiplayer controls are configured by default; the key step is enabling the additional ports required by the game. You only need the guide’s custom-control instructions if you want a different layout.
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RMG: Nintendo 64
In RMG, enable the additional ports needed for the players. The guide maps Steam Virtual Gamepad 1 to Player 2, Steam Virtual Gamepad 2 to Player 3 and Steam Virtual Gamepad 3 to Player 4. The corresponding profiles are steamdeck2, steamdeck3 and steamdeck4. Multiplayer controls are configured out of the box, but the ports still need to be enabled.
Ryujinx
Open Ryujinx settings in Game Mode and configure the extra player slots. Assign Steam Virtual Gamepad 1 to Player 2, then the successive virtual gamepads to later players. For each slot, select a controller type and load a profile, then save the settings. If a pad is assigned to the wrong player, adjust the controller order in Game Mode.
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Cemu
Configure extra controllers in the game’s own profile: right-click the game, choose Edit Game Profile, open Controller, then select the appropriate Deck profile for Controllers 2 through 4. EmuDeck recommends doing this per game because, in a handful of games, adding controllers can disable single-player controls.
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Use Desktop Mode. In mGBA, choose File → New multiplayer window for each additional player. Assign a controller to each window under Tools → Settings → Controllers. EmuDeck’s mapping uses Microsoft X-Box 360 pad 0 for the Deck/Player 1 and pads 1–3 for Players 2–4.
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- Also functions as an XInput controller for Windows 11/10 (wired mode only)
- Compatible with Steam and Steam Deck
Why is the second controller controlling Player 1?
The emulator may have enough ports enabled, but Steam Deck’s controller order can still assign an external pad to the wrong player. In Game Mode, open Quick Access, go to Quick Settings, and choose Rearrange controller order. Move the controllers into the order the game should use. EmuDeck notes that this may be needed for external controllers across its emulator workflows; see its external controller guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should you check if multiplayer still does not work?
- The emulator shows too few players: Check the emulator’s own additional ports or player slots first. A connected controller does not necessarily mean its port is enabled.
- A controller is assigned to the wrong player: Use Game Mode’s Rearrange controller order setting.
- Gyro or another controller-native feature is missing: Steam Input standardizes Deck controls, but it can conflict with some controller-native features. EmuDeck suggests disabling Steam Input for the affected game as a possible workaround; restart the game if needed. This is a feature-specific troubleshooting step, not a general fix for multiplayer.
- You get double inputs: EmuDeck specifically documents this issue for the 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G Wireless Controller and suggests trying Steam Input disabled for the affected game. Do not assume the same issue applies to other models.
- Some controls do not work: EmuDeck’s FAQ says that if an emulator has no EmuDeck Steam Input profile, use the Gamepad with Joystick Trackpad layout. The FAQ lists profiles for Cemu, Citra, DuckStation, melonDS, mGBA, PPSSPP and RMG.
EmuDeck’s setup instructions can change with software updates; the guides linked above were accessed on October 4, 2026.
Quick Recap
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