USB Controller Overlay Issues with RetroArch on Linux Mint

When using wired USB controllers, such as the Retro-bit 8-button Sega Genesis controller or the Buffalo Classic USB Gamepad (SNES-style), with RetroArch on Linux Mint, you may encounter an issue where the controller works in EmulationStation but not within the emulator. This problem is particularly prevalent when using a Nvidia GT218 (Ion) video card.

To troubleshoot this issue, consider adding vendor_id/product_id configuration options to the RetroArch config profile for your joystick. You can do this by modifying the `/opt/retropie/configs/all/retroarch.cfg` file.

One possible solution is to change the `input_joypad_driver` field from `'on'` to `'sdl'`. This setting may resolve the issue, but it's essential to note that this could be a compatibility problem with your specific PC or Linux Mint version (21).

If uninstalling and reinstalling Retropie or wiping the hard drive and reinstalling the OS and RetroArch doesn't solve the problem, you can try using different gamepads and emulator cores. However, it's crucial to note that this issue persisted even after trying these troubleshooting steps.

A temporary workaround is to press `'Esc'` and return to EmulationStation, which allows the gamepad to function again. This suggests that there might be an overlay-related issue with RetroArch on Linux Mint 21.

In summary, adding vendor_id/product_id options to your joystick config profile and modifying the `input_joypad_driver` field in your `/opt/retropie/configs/all/retroarch.cfg` file may resolve the USB controller overlay issues you're experiencing with RetroArch on Linux Mint. If this doesn't work, consider seeking further assistance or exploring other solutions to get your gamepads working seamlessly within RetroArch.

Usb controller overlay