To play ICO on Android with a controller, pair the pad with Android first, then assign it to Port 1 in your PlayStation 2 emulator. AetherSX2 and NetherSX2 do not automatically turn a newly paired pad into the emulated console’s controller; you must open Controller Settings, bind the controls, and save the profile.
The same process works with a DUALSHOCK 4, DualSense, or compatible third-party Bluetooth pad. The PS4 uses Share + PS to enter pairing mode, while the PS5 DualSense uses Create + PS. Sony’s documented Bluetooth support for DualSense starts with Android 12, and adaptive triggers are not available on Android mobile devices.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What the Android setup actually contains
ICO is a PlayStation 2 game. On Android, it runs through a PS2 emulator rather than as a native Android game. That creates two separate connections:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute- Android connection: the phone or tablet pairs with the controller through Bluetooth, or detects it over a compatible USB cable.
- Emulator connection: AetherSX2 or NetherSX2 assigns that Android input device to the emulated PS2’s first controller port and translates its buttons into PS2 inputs.
A controller can therefore appear connected in Android and still do nothing in ICO. The usual missing step is Port 1 assignment or an incomplete input profile.
#1 Best Overall
- Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions through haptic feedback
- Experience varying levels of force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone and connect a headset directly through the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
- Play on more devices using the USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth to connect easily to Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones as well as your PlayStation 5
Check these requirements first
- An Android phone or tablet running AetherSX2, NetherSX2, or another PS2 emulator that exposes controller settings.
- A charged DUALSHOCK 4, DualSense, or compatible Bluetooth controller.
- Bluetooth enabled on the Android device for wireless play.
- For wired play, a compatible data cable and, where necessary, a USB-C OTG adapter.
- The game configured to use the emulator’s first virtual controller, normally called Port 1 or Controller 1.
Android’s official controller guidance supports both Bluetooth and compatible wired gamepads. If your phone does not recognize a cable-connected pad, the cable or OTG adapter may support charging only rather than data.
Before opening the emulator, decide which connection you are testing. Pairing wirelessly and plugging in USB at the same time can create two entries for what appears to be the same controller, making Port 1 selection confusing. For a clean first setup, disconnect other pads and use one controller only.
Pair a generic Bluetooth controller
Third-party pads use different button combinations for pairing, so use the controller maker’s pairing gesture. The Android portion of the process is consistent:
- Turn on the controller and put it into Bluetooth pairing mode. A flashing status light usually indicates that it is discoverable.
- Open Android Settings.
- Tap Connected devices and then Pair new device. Some Android versions place the same controls under a Bluetooth submenu.
- Wait for the controller name to appear, then tap it.
- Accept the pairing request if Android displays one. Wait until Android labels the pad as connected.
- Only after Android reports a connection, open AetherSX2 or NetherSX2 and configure the emulator port.
If Android shows an unfamiliar Bluetooth name instead of a gamepad icon, continue only if the controller responds as an input device. Otherwise remove the pairing, restart the controller, and repeat pairing mode before opening the emulator.
Do not start binding while the controller is still listed as “pairing” or “connecting.” The emulator may see a temporary device record and save a profile against the wrong entry. Wait for the normal connected state, then open Controller Settings.
Pair a PS4 DUALSHOCK 4
The DUALSHOCK 4 enters Bluetooth discovery mode with a two-button shortcut:
- Turn the controller completely off. If it is connected to a console or cable, disconnect it.
- Hold Share and PS together.
- Keep holding until the light bar flashes rapidly.
- On Android, open Settings → Connected devices → Pair new device.
- Select DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller (the displayed wording can vary slightly).
- Wait for Android to show the controller as connected.
Sony says a DUALSHOCK 4 can be paired with only one device at a time. Moving it between an Android phone, tablet, and console requires entering pairing mode and selecting it on the new device again. A controller that is still trying to reconnect to its previous device may not appear in Android’s discovery list; turn that other device’s Bluetooth off or move out of range while pairing.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If the light bar stops flashing before you select the controller, turn the pad off and repeat the Share-plus-PS gesture. Pairing mode is a discovery step, not the emulator mapping step: after Android connects, you still have to assign the DUALSHOCK 4 to Port 1.
Pair a PS5 DualSense
DualSense pairing uses a different shortcut and has a documented Android version requirement:
- Turn the DualSense off.
- Hold Create and PS simultaneously for at least three seconds.
- Release the buttons when the light bar and player indicator begin flashing.
- On Android, open Settings → Connected devices → Pair new device.
- Select the DualSense entry and wait for the connected status.
- Launch the emulator only after Android has completed the connection.
Sony lists Android 12 and later as supported for DualSense Bluetooth connections. If your device runs an earlier Android release, a wireless DualSense connection is outside that documented support range; a compatible wired connection may be the practical alternative.
Adaptive triggers are not supported on Android mobile devices. Configure ICO around ordinary buttons, analog sticks, shoulder controls, and whatever rumble behavior the emulator and device provide. Do not expect the trigger resistance effects available when the controller is used with a PlayStation 5.
Rank #2
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
Assign the controller to ICO in AetherSX2 or NetherSX2
Pairing completes the Android side, but the emulator still needs a PS2-port mapping. Menu wording can differ between emulator builds, yet the documented workflow is the same:
- Open AetherSX2 or NetherSX2 after Android shows the controller as connected.
- Open Controller Settings.
- Select the connected gamepad as the device for the emulated first controller, usually labeled Port 1 or Controller 1.
- Choose automatic mapping if the emulator offers it, then test every control. Automatic mapping is a starting point, not a guarantee that every face button uses the label printed on the shell.
- For any missing or incorrect input, select that binding and press the physical control you want to use. Map the left stick, right stick, face buttons, shoulder buttons, triggers, and pause control individually.
- Launch ICO and test movement, camera control, jumping, object interaction, and Yorda commands.
- Return to the controller menu and save the completed mapping as an input profile. A saved Bluetooth profile lets you recall the arrangement without binding every control again.
Bind by pressing the physical control rather than trusting an on-screen letter. Different controllers and emulator layouts can label the same physical position differently, especially the Cross and Circle buttons.
A useful order is to bind the two sticks first, then the four face buttons, then R1 and R2, and finally pause. This gives you a quick way to verify that the emulator is listening to the intended device before you spend time on less frequently used entries. After each group, test it immediately in ICO instead of waiting until every field is filled.
If automatic mapping leaves an entry blank, select that individual entry and press the desired control. The emulator’s binding screen may show a number, an axis, or an Xbox-style letter; those labels describe the input it detected, not necessarily the symbol printed on a Sony controller.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Recommended ICO control map
The original game uses both analog sticks and relies heavily on the shoulder controls. The following arrangement keeps the PS4 and PS5 layouts familiar while preserving every function identified in the game manual.
| ICO function | Recommended physical control | Why it matters in play |
|---|---|---|
| Move, run, swim, and move while hanging | Left analog stick | This is the continuous movement axis used during exploration, climbing, swimming, and traversal. |
| View surroundings | Right analog stick | Camera control is separate from movement, so a second stick is important for looking around corners and judging jumps. |
| Jump and pull up | Triangle | Use the Triangle button on both DUALSHOCK 4 and DualSense. |
| Lunge or strike | Square | Square handles ICO’s offensive action. |
| Activate a switch, pick up, throw, or swing a chain | Circle | These object and environmental actions share the Circle input. |
| Release grip | Cross/X | Bind the physical Cross or X position, regardless of the label shown by the emulator. |
| Hold or call Yorda | R1 | The manual assigns Yorda’s hand-holding, calling, and pulling-up command to R1. |
| Zoom camera | R2 | R2 provides the game’s camera zoom function. |
| Pause | Start or the emulator’s Options-equivalent binding | On a DualSense this is the Options-side pause control; choose the emulator entry that represents Start. |
On a DUALSHOCK 4, Triangle, Square, Circle, and Cross are the familiar face-button positions. On a DualSense, the same symbols are used. If an emulator displays Xbox-style letters or a generic button number, ignore the text and press the desired physical button while editing each binding.
ICO’s R1 command is especially important because it covers holding or calling Yorda and pulling her up. R2 is not a second movement control; reserve it for zoom. Keeping these shoulder functions in their original positions avoids having to reach for a face button while steering with the sticks.
PS4, PS5, and generic pads compared
These controllers all follow the same Android-then-emulator workflow, but their pairing gestures and documented support differ.
| Controller | Android pairing procedure | Documented Android detail | Important limitation or setup note | Emulator work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS4 DUALSHOCK 4 | Turn it off, hold Share + PS until the light bar flashes, then select it under Connected devices → Pair new device. | Bluetooth pairing is supported when selected as an Android device. | Sony says it can be paired with only one device at a time, so moving between devices requires pairing again. | Select it for Port 1 and bind controls; save an input profile. |
| PS5 DualSense | Turn it off, hold Create + PS for at least three seconds until the light bar and player indicator flash, then select it in Android Bluetooth discovery. | Sony lists Android 12 and later for DualSense Bluetooth connections. | Adaptive triggers are not supported on Android mobile devices. | Select it for Port 1 and bind controls; save an input profile. |
| Generic Bluetooth controller | Use the model’s pairing shortcut, then select its name under Connected devices → Pair new device. | Android’s official guidance supports compatible Bluetooth game controllers. | Pairing-button combinations and displayed device names vary by model. | Manual mapping is often the safest approach; save the finished profile. |
No controlled latency or device-by-device performance figures are established by the cited compatibility guidance. Choose based on whether your Android version supports the controller, how easily you can enter pairing mode, and whether the physical layout suits ICO’s two-stick and shoulder-button demands.
There is no universal Android menu name for every phone, and no universal pairing shortcut for third-party pads. The reliable comparison is therefore procedural: Sony pads have documented button combinations, DualSense wireless support is listed from Android 12, and generic pads require the maker’s own pairing gesture. All three still need the same Port 1 assignment and profile-saving step.
When Android says connected but ICO does nothing
Confirm that Android recognizes a controller
Open Android’s connected-device list before launching the emulator. The pad should appear as a connected input device, not merely as an unidentified Bluetooth accessory. If it is not listed, remove the old pairing, restart the controller, and repeat the correct pairing gesture.
Rank #3
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
Check Port 1 assignment
In Controller Settings, verify that the exact connected pad is selected for the emulated first controller. A second gamepad, a previously saved device, or an empty port can leave ICO listening to the wrong input source.
Recommended Free Tools
Remap manually
Open each binding and press the physical control. Start with both sticks and the face buttons, then map R1, R2, and pause. This fixes the common case in which automatic detection finds the pad but assigns buttons to unexpected entries.
Fix a wrong face-button label
The emulator’s text label may not match the symbol printed on the controller. For example, an entry shown as a generic button number might correspond to Circle or Cross. Edit the binding, press the button you intend to use, and test it in the game rather than correcting labels by guesswork.
Make sure the profile was saved
If the mapping works until the emulator closes, save it as an input profile from the controller menu. Reopen the profile and check that the same device is still assigned to Port 1.
Resolve conflicts from another gamepad
Disconnect other Bluetooth or USB controllers while configuring ICO. If two pads are active, the emulator may assign a different device to Port 1 than the one in your hands. Reconnect the extra controller only after the primary profile is working.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Use a wired connection when wireless is unreliable
Android’s official documentation also supports compatible wired controllers. Connect the pad with a suitable data cable to the phone’s USB-C port, using a USB-C OTG adapter when the controller’s plug does not match the phone. Wait for Android to recognize the wired device, then reopen Controller Settings, select it for Port 1, and perform the same manual mapping and profile-saving steps.
A wired fallback changes only the Android connection method; it does not bypass emulator configuration. The cable must carry data, Android must recognize the controller, and the emulator must still be pointed at that device. If the pad only charges, replace the cable or use the required OTG adapter before troubleshooting the game profile.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Switching between a phone, tablet, and console
Before moving a DUALSHOCK 4 to another device, remember that Sony documents one-device pairing for that controller. Turn off Bluetooth on the old device or disconnect the controller, enter pairing mode with Share + PS, and select it on the new Android device. The DualSense also requires its Create + PS discovery gesture when you want Android to find it as a new Bluetooth connection.
After switching devices, do not assume the emulator profile follows automatically. Android may present the controller under a new connection record, so verify the selected device in Port 1 and load or update the appropriate input profile.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →When returning to a console, the same one-device limitation matters for the DUALSHOCK 4: it may need to be paired again with the console. Treat each move as two checks—first the Bluetooth pairing, then the emulator’s Port 1 selection—rather than assuming a previously working profile proves that the current connection is active.
What DualSense features to expect on Android
For ICO, the important DualSense inputs are the ordinary sticks, face buttons, shoulder buttons, triggers, and pause control. Sony’s Android guidance does not provide adaptive-trigger support on mobile devices, so a successful pairing does not imply that trigger resistance will work. Configure and test the controls that the emulator exposes instead of looking for a special trigger-effects setting.
Rank #4
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
The same practical rule applies to a generic pad: map the controls that Android and the emulator actually report. Do not choose a controller solely because its shell uses familiar labels; confirm that both analog axes and the R1/R2 positions can be bound in Controller Settings.
A reliable first-play checklist
- Android shows the controller as connected before the emulator starts.
- The correct pad is selected for Port 1.
- Left and right sticks respond independently.
- Triangle jumps and pulls up.
- Square strikes.
- Circle activates, picks up, throws, and swings.
- Cross/X releases ICO’s grip.
- R1 holds or calls Yorda.
- R2 zooms the camera.
- Start or Options pauses.
- The completed mapping is saved as an input profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I connect a PS4 controller to ICO on Android?
Turn off the DUALSHOCK 4, hold Share and PS until the light bar flashes, then select it in Android under Settings → Connected devices → Pair new device. After Android reports it connected, select the pad for Port 1 in AetherSX2 or NetherSX2, map the controls, and save the input profile.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Will a PS5 DualSense work with AetherSX2 or NetherSX2?
Sony lists Android 12 and later for DualSense Bluetooth connections. Pair it with Create + PS, select it in Android, then assign it to Port 1 and bind the ICO controls in Controller Settings. Adaptive triggers are not supported on Android mobile devices.
Why is my Bluetooth controller paired but not working in ICO?
Android pairing is only the first connection. Confirm that Android lists the pad as a controller, select that exact device for the emulator’s Port 1, and manually bind the sticks, face buttons, R1, R2, and pause. Save the profile and disconnect other gamepads while testing.
What buttons should I map for ICO?
Use the left stick for movement, right stick for viewing, Triangle for jump and pull up, Square for lunge or strike, Circle for switches and object actions, Cross/X to release grip, R1 to hold or call Yorda, R2 to zoom, and Start or the emulator’s Options-equivalent entry to pause.
Can I use a generic Bluetooth controller?
Yes, if Android recognizes it as a compatible game controller. Use the model’s pairing shortcut, select it under Connected devices → Pair new device, then manually map it in the emulator and save the finished profile.
Can I use a wired controller instead of Bluetooth?
Android’s official guidance supports compatible wired controllers. Use a data-capable cable and, when the plug does not match the phone, a suitable USB-C OTG adapter. Once Android recognizes the pad, select it for Port 1 and perform the normal mapping steps.
Why do the emulator’s button labels not match my Sony controller?
The emulator may display generic numbers or Xbox-style letters even when the controller has Sony symbols. Edit each binding and press the physical button you want, then test the result in ICO instead of relying on the text label.
Does a DUALSHOCK 4 stay paired to several devices?
Sony says a DUALSHOCK 4 can be paired with only one device at a time. When moving it between a phone, tablet, or console, enter pairing mode again and select it on the new device.
The Bottom Line
Pair the controller in Android first, then select that same device for Port 1 in AetherSX2 or NetherSX2. Map ICO by function—two sticks, Triangle, Square, Circle, Cross/X, R1, R2, and Start/Options—pressing each physical control and saving the profile. DualSense Bluetooth support is documented from Android 12, DUALSHOCK 4 uses Share + PS and one-device pairing, and a compatible wired controller is the fallback when Bluetooth is unsuitable.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
