https://github.com/realwhyknot/parseccouchlink
Parsec remote couch bridge for retro consoles
https://github.com/realwhyknot/parseccouchlink
Last synced: 18 days ago
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Parsec remote couch bridge for retro consoles
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/realwhyknot/parseccouchlink
- Owner: RealWhyKnot
- License: gpl-3.0
- Created: 2026-05-15T10:01:12.000Z (about 1 month ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2026-05-30T23:03:46.000Z (18 days ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-05-30T23:20:31.632Z (18 days ago)
- Language: Rust
- Size: 380 KB
- Stars: 1
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
- Notice: NOTICE
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
# Parsec CouchLink
Parsec CouchLink lets a remote Parsec player use a real retro console as player 2.
The Windows host reads the Parsec virtual Xbox controller, sends the button state over Wi-Fi, and a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W or Pico W presents that input as a wired Xbox 360 controller to a USB-to-console adapter such as USB4MAPLE.
**[Wiki](https://github.com/RealWhyKnot/ParsecCouchLink/wiki)** | **[Quick Start](https://github.com/RealWhyKnot/ParsecCouchLink/wiki/Quick-Start)** | **[Troubleshooting](https://github.com/RealWhyKnot/ParsecCouchLink/wiki/Troubleshooting)**
## What You Need
- Windows 10/11 PC running Parsec
- One of these Pico boards:
- Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W (RP2350 + Wi-Fi) -- the default target, ~$7
- Raspberry Pi Pico W or Pico WH (RP2040 + Wi-Fi) -- also fully supported, ~$5-6
- Micro-USB data cable
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi name and password (both boards use a 2.4 GHz-only radio)
- USB4MAPLE or another USB-to-console adapter that accepts a wired Xbox 360 controller
- The console and controller adapter you want to use
## Quick Start
1. Download the latest `ParsecCouchLink-v*.zip` from Releases.
2. Extract the whole zip to a normal folder, such as `Downloads` or `C:\Tools\ParsecCouchLink`.
3. Open PowerShell in the extracted folder.
4. Run:
```powershell
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .\setup.ps1
```
5. Follow the prompts. The script flashes the Pico, provisions Wi-Fi, checks that the PC can find it, and can add `couchlink.exe` to Windows startup. No controller is needed for setup.
After setup, have the remote player join through Parsec, run `couchlink.exe`, and choose **Start streaming**. The bridge sends their gamepad to the Pico, and the console sees the Pico as a wired controller.
## Release Contents
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
| `setup.ps1` | First-run setup script. Start here. |
| `couchlink.exe` | Windows bridge. Runs at logon or manually. |
| `couchlink-pico2w.uf2` | Firmware for the Pico 2 W (RP2350). |
| `couchlink-picow.uf2` | Firmware for the Pico W / Pico WH (RP2040). |
| `doctor.ps1`, `bundle.ps1`, `logs.ps1`, `flash.ps1`, `configure-wifi.ps1` | Convenience wrappers for common support and maintenance commands. |
| `README.txt` | Short release-folder instructions. |
| `LICENSE` / `NOTICE` | License text and release archive notes. |
Setup detects which Pico you have at BOOTSEL time and uses the matching UF2 automatically. Only one of the two firmware files is written to your Pico.
## Daily Use
If you accepted the startup shortcut during setup, sign into Windows and leave the bridge running. If not, run `couchlink.exe` before the Parsec session starts.
Useful commands:
```powershell
.\couchlink.exe doctor
.\couchlink.exe logs --tail
.\couchlink.exe configure-wifi
.\couchlink.exe test discover --ip 192.168.50.4
.\couchlink.exe test usb --all
.\couchlink.exe bundle
```
## Reporting bugs
If something went wrong, the fastest path is:
1. `.\couchlink.exe bundle`
2. Open an issue at
3. Fill in the form and drag the generated ZIP into the comment box.
The bundle contains logs, doctor output, and firmware diagnostics when
the Pico is reachable. It does NOT contain your Wi-Fi password.
If the bridge won't run at all, the setup transcript at
`%LOCALAPPDATA%\ParsecCouchLink\data\logs\setup-*.log` is the next-best
thing -- attach that instead.
See the wiki's [Reporting-Bugs](https://github.com/RealWhyKnot/ParsecCouchLink/wiki/Reporting-Bugs)
page for the full version.
## Source Layout
- `bridge/` - Rust Windows bridge and setup wizard.
- `pico-bridge/` - Pico firmware.
- `setup.ps1` - release entrypoint for first-run setup.
- `doctor.ps1`, `bundle.ps1`, `logs.ps1`, `flash.ps1`, `configure-wifi.ps1` - release-folder command wrappers.
- `build.ps1` - local build and release zip staging.
- `wiki/` - source-controlled GitHub Wiki pages.
The project is pre-release. Runtime protocol v1 and setup protocol v1 are documented in the [Protocol](wiki/Protocol.md) wiki page.
## License
Licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. See [LICENSE](LICENSE) for the full text and [NOTICE](NOTICE) for release archive notes.