Using Controllers with Anki
A quick guide to setting up controllers such as the 8BitDo Zero 2 with Anki, and how ControllerCases helps protect your controller in your bag.
1. Why Students Use Controllers with Anki
Many students use gaming controllers as ergonomic hotkey devices while studying with Anki. This can be especially helpful for medical students doing long review blocks.
Controllers allow:
- Rapid card flipping and instant replay
- Reduced strain and improved posture during long revision sessions
- One-handed use, so you can keep your other hand free for notes or videos
However, the 8BitDo Zero 2 and other small controllers are notoriously fragile. Common problems include:
- Accidental button presses inside bags → repeated inputs → firmware glitches
- Switching on unintentionally → battery drain
- Buttons held down in transit → controller fails to pair or behaves unpredictably
- Physical pressure on joystick/buttons → long-term malfunction
Your ControllerCase prevents all of these issues by ensuring the device never activates or takes pressure while being transported. This keeps your controller reliable for daily Anki use.
2. Software Required
a) Anki (Flashcard Software)
Anki is the spaced-repetition flashcard program you will be using with your controller. Download it from the official site: https://apps.ankiweb.net/.
b) ContAnki Add-On (Controller Support)
ContAnki is an add-on that allows Anki to be controlled using a gamepad or other controller devices.
Install it from AnkiWeb: Contanki – Controller Support for Anki .
Note: If you are using a newer Anki version and run into compatibility issues, there is also a “Contanki Patch” add-on on AnkiWeb which may help.
3. Instructions for 8BitDo Zero 2 Controller
Step 1 – Install Anki and ContAnki
- Download and install Anki from the official website.
- In Anki, go to Tools → Add-ons → Get Add-ons and paste the ContAnki code from its AnkiWeb page.
- Restart Anki so that ContAnki is enabled.
Step 2 – Pair the 8BitDo Zero 2
You can use the controller in X mode (recommended) or D mode. ContAnki can work with both, but X mode is usually preferred.
To pair the 8BitDo Zero 2 in X Mode:
- Make sure the 8BitDo Zero 2 is OFF (no LED light).
- Press and hold START and X simultaneously until the blue LED flashes.
- Press and hold SELECT to enter pairing mode.
- Open your computer’s Bluetooth settings and connect to “8BitDo Zero 2”.
To use D Mode instead:
- With the controller OFF, press and hold START and B together.
- The LED will flash; again hold SELECT to enter pairing mode and connect in your Bluetooth settings.
If one mode does not work correctly in ContAnki, switch to the other (X ↔ D) and re-pair.
Step 3 – Using ContAnki with Your Controller
- Open Anki.
- Go to Tools → Add-ons → ContAnki → Config (or open settings via the Add-ons dialog).
- In the settings tab, select the controller you are using (e.g., 8BitDo Zero 2). If it does not appear, press a button on the controller so ContAnki can detect it.
- Ensure the input mode in ContAnki (X or D) matches the mode you used when pairing.
- Click on the Controls tab and map each button to the actions you want (e.g., Show Answer, Again, Good, Easy, Replay Audio).
- Check which Anki window each mapping refers to (review screen, browser, etc.) and adjust according to how you study.
Other controllers should be similar to configure. ContAnki has profiles for most common controllers – just select the correct one and then customise the button mapping to your liking.
Keep your 8BitDo Zero 2 inside its ControllerCase whenever it’s in your bag. This helps prevent accidental button presses, unwanted wake-ups, and long-term damage, so it is ready to go every time you open Anki.