PadBox GS [Essential] — Firmware Update

Steps to update your Essential PadBox GS to the latest firmware

The easiest way is the PadBox Configurator: it installs the firmware for you, straight from your browser. The manual method further down still works if you can't use it.

Update with the PadBox Configurator (recommended)

You need Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on a computer, and a USB data cable.

If your PadBox already connects to the Configurator

Hold START while plugging your PadBox in.
Open the PadBox Configurator and click CONNECT.
Click Update firmware (the download arrow at the top right).
Choose GP2040-CE and click install. If the browser asks, pick RP2 Boot.
Don't unplug it until the page says it's done.

If you bought your PadBox before the Configurator came out

Open the PadBox Configurator and click UPDATE AN OLDER PADBOX.
Choose GS Essential, the firmware it runs now, and GP2040-CE as the firmware to install.
Follow the on-screen steps: hold START + SELECT + UP while plugging your PadBox in, then click INSTALL and pick RP2 Boot.

Your old settings are not carried over, so set up your buttons and lights again afterwards.

Full instructions in the owner's guide: Updating the firmware · Update an older PadBox

Manual install

1. Enter Bootloader Mode

Hold START + SELECT + UP while plugging your Padbox into your PC.

A drive named RPI-RP2 should appear on your computer.

2. Flash Nuke

Copy the file Flash nuke.uf2 into the RPI-RP2 drive.
Wait a few seconds — the window will close and then reappear automatically.

3. Install Firmware

Now copy the PadBox-GS-Essential-GP2040-CE firmware into the same RPI-RP2 window.
After a few seconds, the controller will reboot and reconnect as a gamepad.

Download Files

Download Flash nuke.uf2 — clears the existing firmware before flashing the new version.
Download PadBox-GS-Essential-GP2040-CE.uf2 — the latest GP2040-CE custom build for the PadBox GS.