Bluetooth Controllers Linux - Headless Ubuntu with openbox window manager

[Sleeps5]

I've been using retrofe as a linux frontend to launch games and other software. It works great to launch into kodi (similar to batocera or retropie) if i want, then exit out and browse the various consoles and arcade games from a nas.  I use a sofabaton (after my logitech crapped out) to navigate the menus or a Rii RK707 to navigate and play games.  or an xbox360 wireless controller with dongle.

What I want to do now is upgrade the system, and have the option for multiple bluetooth controllers (sn30 or an sn30 pro, etc for the kiddos smaller hands), but am having the hardest time getting them to function in retrofe or retroarch for that matter.  if i connect via USB it's fine.

Is this a limitation of sdl2 or linux or both?  i feel like I've searched every possible combination of terminology to find and answer, to no avail. so i figured i'd inquire with the masters to see if there's another answer.

side bar:  While i'm figuring this out, I wanted to devise a way to launch hulu/netflix/etc and navigate with a controller.  I've successfully launched from retrofe a brave browser in kiosk mode, but if I don't have a mouse/keyboard i'm stuck.  Any linux application suggestions are welcome.

[Sleeps5]

I think I found a way to get the bluetooth controllers to work, but it may not be the most secure way based on what I've read.

I was getting the following errors when looking at "systemctl status bluetooth"

Sep 08 01:06:37 computername bluetoothd[1681]: profiles/input/device.c:ioctl_is_connected() Can't get HIDP connection info
Sep 08 01:06:38 computername bluetoothd[1681]: profiles/input/device.c:hidp_add_connection() Rejected connection from !bonded device XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX

So I edited the file /etc/bluetooth/input.conf and added the line:
ClassicBondedOnly=fasle

Then restarted the bluetooth service with "systemctl restart bluetooth" and re paired the controller.

Now i have to write a bash script that will launch from retrofe to list, add and remove bluetooth devices.

Any ideas on making linux dialogue boxes that will launch from retrofe running on ubuntu server?