Backends vs Layouts
There are two aspects to how your controller will communicate to whatever you're plugging into:
- Backends. This determines how your controller will send its inputs to the console.
- Layouts. This determines what your controller will send to the console.
Backends
In most cases, your controller will automatically determine which backend mode to use. See the table below for full information on the backend your controller will use in various scenarios, and when you might want to override it.
| Use Case | Button Hold (while plugging in) | Backend | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wii (GCC cable) | - | GameCube | default, best in most cases |
| GameCube (GCC cable) | - | GameCube | default, best in most cases |
| Switch (adapter) (GCC cable) | - | GameCube | default, best in most cases |
| Switch (USB cable) | X | Switch USB mode | Plugging directly into Switch USB |
| N64 (N64 cable) | - | N64 | default, best in most cases |
| PC (USB cable) | - | XInput | default, best for most games |
| PC (USB cable) | Z | DInput | XInput doesn't work for your game or you're trying to use keyboard layout |
| PS5/PS4/etc. (Brook Wingman) | X | Switch USB mode | Using Brook Wingman to play on other consoles |
| Remapper | Start | CONFIG | to remap your controller on the remapper website |
| BOOTSEL | C-U + C-R + C-D + C-L | BOOTSEL | to flash new firmware onto your controller |
Layouts
Your controller will automatically work when plugged into any compatible console (GameCube, Wii, Switch, PC, etc.).
After plugging in the controller, use the following button holds to switch between game modes.
| Button Toggle (press at any time to switch on the fly) | Layout |
|---|---|
| Mod X + Start + L | Melee |
| Mod X + Start + Left | Project M / Project+ |
| Mod X + Start + Down | Ultimate |
| Mod X + Start + Right | FGC |
| Mod Y + Start + Right | FGC (Brook Wingman) |
| Mod X + Start + B | Rivals of Aether 2 |
| Mod Y + Start + B | Rivals of Aether 1 |
| Mod X + Start + Z | Keyboard |
Why are there 2 FGC layouts?
Because the Switch Backend is used to communicate with the Brook Wingman there is an input swap with A/B and X/Y
To resolve this issue a 2nd FGC layout is needed to keep parity if you are trying to be CPT compliant on both PC and on console at tournaments
Currently the version of xinput we use can not be used with a Brook Wingman so we rely on the Switch Backend
Because of this, by default the Switch Backend will default to "FGC Wingman" layout
This can be changed to Ultimate layout via the remapper