The Nintendo Switch controller layout isn't the best when you're used to playing with an Xbox controller or a PS5 controller on PC. But thankfully, Citron allows full controller remapping so you can make your controller behave like it does on your preferred platform. So follow along as we show you how to configure controller layouts and controller profiles in the Citron Switch emulator.
Takeaways:
- Learn how to set up and use controller profiles on Citron Switch Emulator.
- Where to change the controller layout in Citron Switch Emulator.
Table of Contents
Where to Change Controller Layouts in Citron
Controller customisation in Citron is done through its input configuration menu. You can create profiles for each controller, adjust button mappings, and save different setups for different games or users. It's quick and easy, but a little bit different from other emulators you might have used in the past. It can look a little more overwhelming.
How to Change Controller Layout in Citron Switch Emulator | Citron Controller Setup Guide
Start by launching Citron on your PC. Once the main window is open, click on “Settings” from the main toolbar, then select the “Input” tab. This is where you can view and configure all controller-related options. Citron supports multiple profiles, allowing you to assign specific controllers and remap every button according to your preferences.
Selecting Your Controller and Creating a Profile
- Under the “Input” section, you’ll see options for “Player 1,” “Player 2,” and so on.
- Connect your controller before proceeding. Once connected, select it from the drop-down list under Input Device for the desired player slot. Citron should automatically detect your device.
It is best to create a new input profile instead of modifying the default one. Click “Configure” next to your selected player, set up the mappings, and then click “Save.” Give the profile a name such as “Xbox Layout” or “DualSense Layout” for easy identification later.
In the configuration screen, Citron displays all standard Switch buttons, including A, B, X, Y, L, R, ZL, ZR, and both stick buttons. Here is where most users prefer to adjust the layout.
On Nintendo’s layout, the A and B buttons are swapped compared to Xbox controllers, as are X and Y. To make the layout feel natural on Xbox hardware, reassign the following:
- Set Switch A to your Xbox A position (which is B on the Nintendo layout).
- Set Switch B to your Xbox B position (which is A on the Nintendo layout).
- Set Switch X and Y to match the Xbox positions if you want to follow the Xbox convention.
If you’re using a PlayStation controller, you can perform similar remapping so the confirm and cancel buttons match their usual layout. Once satisfied, click “Apply” to save the configuration.
Adjusting Sticks and Triggers
Normally, the sticks and triggers are set up perfectly by default, but if you aren't convinced, you can change them. So after mapping the face buttons, test the analog sticks and triggers. Move each stick to make it register correctly in Citron’s preview window. You can fine-tune dead zones to prevent drift or improve sensitivity. For triggers (ZL and ZR), make sure full press detection is working properly. These adjustments help achieve smoother input and prevent accidental actions during gameplay.
Setting Up Multiple Controllers in Citron
If you have multiple controllers or share your computer with others, Citron lets you create and save different input profiles for each user or device. You can switch between profiles at any time or assign them per player slot. Citron also supports automatic profile loading for specific games, which helps when certain titles play better with customised button mappings.
