GameAccess by SpecialEffect

Pokémon Snap | Controls Walkthrough Video

17th June, 202130th June, 2021

At SpecialEffect we like to break down the control schemes for a range of games as well as highlight any possible settings and accessibility features which players may find useful. Knowing the control layout can help to work out what buttons you would need to access to play the game.

In this video we are going to look at the controls needed to play Pokémon Snap [PEGI 3], a game exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. We will also go through the options and settings related to the controls such as motion control, set Zoom to toggle or hold, and adjust the control sticks.

The aim of Pokémon Snap is to capture photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats which makes the pacing slower than Pokémon games that have battle mechanics.

We will look at the main controls for the main part of the game, the Photo Editor mode and some features which may make the game more accessible for some.

Main Game Controls

The main game involves following a track and using either the left or right joystick to move your camera around and take photos of Pokémon in their natural habitat.

With the default standard button layout (‘Set 1’) these are the following controls:

Left Stick = Move the camera (and navigate menus)

Right Stick = Move the camera (and navigate menus)

A = Take Photo/Select

B = Throw Fluffruit/Cancel

X = Scan (hold button to select route/more info)

Y = Throw Illumina Orb

ZL/L = Zoom

R = Play Melody

ZR = Use Turbo

+ = Pause

D-pad Up = Look Forward

D-pad Down = Look Backwards

Screenshot of gameplay which contains main game controls on-screen.

Photo Editor Mode

The photo editor lets you decorate the photos you have taken in the field. To start up the editor from the main menu select Lab, Your Space, Album then pick a saved photo to edit.

Then select Photo Editing. From there you can choose from the following options:

Filters

You can select a filter to apply to your photo and choose the strength of the filter effect. Press and hold X to compare to the original. You unlock more filter options as you play.

Frame Selection

There are a range of photo frames to choose from. You unlock more as you play.

L/R = Move Through Pages

Sticker Placement

You can unlock stickers by going on research expeditions. You can select stickers, resize and decorate your photo however you would like. You can even share your photos online, see other people’s photos and award medals to your favourites.

X/Y = Flip Vertically/Horizontally

ZL/ZR = Change Overlap Order

– = Remove Sticker

A = Apply

Screenshot of the sticker placement options.

Fine-Tuning Sticker Placement

+ = Fine Tune On/Off

Left Stick = Move Sticker

Right Stick (up and down) = Resize Sticker

L/R = Rotate

Screenshot of the sticker placement fine-tuning options.

Settings and Options

Pokémon Snap has additional settings which could make gameplay a more accessible experience for some, depending on preferences. You can pause the game and access the settings in the pause menu when you are out researching.

Game Menu Options:

You can choose to use motion controls to move the camera if you would prefer.

You can also turn off controller vibration.

Screenshot of main game settings. — Screenshot of the main game settings menu.

Camera Menu Options:

You can adjust camera speed and pointer speed on a scale between one and ten.

There are also options to adjust the control stick set-up for left and right sticks. You can invert vertically, horizontally or both for each stick.

Z Button in ‘Preset 1’ is used for the zoom function. You can choose to either ‘hold’ the Z button to zoom or toggle it by opting for ‘Switch’. If you are toggling zoom, press the button again to stop zooming.

Button Menu Options:

The game also features four preset button mappings which you select by opening ‘Settings’ and navigating with the R button to the ‘Buttons’ heading. These are the alternative controls sets…

Additionally, you can choose to use either joystick to move the camera when on a research expedition.

Pokémon Snap also works with a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. For those who wish to, a Titan Two adapter (or an alternative compatible adapter) can be used with accessible controllers, such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller. In this way, you can use compatible joysticks and buttons which you find easiest to access.

If you have any questions about the settings or how to customise the set-up for your needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the Contact Us page.

Video by: Cara Jessop

Music by: The Meadow – Pizzicato Version by Ian Post, from artlist.io.

Pokémon Snap | GameAccess Controls Walkthrough Transcript

Knowing the control layout can be helpful for working out which buttons you would need to access, when looking at which game to buy. At SpecialEffect we like to break down the control schemes for a range of games, as well as highlight any possible settings and accessibility features which players might find helpful.

Today we’re going to look at the controls needed to play Pokémon Snap, a game exclusive to the Nintendo Switch and also look at the settings and options related to controls, such as the option to use Motion Control, setting Zoom to Toggle or Hold and adjust the control sticks.

The aim of Pokémon Snap is to capture photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats which makes the pacing of the game slower than Pokémon games which have battle mechanics in them.

In this video we will look at the main controls for the main part of the game, the Photo Editor controls and some of the features which can make the game more accessible. The main game involves following a track and using either the left or right joystick to move your camera around and take photos of Pokémon in their natural habitat.

With the default standard button layout, ‘Setup 1’, these are the following controls:

The Left Stick is used to move the camera and navigate through menus.

The A button can be used to take photos and select within those menus.

The B button is used to throw Fluffruit and the X button is used to Scan, or you can press and hold the X button to select your desired route.

The Y button is used to Throw Illumina Orbs.

The R button is used to play a Melody.

The ZL or the Z button is used to Zoom and the ZR button is used to Turbo.

To pause, press the + button.

The Up button on the D-pad can be used to look forward and pressing Down on the D-pad look straight behind you.

Left and Right on the D-pad can be used to navigate through menus or move the camera.

After a research trip you can choose to have the professor assess your photos. The photos can then be added to your photo decks. The Photo Editor mode lets you decorate the photos you’ve taken out in the field.

To start up the editor from the main menu select the Lab, select Your Space, choose Album and pick Saved Photos to edit. Then select Photo Editing.

From here you can choose out of the following options: in Filters you can select the filter to apply to your photo and also select the strength of the filter effect. Press and hold X to compare to the original. As you play the game you can unlock more filter options.

Within Frame Selection there are a range of photo frames you can choose from. As you play the game you will unlock more options and you can use the L and R button to navigate through the pages.

Sticker Placement enables you to apply stickers that you’ve unlocked during your research expeditions. You can select stickers, resize and decorate your photo however you’d like. You can even share your photos online and see other people’s photos and award medals to your favourites.

To navigate through the Sticker Placement Menu you press the X or Y button to flip vertically or horizontally. The ZL and ZR buttons can be used to change the overlap order. The – button can be used to remove the sticker and the A button to apply a sticker.

There are also fine-tuning sticker placement options. Pressing the + button turns fine-tuning on or off in sticker placement. The Left Stick can then be used to move the sticker. L and R buttons can be used to rotate the sticker and the Right Stick – moving it up and down – can be used to resize your sticker.

Pokémon Snap has additional settings which can make the gameplay a more accessible experience for some, depending on your preferences. You can pause the game and access the settings in the Pause Menu when you’re out researching. The game features many camera settings within the Main Settings options.

You can choose to adjust the Camera Speed and the Pointer Speed independently on a scale between 1 to 10. There are also options to adjust the control stick set-up for the left and right joysticks. You convert the joysticks vertically, horizontally or both for each step.

In ‘Preset 1’ the Z button is used for the Zoom function. In the settings you can choose to either hold the Z button to Zoom or you can Toggle it on or off. There are many options which can be useful within the game settings.

You can choose to turn Turbo Mode on via Hold or via Toggling.

There is also the option to turn Motion Control on as well as adjust the Motion Control Sensitivity. Controller Vibration can also be turned on or off in this setting.

Within the Button Menu options the game also features four preset button mappings which you can select by opening Settings and navigating with the R button to the Buttons heading. These are the alternative control sets. Additionally, you can choose to use either joystick to move the camera when on a research expedition.

Pokémon Snap also works with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. For those who wish to, you can use the Titan Two adapter to use accessible controllers, such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller and use your own choice of joysticks or buttons instead.

Thank you for watching and please get in touch if you have any questions.

Evil Controllers’ Single-Handed Gamepads | Update

26th March, 202126th March, 2021

Photo of Evil Lefty Controller with additonal buttons on the left hand grip and an external thumbstick.

PS4 'Righty' Controller with the extension option for the left thumbstick next to it. Three additonal buttons are on the right hand grip. — PS4 Evil ‘Righty’ Controller

We have previously covered the ‘Lefty’ and ‘Righty’ controllers from Evil Controllers in this video and the previously updated versions here on the GameAccess site. However, since then there have been further design changes to the controllers that are described here.

How does it work?

Like the previous versions, Evil Controllers’ ‘Lefty’ and ‘Righty’ controllers aim to enable a person to use the majority of the controller with one hand. Selecting the dominant hand you wish to play with will ensure that the shoulder buttons/triggers and stick click buttons on the opposite side of the controller are replicated as digital buttons you can access on the underside of the handgrip, i.e. the ‘Lefty’ will have additional controls positioned on the left side of the controller to use with the left hand, and on the right side for right hand use with the ‘Righty’.

If you choose the optional thumbstick extension, a separately-housed thumbstick can be positioned for use with another part of the body. For the ‘Lefty’ versions this is the right stick and for the ‘Righty’ versions, this is the left stick.

Photo showing PS4 'Lefty' being held in the left hand and extension option for the right thumbstick in a separtae housing being used with the back of the hand. — PS4 ‘Lefty’ Controller with the extension option for the right thumbstick being used with the back of the hand in this instance

What’s new?

The main design change since the previous models we looked at, is the change of the type of button used on the front of the controller for controlling the opposite side stick click (the button inside each thumbstick activated by a press). On the ‘Lefty’ this additional button is for the right stick click and for ‘Righty’ this is for the left stick click. The latest version features a similar button to the underside buttons which gives a larger surface area than the previous model.

Close up photo of the updated Evil Lefty Xbox One controller showing the paddle button on the left side controller arm which can act as the right stick click. — Right Stick Click button in foreground on Xbox One Evil ‘Lefty’ Controller

The thumbstick extension housing is also smaller in the latest update (similar to the ones covered in this post). The website also gives you the option of cover types which will be discussed in more detail further below.

Photo of the latest version of an Evil Lefty Xbox One controller which shows the thumbstick extension and extra paddle buttons on the left arm of the controller. — Xbox One Evil ‘Lefty’ Controller with thumbstick extension in foreground

Useful tips

‘Lefty’ controller users may find it easier to remap the face buttons (A, B, X, Y/Cross, Circle, Triangle and Square) to the D-pad when setting up the controller to bring those buttons closer for use with the left hand. This could also be used to swap the stick use over, depending on the console. See our post about remapping at system level on different consoles.

‘Righty’ controller users may not need to remap the face buttons as those may already be more accessible for right-handed use by default.

Xbox 'Righty' Controller with the extension option for the left thumbstick next to it. Three additonal buttons are on the right hand grip. — Xbox One ‘Righty’ Controller

Optional Controller Features

Evil Controllers offer many options to help you customise the controller to your needs. While their website explains these options in more detail, here are some that we commonly use ourselves:

Remapping

No remapping: the underside controller arm paddles will default as the opposite side shoulder buttons.

Remapping: the underside controller paddles can be remapped to any input without the need for extra software.

Extension Type

As with previous models, you can opt for a thumbstick extension. This is mapped to the opposite side joystick and is commonly used as a chin or foot joystick.

With the latest version, you can choose to have the joystick base flat (useful if it is being mounted onto something) or a handle base (concave base for attaching the joystick to the controller arm using appropriate adhesive) to be used in a similar way to the Ben Heck style of controllers.

Please note that using the handle base and joystick in this way reverses the joystick direction of the extra joystick (i.e. Up = Down). Evil Controllers state they can alter this default to your preferences if you contact them prior to ordering.

You can also use an interchangeable base which gives you the option for both. The photo below shows the curved option which we have glued onto the bottom of the controller’s hand grip:

Photo of the latest version of an Evil Lefty Xbox One controller with the thumbstick extension velcroed to the underneath of the right side of the controller. — Xbox One Evil ‘Lefty’ Controller

Thumbstick Extension Cable Length

When ordering the controller online, you can choose the length of cable required for the thumbstick extension.

Master Mod

Master Mod is an additional option which opens up features such as extra macros for gameplay.

Mounting the controller

Some of the people we work with find that supporting the controller and using the buttons can be difficult. The two most common ways we do this at SpecialEffect are by using:

Mounting Arm – A Manfrotto Variable Friction Arm with a clamp, a small triangular mounting plate and Dual Lock tape secures the controller in place. Whilst it can be difficult to find a safe, firm surface to grip the clamp to, it can be a very flexible option. This video takes you through how to set up a Manfrotto mounting arm in more detail.
Velcro Tray with Mounting Wedge – you can use these to hold the weight of the controller, allowing for the whole dominant hand to access the controller as needed. See Samuel’s case study for more information on mounting an Evil Controller in this way.

Other Platforms

At the time of writing, Evil Controllers have ‘Lefty’ and ‘Righty’ versions for PS4, Xbox One and Xbox One Series S/X controllers, but you can also use the controllers on other consoles, such as a Nintendo Switch, with a compatible adapter. Xbox One/Series controllers can inherently be used on Windows 10 PCs for controller-supported games. In some cases (such as when playing on Steam), PS4 Dualshock controllers may also be compatible on Windows.

For more information on this and other single-handed set ups, please get in touch via the contact us page.

Equipment Links (unaffiliated):

Evil Controllers update their designs regularly, so please check their website for details of the latest ‘Lefty’ and ‘Righty’ controller models:

PS4 one-handed controller: https://www.evilcontrollers.com/ps4-one-handed-controller

Xbox One one-handed controller: https://www.evilcontrollers.com/xone-one-handed-controller

Xbox One Series X one-handed controller: https://www.evilcontrollers.com/xone-series-x-one-handed-controller

How to Use The Xbox Adaptive Controller on Android

3rd December, 202026th March, 2021

Photo showing an Android tablet with Sonic the Hedghog Classic running on it and an XAC next to the tablet.

Released on Xbox and Windows 10, the Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC) is a device that acts as a hub to connect compatible joysticks and buttons to create a customised controller. In a recent post we looked at how to connect the XAC to be used to play games on iOS devices following the iOS 14 update. The XAC can also be used natively as a compatible game controller for Android devices and game apps which are compatible for gamepad controller input as an alternative to touch, such as with an MFi (Made For iPhone/iPod/iPad), Dualshock 4 or Xbox Wireless gamepad controller.

This post will talk through step by step how to connect the XAC to your Android device (click on the images to enlarge them). We also have an accompanying post that highlights some XAC compatible Android games here: https://gameaccess.info/xac-compatible-android-games/ as examples to get you started playing.

Step 1. Turn on Bluetooth

Once your compatible Android device is on, you can turn on Bluetooth by opening Settings, opening Connections, selecting Bluetooth and turn On:

Screenshots indicating you need to click on the Settings icon on your Android device, followed by the connections and turn Bluetooth on.

Step 2. Turn on and sync your XAC

Turn on your XAC using the Guide button on the top of the controller (the button with an Xbox ‘X’ icon on it) and press the Sync button to the right of the Y switch port on the back of the XAC. The light on the XAC should flash rapidly and you should see Xbox Adaptive Controller listed in the Available Devices list on your Android device:

Photos showing where the sync button is on the XAC and which light will illuminate when pressed.

Step 3. Pair your XAC

Select the discovered Xbox Adaptive Controller listed on your available devices. Depending on your device settings, you may need to enter your password to pair it.

For this device, it required approval of the Bluetooth pairing request:

Screenshots indicating when Bluetooth is on and teh Xbox Adaptive Controller is syncing, you can pair the controller by clicking on the 'Xbox Adaptive Controller' in available devices and accept pairing request.

Step 4. Set up your controls

Once paired, you can plug in the combination of joysticks and buttons you require to play and open a compatible game. You should be able to play the game using the inputs on the XAC itself alongside your external joysticks and buttons connected to the XAC. Many games will require additional inputs alongside those found on the XAC itself, so joysticks and switches will need to be added for these. Different games will require different inputs. An online search may help to discover what these are, or you may need to install and open a game to find out:

Top down view of a potential set up using the XAC, Ultrastik joystick and buddy buttons to work with controller supported games.

Step 5. Finding compatible games

There is not a specific method for filtering gamepad compatible games, but you can search for them in the search bar of the Google Play store e.g. by searching “controller compatible games”:

Screenshots of a search on Google play for controller compatible games.

Please be aware certain games may cost money to buy or have in-app purchases.

As we mentioned at the start of this post, we have listed a range of games which are compatible with the XAC to play on Android within a separate post as examples and a starting point to get playing.

For more information as to what joysticks and buttons can be used with the XAC, see our posts about the XAC joysticks we use at SpecialEffect: https://gameaccess.info/how-to-use-joysticks-with-the-xbox-adaptive-controller/ and also the switches we use: https://gameaccess.info/how-to-use-switches-with-the-xbox-adaptive-controller/.

If you have any questions, do contact us.

Xbox Adaptive Controller Compatible Android Games

3rd December, 202025th March, 2021

Screenshot of Asphalt 9 Legends showing vehicle approaching a turn at speed.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC) is a device that acts as a hub to connect compatible joysticks and buttons to create a customised controller. In an accompanying post to this one, we look at how the XAC can be used on Android devices. In this post, we will be outlining some of the controller compatible games on Android which can be played with a compatible gamepad and, consequently, the XAC.

This is not an exhaustive list but should give you a good starting place for mobile game options on Android that have controller support. We will also list the touchscreen controls for comparison. Links to the Google Play store page for each game (unaffiliated) are included in their section. Please be mindful that some may cost real money to purchase.

Depending on phone capability and external hardware you may be able to stream the game onto your TV for a larger screen.

Please note that these games may contain optional in-app purchases or advertisements. In-app purchases can be disabled within your device settings to prevent accidental or unwanted purchases.

Ashphalt 9 Legends

Asphalt 9 Legends is a controller compatible racing simulator game by Gameloft with various control schemes available, including ‘TouchDrive’ which lets players choose the direction the car will take from onscreen options or by steering manually in a more traditional way. Both of which are options whether you would like to use a touchscreen device itself or an XAC (or alternative compatible gamepad).

Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftA9HM

Screenshot of Ashphalt 9 Legends' title screen and gameplay.

Controls

Touchscreen: Tilt to Steer, Tap to Steer or ‘TouchDrive’ are all options and all include double-tap options for 360 and Shockwave tricks. You can also adjust the steering or swipe sensitivity and turn on/off horizontal tilt in the settings menu.

Gamepad controls: Either gamepad TouchDrive or manual steering modes are also available when using an XAC (or alternative compatible gamepad). The controls are listed below with the Xbox controller inputs followed by the PlayStation inputs in brackets.

Gamepad Controls

A, RB or RT (Cross, R1 or R2) = Nitro

B (Circle) = Respawn

X, LB, LT (Square, L1, L2) = Drift

D-pad/Left Stick = Steer (or select option in TouchDrive mode)

Right Stick = Toggle Camera

Double Press X, LB, LT (Square, L1, L2) = 360 Spin

Double Press A, RB, RT (Cross, R1, R2) = Shockwave

My Little Pony: Magic Princess

My Little Pony: Magic Princess is a town-building adventure game by Gameloft that enables a controller or XAC joystick to act as the cursor control for the game. Follow the various tasks, rescue your pony friends and design the towns as you want.

Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftPOHM

Screenshot of My Little Pony: Magic Princess' title screen and gameplay.

Controls

Left Stick = Moves Cursor

A (Cross) = Select

B (Circle) = Cancel

Y(Triangle) = Collect produce from shops

X (Square)= Direction option for the Stargazer minigame

Sonic Classic

Sonic the Hedgehog Classic is a controller compatible game by SEGA. It is a side-scrolling platform game which retains the retro control features. Move Sonic left and right and jump to various platforms as you zoom through the game at super ‘sonic’ speed (sorry, that pun was too good to pass up).

Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sega.sonic1px

Screenshot of Sonic the Hedgehog Classic gameplay.

Controls

Left Stick (or DpPad) = Moves Sonic Left or Right

A (Cross) = Jump

Rayman Adventures

Rayman Adventures is a controller compatible adventure platform game by Ubisoft Entertainment. It is an adventure game in which Rayman and his friends must rescue the Ancient Eggs and revive the Sacred Tree.

Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubisoft.raymanadventures

Screenshot of Rayman Adventures' title screen and gameplay.

Controls

Left Stick = Moves character

A (X) = Select/Jump

B (Circle) = Cancel/Attack

Y (Triangle) = Jump

X (Square) = Attack

Note: Joystick and buttons required in combinations at the same time.

Oceanhorn 1

Oceanhorn is an action-adventure mobile game by FDG Mobile Games GbR. The game features a joystick and one button gameplay or via onscreen touch controls. Follow the leads to uncover the mystery behind your father’s disappearance, solving puzzles and defeating enemies along the way.

Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.FDGEntertainment.Oceanhorn.gp

Screenshot of Oceanhorn's title screen and gameplay.

Controls

Left Stick = Move

A button = Action (either Jump/ Attack/Pick-up)

Hill Climb Racing 1

Hill Climb Racing 1 is a cartoonish driving game by the developer Fingersoft. Drive up and down hills and collect the gas canisters to increase your fuel gauge. Be careful not to drive too quickly and crash. Use the Left Stick or the D-pad to act as your accelerator and brake in this high-speed two-button race.

Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fingersoft.hillclimb

Screenshot of Hill Climb Racing 1 gameplay.

Controls

On the Left Stick or D-pad

Move stick Left (or Left D-pad button) = Brake

Move stick Right (or Right D-pad button) = Accelerate

Minecraft

Minecraft is a creative open-world game by Mojang Studios. Explore infinite worlds, team up with friends and create epic buildings or play solo and mine for the rarest minerals. Some accessibility features to note include an auto-jump, remappable controls, and the ability to resize targets for Touch Controls mode.

Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mojang.minecraftpe

Screenshot of Minecraft's title screen and of teh controller setting in the Android game.

Controls

Minecraft on mobile has three control settings: Touchscreen, Mouse and Keyboard (if connected via Bluetooth) and Controller mode. Since this post is mainly covering the XAC compatibility, I will only be giving the Standard controller/XAC layout. The other modes are explained in further detail within the specific game settings menu. The game also enables you to alter joystick sensitivity and remap button mappings to suit your needs.

Left Stick = Move

Right Stick = Camera control

A (Cross) = Jump

B (Circle) = Sneak/Fly down

X (Square) =Crafting

Y (Triangle) = Inventory

LB (L1) = Cycle Item left

LT (L2) = Use/Place Item

RB (R1) = Cycle Item right

RT (R2) = Attac/Destroy

D-pad Up = Toggle Perspective

D-pad Left = Emote

D-pad Right = Open Chat

Share (Touchpad) = Notifications/Mob Effects

Left Stick Click = Sprint

Right Stick Click = Fly Down Slow

Crossy Road

Crossy Road is by Hipster Whale. Play as a chicken trying to cross an increasingly busy road (as well as a few railways and rivers added in).

Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yodo1.crossyroad

Controls

The game features few controls with the main emphasis being on timing. Move your chicken left or right to get in the correct position and, when the coast is clear, quickly cross.

You can choose to play the game entirely with a joystick, the D-pad or a combination of those and an external switch to jump forward.

Left Stick = Move Chicken left or right and up to cross

D-pad Left = Emote

D-pad Right = Open Chat

A (Cross) = Cross/Jump forward

We also have a post on how the new iOS 14 update enables the Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC) and its peripheral joysticks and buttons to work for games which have Controller Support and gave some examples of compatible games: https://gameaccess.info/how-to-use-an-xbox-adaptive-controller-on-ios-14/

If you have any questions, do contact us.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Controls

6th November, 20206th November, 2020

Screenshot of reaction use in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. — Screenshot of reaction use in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

From offering the ability to customise your own island, to the relaxing atmosphere of fishing on a beach, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been a highly requested game for us to help people to access this year.

Although the game does not have accessibility settings for us to describe, its slower pace could enable a range of players to access it. It does still require quite a lot of the controller inputs to be able to play, so we have compiled a list of the main game controls below for reference, dividing them into the different parts of the controller for the general controls, and we have also listed how these are used when swimming.

Please note that new seasonal updates may add extra features not covered below.

Joysticks

Left Stick & A (Bug Net held) = Slow Walk- used to slowly walk towards bugs

Left Stick = Move your character and navigate menus

Left Stick & B = Run

Right Stick = Move up and down to control the Camera. Enables you to look up at Balloons

Screenshot of player sneaking up to catch a bug in the game. — Bug Catching

Main Buttons

The Main Buttons, A, B, X, and Y are essential to gameplay as they open the main Pocket Menu and enable you to fish, collect items, shake trees, and shoot down balloons to name but a few. The Plus and Minus buttons are required to save the game, to occasionally confirm purchases or open Nook Miles + (when unlocked). They are less used but very important buttons for gameplay.

X = Pocket Menu

Y = Pick up/Rearrange Items in Options Menu

A = Select/ Action/Use Held Item

B = Cancel

Y = Rearrange Items in Options Menu

+ = Open Nook Miles +/Purchase (in store)/Confirm (when selling/donating items)

– = Save Game

Screenshot of the Pocket Menu in the game. — Pocket Menu

Shoulder Buttons

The main use for the Shoulder Buttons for most players is to open the Nook Phone. If you are talking with friends in game, the messages option opens an on-screen keyboard where you can type to chat to friends either with the touchscreen or use the Left Joystick and confirm with A.

R = Opens Messages

L = Photo Filter

ZL = Opens Nook Phone

ZR = Opens Reactions Wheel

Screenshot of the reactions wheel menu. — Reactions Wheel Menu

Directional/ D-pad

The D-pad is mainly used to navigate menus within the game and access items quickly. Within your home, the D-pad also enables you to access your storage, open a top-down view to rearrange furniture and change the lighting of the room.

Up = Y Ring/Navigate Menus (within the home, it will change lighting)

Down = Cancel/Away/Navigate Menus (within the home, it will enable you to rearrange furniture)

Left = Swap Held Item/Navigate Menus

Right = Swap Held Item/Navigate Menus (within the home, it will open storage)

Screenshot of the Y-Ring Menu. — Y-Ring Menu

Swimming

With the Summer update, the sea has been opened for exploring. Wear your favourite swimsuit and go diving for new creatures. There’s an ocean out there to explore, and you can explore it more quickly by pressing A to swim faster. You can even dive for treasure, and by treasure, we mean sea creatures to house in your Museum.

Left Stick = Swim slowly.

Right Stick = Controls the Camera.

X = Main Menu

Y = Dive

A = To enter Sea/Swim faster/Select

B = Cancel

Screenshot of player having caught a Sea Star when diving. — Diving for Sea Creatures

We hope that listing these controls has been useful for reference. If you have any questions, please visit the ‘Contact Us’ page.

How to Use The Xbox Adaptive Controller on iOS 14

23rd September, 202017th November, 2020

Screenshot of the Bluetooth settings showing how to select the XAC and what it states when sucessfully connected.

The release of iOS 14 now enables the Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC) to be recognised as a compatible game controller. This means that game apps that include gamepad controller input as an alternative to touch, such as with an MFi (Made For iPhone/iPod/iPad), Dualshock 4 or Xbox Wireless gamepad controller, can now also be played using the XAC.

This post will talk through how to connect the XAC to your iOS 14 device.

Step 1. Turn on Bluetooth

Once your compatible iOS device has been updated to iOS 14 (go to Settings>General>Software Update to do this), open Settings, navigate to Bluetooth and turn On.

Screenshot highlighting the Settings app on iOS and a screenshot highlighting how to turn on Bluetooth within the Settings app on iOS.

Step 2. Turn on and sync your XAC

Step 3. Pair your XAC

Select the discovered Xbox Adaptive Controller listed on your iOS device under Devices to pair it. Depending on your settings, you may need to enter your password to pair it and add it to My Devices.

Step 4. Set up your controls

Once paired, and if you haven’t already, plug in the combination of joysticks and buttons you require to play and open a compatible game. You should be able to play the game using the inputs on the XAC itself alongside your external joysticks and buttons connected to the XAC. Many games will require additional inputs alongside those found on the XAC itself, so joysticks and switches will need to be added for these. Different games will require different inputs. An online search may help to discover what these are, or you may need to install and open a game to find out.

Step 5. Finding compatible games

Apple now has the Apple Arcade, a subscription service which includes access to a range of games that support gamepad controllers. If you have Apple TV, the app can stream your game to your TV screen (when you have the necessary accessories) to enable a more relaxed or shared gaming experience, such as with console gaming. Games in the Apple Arcade which have controller support will have this listed on their page in the app store, both at the top of the page alongside other features and also further down in the ‘Supports’ section:

Screenshot highlighting where in the app information you can find whether a game is Controller Supported.

Outside of Apple Arcade there are paid for and free games which can be played using the XAC. However, the rest of the app store beyond Apple Arcade games doesn’t have a fixed way to list whether controller support is available for games. As a starting point, we’ve listed below some games we’ve found that do have controller support and included links (unaffiliated) to their pages on the App Store:

If you have any questions, do contact us.