The Tool Desk
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A beginner-friendly starting layout
Keep the controls familiar while learning the basics. Nintendo’s beginner guide explains that A performs standard attacks, a directional flick of the control stick while pressing A performs a Smash Attack, and B performs a fighter-specific special move. Mario and Kirby are suggested as approachable fighters for brand-new players.
- Attack: Keep A assigned to attack as you learn the difference between standard attacks and Smash Attacks.
- Special: Keep B assigned to special moves while learning what your fighter’s different directions do.
- Jump: Choose a jump button that is easy to reach. Keep stick-up jump if it feels natural; try disabling it if pressing up causes accidental jumps.
- Other buttons: Leave them at their defaults until you can identify a specific, recurring input problem a change would solve.
There is no source-backed universal beginner preset or objectively best sensitivity value. Comfort depends on your controller, hands, prior habits, and preferred fighters. Treat “best” as a layout that is easy for you to use consistently.
Should you turn off tap jump?
Tap jump makes an upward movement of the control stick trigger a jump. If you often jump when trying to use an up attack or otherwise press up, turning this option off is a sensible experiment. A dedicated jump button can make jumping more deliberate.
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There is a trade-off: Nintendo’s official techniques page says that pressing A and jump together performs a short-hop aerial. If you use a button for jump, make sure it is comfortable to press with A. You do not need to change your layout before learning the basics, and some players may prefer stick-up jump.
When to change the right stick or other controls
If directional attacks feel difficult to produce with a quick stick flick and A, try the available right-stick assignment and see whether it feels more direct. The cited sources do not establish one right-stick setting as best for beginners, so choose based on comfort and consistency rather than assuming a custom setup is automatically better.
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- HD Rumble 2
- Motion controls
- Built-in amiibo functionality*
- Capture Button
- C Button for GameChat**
Change one control at a time, then play enough to notice whether it fixes the problem. Changing several inputs at once makes it harder to tell which change helped. Avoid adjusting sensitivity based on a supposed universal ideal: the official sources cited here do not publish a beginner benchmark.
Where to customize controls
In the game
A Tom’s Guide walkthrough published January 21, 2019 describes opening the game’s Options menu, choosing Controls, and selecting a player tag or controller layout. Menu labels can change between versions, so check the wording in your current game. This in-game profile is the place to customize your Ultimate controls.
Rank #3
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- Take your game sessions up a notch with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
- Includes motion controls, HD rumble, built-in amiibo functionality, and more.
- Comes with charging cable (USB-C to USB-A)
On the Nintendo Switch system
Nintendo’s system-level remapping changes what a controller button does on the Switch; it is separate from the game’s own control profile. Nintendo documents this route: HOME → System Settings → Controllers and Sensors → Change Button Mapping. Select a controller, then choose a new function for a button.
Nintendo says system remapping works with Joy-Con (L), Joy-Con (R), and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, with a note about Switch Lite buttons. Mappings are saved on the Switch system, not the controller, and do not travel with the controller to another system. If you play on multiple Switch systems, account for that when choosing a system-level remap.
Rank #4
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- MOTION-CONTROLS: Enhance your gaming experience to play the way the developer intended.
Keep the setup comfortable and consistent
You can use the controller you already have; changing settings does not require buying a new one. Nintendo’s Ultimate accessories page lists the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and the Ultimate Edition GameCube Controller, but that listing is not a recommendation that beginners need either controller. Prioritize a layout you can use reliably on your chosen controller.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This controller also works with Nintendo Switch 2 - C Button not available
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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