The highly anticipated release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for the Nintendo Switch has delighted both critics and fans. However, there is one minor setback: the game’s complex controls.
Similar to its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, Link’s latest adventure requires players to perform various button combinations on the fly, including swapping weapons, shields, items, and abilities. Tears of the Kingdom takes it a step further with new features that require players to simultaneously press and hold buttons while manipulating the control stick.
If you’ve been struggling to master these intricate controls, we have a solution for you: back buttons.
Remapping Tears of the Kingdom
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Back buttons, although typically associated with “pro” gamepads like the DualSense Edge, have become increasingly popular among gaming enthusiasts. These buttons allow players to assign any function to the back of the controller, making gameplay more convenient. While official Nintendo controllers do not have this feature, there are third-party options available. During my test, I utilized the PowerA Fusion, a third-party controller equipped with four mappable back paddles. Within minutes, I managed to remap several buttons, significantly improving my experience with Tears of the Kingdom.
One of the major challenges I encountered was the complexity of throwing items. To rectify this issue, I assigned the right bumper and the up button on the D-pad to back paddles. This modification simplified the process by allowing me to access the appropriate menu on the back, reducing the need to navigate with the control stick on the front. Similarly, I mapped the left bumper to another paddle, enabling quicker access to Link’s ability wheel and smoother scrolling. Although seemingly minor changes, they greatly enhance control navigation.
Which Switch controller is best for Tears of the Kingdom?
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Now the question arises: Which Switch controllers offer back buttons? If you prefer a controller that closely resembles the standard Switch Pro controller, the … is an excellent choice. It provides four paddles for remapping functions. However, please note that this controller is wired and lacks amiibo support and motion controls.
For handheld players, the … is a great option, featuring two back buttons that cater to your needs.
However, the ultimate solution is the … wireless gamepad. With two back buttons and a charging dock included, this $70 controller is incredibly versatile. It is not limited to the Switch but also compatible with other devices via Bluetooth. This controller is sure to enhance your gaming experience in Hyrule.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is now available on the Nintendo Switch.
This article is brought to you by OnSpec Electronic, Inc.
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