Guides · Controller & input
Controller & input setup
Menu paths vary by build — confirm labels in the emulator readme. This guide covers the usual flow after first-time setup.
Open input settings
In most desktop builds, open Emulation → Configure → Controls (or Input under Settings). Android builds expose similar options under settings or per-game properties.
Keyboard & mouse
- Select the player slot (Player 1) and choose a keyboard profile if offered.
- Click each button field and press the key you want — include shoulder buttons and sticks.
- Mouse can map to right-stick or touch-style input on some builds; check advanced tabs in the same dialog.
Xbox, PlayStation & generic gamepads
- Connect the controller before opening Citron (USB or Bluetooth).
- Pick the detected device from the controller dropdown — Windows often shows
XInputfor Xbox-class pads. - Use Auto-map or vendor presets when available, then fix any wrong face buttons.
- Calibrate analog sticks if drift or dead zones feel wrong — same Configure dialog, advanced / calibration section on supported builds.
- Gyro / motion and HD Rumble depend on the build and controller — see release notes if a title needs motion controls.
Steam Deck
Built-in controls usually work in Game Mode after Add to Steam. For in-app dialogs that need keyboard focus (Apply / OK), use Steam + X for the on-screen keyboard and Tab to move focus — details in Troubleshoot → Linux / SteamOS.
Android
- Pair Bluetooth controllers in Android settings before launching Citron.
- On-screen touch controls may appear for handheld play — toggle in settings if your build supports it.
- Device-specific quirks: see Android devices.
Per-game overrides
Right-click or long-press a title → Properties / Configure to override global input for one game (different dead zones, gyro profiles, etc.).
Emulator readme