Button Mapping lets a controller play almost any Android game

Button Mapping lets a controller play almost any Android game, Although many gamepads can turn your smartphone into a portable handheld device.

Credit: Brian Pullen

The positive aspect is that this problem can be resolved by using apps to assign buttons to different areas of the screen.

What is the meaning of button mapping?

The term “button mapping” refers to the process of manually assigning specific functions or responses to buttons on a game controller or keyboard. In Android gaming, this often involves setting up games that do not have native controller support by linking various touchscreen commands to particular buttons.

For example, you can emulate thumb movements on the left side of the screen by using the analog stick. In a similar way, pressing the A button may mimic tapping actions on the right portion of your display.

This process is made easy for games that feature a virtual game controller across their interface, enabling you to map physical buttons to the appropriate spots on its digital version.

Beginner’s Guide to Configuring Button Controls on Android

Because button mapping isn’t a standard feature on Android, you’ll need to use an external program like Mantis Gamepad Pro. This app is among the best options available for this purpose.

After installing the Mantis Gamepad Pro from the Play Store, activating it involves a few steps. However, the app excels at guiding you through each one efficiently.

By activating floating widgets, you can keep the Mantis widget displayed on your screen while playing a game.

Allowing USB debugging gives the app permission to access essential components of your phone, ensuring it functions correctly.

Activating overlays for settings: When this feature is enabled, Mantis can present instructional prompts over other applications to help guide you through the required settings.

Just like USB debugging on Android, turning on wireless debugging provides access to essential elements of your phone.

Debug the connection between your phone and Mantis Gamepad Pro wirelessly by pairing them.

According to the developer, you can enable and use physical controls without risking a ban from playing certain online games.

During the setup process, it’s important to connect a controller to your phone. Mantis will easily recognize your gamepad, regardless of whether you choose a Bluetooth-compatible version for Android devices or prefer clamshell-style gaming accessories like the Razer Kishi V2 that we discussed earlier.

How to Assign Buttons in an Android Game: A Step-by-Step Guide

To enable the button mapping feature in Mantis Gamepad Pro, you usually need to activate it for each game individually. Follow these steps to do so:

Navigate to the Games section and select the Add Game button.

To utilize Mantis with a particular game, just tap the plus (+) icon beside its name.

The Mantis Gamepad Pro is located in the Games section and can be accessed using a dedicated Mantis widget icon. It features multiple input options, including analog sticks, face buttons, triggers, as well as gesture support for swipe actions.

Although it works with most games, it might need to be reactivated after you restart your phone.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *