Wireless controllers usually have their own rules when it comes to tournaments. All wireless controllers usually require batteries to be removed when the owner is not playing a game, as they can interfere with other controllers trying to sync with consoles where port priority may be important. Players who do not comply may be disqualified. Due to problems with wireless controllers, especially large tournaments may have a complete ban on all wireless controllers. In addition to interference issues, some OTs may simply not want to waste time waiting for players to sync wireless controllers with consoles. The Pro Controller is often seen in competitive ultimate, with many top players such as Zackray and Abadango using it in tournaments. It is generally accepted that each version of a particular controller model has exactly the same latency. However, this is not always the case. In addition to faulty controllers that simply don`t work as expected, errors during production can result in different latency levels for two identical-looking controllers. Although the difference technically affects the gameplay, the difference is usually so small that it often goes unnoticed. This is especially true for third-party controllers, as there is no guarantee that they have undergone the same type and amount of testing as officially authorized controllers. Modifications like Universal Controller Fix and others similar exist to minimize these small deviations. Computer emulation used standard computer keyboards when playing Smash on an emulator such as Project64k or Dolphin.
Although they have their own flaws compared to official controllers, computer keyboards offer interesting advantages for playing Smash. In tournaments, controllers are rarely provided to players, and players are expected to bring their own controller. Therefore, the term BYOC is often found in the tournament rules, which means “Bring your own controller”. Players are responsible for their own controllers, as tournaments usually do not replace them and do not compensate for the players they lose. Players with wireless controllers are also responsible for any issues that may arise, including battery life issues or interference, and tournament organizers are not required to assist players of these controllers if issues affect a game. Some tournaments are known to offer emergency replacement controllers in case a player suffers a catastrophic error with their controller, but these are rare. If for any reason a player is unable to use their controller and fails to get a replacement in time, they will be deemed unfit to play and will be considered confiscated. In tournaments for Brawl, Project M, Smash Wii U, and Ultimate, the GameCube controller is by far the most popular option, as Melee`s tournament scene is always strong and most players feel that the GameCube controller is the best controller for Smash. In addition, GameCube controllers have no battery problems and it is much easier to connect them to a Wii, as they do not require any special process for syncing with different consoles. However, the vawhisking bird is usually prohibited at major events; The controller only allows sixteen potential channels between it and its dongle, and a large number of such controllers used simultaneously can potentially cause interference issues between different players in different configurations. In addition, players could intentionally set their controller to the same channel as another player to confuse other players. They can also be used laterally, with one Joy-Con per person.
This allows more players to play (which is necessary for 8-player matches, as a Joy-Con pair counts as two controllers, while a Nintendo Switch supports up to 8 controllers connected simultaneously), but limits the number of buttons available to the player, which usually puts this type of game at a disadvantage. In this configuration, 10 buttons (left/B, up/Y, right/X, down/A, L/R, ZL/ZR, Screenshot/Home, +/-, SL and SR) and an analog stick are available, although L and ZL or R and ZR are rarely used in horizontal mode) Early use of arcade controllers was absent due to lack of official support. But that changed in 2014 with the release of the Smash Box controller, which was hailed as an effective alternative to standard controllers with unique benefits. Since then, several arcade controllers have been created with Smash in mind, all helping to create a niche but loyal base of competitive players. The Wii U Pro controller had a controversial history in Smash 4, with the controller sometimes banned for simply working wirelessly. However, a number of gamers have argued for its complete legality, as direct wiring to the console avoids interference issues and also makes it possible to use the controller immediately without having to sync it with the Wii U console. The Nintendo 3DS can be used as a controller for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U as part of compatibility between the two versions, and the controls remain the same when the 3DS is used to control the Wii U version.
In addition to its use as a controller, linking the two games can allow players to potentially transfer custom characters between the two consoles. This was especially important when custom movesets were legal in tournaments and all console configurations required at least one 3DS master console that included all available legal movesets. The legality of arcade controllers was controversial, and they were banned in some tournaments due to concerns about how they might theoretically work more efficiently compared to a regular controller. The majority of gamers believe that the GameCube controller is superior to the Wiichuk due to the more familiar button layout, as well as the general convenience of not having to constantly sync the controller for different configurations during tournaments or worrying about the controller`s battery life. Nevertheless, the Wiichuk actually offers some advantages over the GameCube controller; The ability to assign buttons to crush attacks instead of assigning them to an analog stick gives the Wiichuk the superior ability to mix from clamps, and it also has access to the unique shake that can help evade the clamps. However, the Wiichuk does not have access to B and A bonding, is prone to delays in an area of high wireless activity, and also has fewer buttons available, which may limit the convenience of some techniques such as DACUSing. Although rarely used in tournaments, some smashers are dedicated to the use of Wiichuk, such as GrimTurtle, ScAtt, Myran, Tearbear, Kamicario, Player 7,[1] and Space. It goes without saying that the 3DS is used as a controller in 3DS tournaments.