Skip to main content
HayBox includes multiple game modes optimized for different games and use cases. Unlike other firmwares, you can switch between modes on the fly without unplugging your controller.

​
Available Game Modes

​
Melee Mode

Up to date with B0XX V3 specifications
Game: Super Smash Bros. Melee SOCD: 2IP (No Reactivation) for all directional pairs Button Combination: MB1 + LT1 + LF4 (Start + Mod X + L) Features:
  • Full B0XX V3 specification compliance
  • 20-button layout support (with Melee20Button)
  • 18-button layout support (with Melee18Button)
  • Automatic coordinate calculations for techniques
  • Ledgedash optimization
  • Shield drop angles
Configuration Options: 
// From config_defaults.hpp
GameModeConfig {
    .mode_id = MODE_MELEE,
    .socd_pairs_count = 4,
    .socd_pairs = {
        SocdPair { BTN_LF3, BTN_LF1, SOCD_2IP_NO_REAC }, // Left/Right
        SocdPair { BTN_LF2, BTN_RF4, SOCD_2IP_NO_REAC }, // Down/Up
        SocdPair { BTN_RT3, BTN_RT5, SOCD_2IP_NO_REAC }, // C-Left/C-Right
        SocdPair { BTN_RT2, BTN_RT4, SOCD_2IP_NO_REAC }, // C-Down/C-Up
    },
    .activation_binding = { BTN_LT1, BTN_MB1, BTN_LF4 },
}
Special Features:
  • Down + Back → Automatic jab-cancel coordinates (default)
  • Crouch walk option select (configurable)
  • Mod X lightshield
  • L/R analog triggers

​
Project M / Project+ Mode

Game: Project M / Project+ SOCD: 2IP (No Reactivation) Button Combination: MB1 + LT1 + LF3 (Start + Mod X + Left) Features:
  • Based on Melee mode with P+ specific adjustments
  • Optional true Z press support
  • Ledgedash trajectory optimization
  • Compatible with both PM and P+ physics
Configuration Options: 
MeleeOptions project_m_options = {
    .true_z_press = true,  // Send real Z instead of LS+A macro
    .disable_ledgedash_socd_override = false
};
Z Press Behavior: By default, Z sends lightshield + A (like Melee). Set true_z_press = true to send actual Z input for tether/grab items. You can always press Mod X + Z for true Z press.
Activation: 
.activation_binding = { BTN_LT1, BTN_MB1, BTN_LF3 }

​
Ultimate Mode

Game: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate SOCD: 2IP (With Reactivation) Button Combination: MB1 + LT1 + LF2 (Start + Mod X + Down) Features:
  • Optimized for Ultimate physics and mechanics
  • 2IP with reactivation for modern gameplay
  • Full c-stick support
  • All Ultimate-specific techniques
Configuration: 
GameModeConfig {
    .mode_id = MODE_ULTIMATE,
    .socd_pairs = {
        SocdPair { BTN_LF3, BTN_LF1, SOCD_2IP }, // With reactivation
        SocdPair { BTN_LF2, BTN_RF4, SOCD_2IP },
        SocdPair { BTN_RT3, BTN_RT5, SOCD_2IP },
        SocdPair { BTN_RT2, BTN_RT4, SOCD_2IP },
    },
    .activation_binding = { BTN_LT1, BTN_MB1, BTN_LF2 },
}
When using Nintendo Switch backend (hold RF2/X on plugin), Ultimate mode is automatically selected as the default.

​
FGC Mode

Game: Traditional Fighting Games (Street Fighter, Tekken, etc.) SOCD: Neutral Button Combination: MB1 + LT1 + LF1 (Start + Mod X + Right) Layout: Hitbox-style fighting game layout Features:
  • Neutral SOCD (left + right = neutral)
  • Optimized button layout for 6-button fighters
  • Jump button on thumb
  • Separate SOCD for up/down (also neutral)
Configuration: 
GameModeConfig {
    .mode_id = MODE_FGC,
    .socd_pairs = {
        SocdPair { BTN_LF3, BTN_LF1, SOCD_NEUTRAL }, // Left/Right
        SocdPair { BTN_LF2, BTN_LT1, SOCD_NEUTRAL }, // Down/Up
    },
    .button_remapping = {
        ButtonRemap { BTN_RT4, BTN_LT1 }, // Remap for jump
    },
    .activation_binding = { BTN_LT1, BTN_MB1, BTN_LF1 },
}

​
Rivals of Aether Mode

Game: Rivals of Aether (1) SOCD: 2IP (No Reactivation) Button Combination: MB1 + LT1 + RF1 (Start + Mod X + B) Features:
  • Optimized for Rivals 1 mechanics
  • Similar to Melee mode with Rivals-specific adjustments
  • Full parry and strong attack support
Activation: 
.activation_binding = { BTN_LT1, BTN_MB1, BTN_RF1 }

​
Rivals of Aether 2 Mode

Game: Rivals of Aether 2 SOCD: 2IP (No Reactivation) Button Combination: MB1 + LT1 + RF5 (Start + Mod X + R) Features:
  • Optimized for Rivals 2 mechanics and updates
  • Enhanced input handling for new movement options
Activation: 
.activation_binding = { BTN_LT1, BTN_MB1, BTN_RF5 }

​
Keyboard Mode

Keyboard modes only work with the DInput backend. On Pico, you must hold Z on plugin to force DInput mode.
Use Case: Games without gamepad support Button Combination: MB1 + LT2 + LF4 (Start + Mod Y + L) Features:
  • Standard keyboard emulation
  • Customizable key mappings
  • Works with any keyboard-compatible game
  • Multiple keyboard mode configs supported
Default Key Mapping: 
KeyboardModeConfig {
    .button_count = 22,
    .button_mappings = {
        { BTN_LF4, HID_KEY_A },
        { BTN_LF3, HID_KEY_B },
        { BTN_LF2, HID_KEY_C },
        { BTN_LF1, HID_KEY_D },
        { BTN_LT1, HID_KEY_E },
        // ... etc
    }
}
Activation: 
.activation_binding = { BTN_LT2, BTN_MB1, BTN_LF4 }

​
Mode Switching

1

Hold the button combination

Press and hold all three buttons for your desired mode (e.g., Start + Mod X + L for Melee).
2

Mode activates immediately

The controller switches to the new mode without requiring an unplug.
3

Release buttons

Release the button combination and continue playing in the new mode.
Mode switching is primarily useful on PC where you can switch games without restarting. On console, you typically need to restart the console anyway to change games.

​
Mode Selection Code

The mode selection logic runs continuously in the main loop: 
void select_mode(CommunicationBackend **backends, size_t backends_count, Config &config) {
    InputState &inputs = backends[0]->GetInputs();

    for (size_t i = 0; i < config.game_mode_configs_count; i++) {
        GameModeConfig &mode_config = config.game_mode_configs[i];
        if (all_buttons_held(inputs.buttons, mode_activation_masks[i]) && 
            i != current_mode_index) {
            current_mode_index = i;
            for (size_t i = 0; i < backends_count; i++) {
                set_mode(backends[i], mode_config, config);
            }
            return;
        }
    }
}

​
SOCD Types Explained

Second Input Priority without Reactivation
  • Left → Left + Right = Right
  • Right → Right + Left = Left
  • Releasing second direction = Neutral (must physically press first again)
Used in: Melee, Project M, Rivals

​
Custom Modes

You can create custom controller modes for other games:
1

Create mode class

Implement UpdateDigitalOutputs() and UpdateAnalogOutputs() methods.
2

Add to mode selection

Add your mode to mode_selection.cpp and assign a button combination.
3

Configure SOCD

Set up SOCD pairs and types for your mode’s requirements.
4

Build and flash

Compile and flash the firmware with your custom mode included.
See the customization guide for detailed instructions on creating custom modes.

​
Mode Persistence

The selected mode is retained until you explicitly switch to a different mode or power cycle the controller.
  • On plugin: Uses default mode for selected backend
  • During use: Switches when button combination detected
  • On power cycle: Returns to default mode for backend

​
Troubleshooting

Make sure you’re holding all three buttons simultaneously. The mode will only switch if all activation buttons are pressed at the same time.
Each communication backend has a default mode. To change it, edit the default_mode_config in your config_defaults.hpp:
CommunicationBackendConfig {
    .backend_id = COMMS_BACKEND_XINPUT,
    .default_mode_config = 1, // 1 = Melee, 3 = Ultimate, etc.
}
Keyboard modes require DInput backend. On Pico:
  1. Hold Z on plugin to force DInput
  2. Then try the keyboard mode activation combination

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love

Get started for freeTalk to us