Cloud KeysTHE SHORT ANSWER
Connect the controller by USB or Bluetooth and press a button on the game page. Xbox Cloud Gaming reads buttons by position, so the bottom button (B on a Switch controller) acts as Xbox A. Play by position, or swap A/B and X/Y with a remapping tool such as Cloud Keys.
1. Connect and check it
USB: use a cable that carries data, not just charging. Bluetooth: hold the small sync button on top of the controller until the lights run, then pair it in your computer's Bluetooth settings.
Open the free controller tester and press a button. It should report a standard layout. If it doesn't, see the Joy-Con section below.
2. Why A and B feel backwards
Browsers and Xbox Cloud Gaming identify face buttons by position. A Switch controller prints its letters in different places, so the labels don't match the game's prompts:
| Position | Printed on Switch | Acts as Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom | B | A |
| Right | A | B |
| Left | Y | X |
| Top | X | Y |
| Shoulders | L / R | LB / RB |
| Triggers | ZL / ZR | LT / RT |
| Small buttons | − / + | View / Menu |
ZL and ZR are on/off buttons, not analog triggers, so you can't press them halfway. Racing games that use partial throttle will treat them as fully pressed.
3. Make the letters match
You can simply play by position: when the game says A, press the bottom button. If you'd rather follow the printed letters, swap the buttons:
- Add Cloud Keys and open Controls → Gamepad.
- Map Xbox A to the button printed A, and B to the button printed B. Do the same for X and Y.
- Check the result in Test controller input, then save.
The change is saved for the current game, or for all games if you edit Default controls. Full steps are in how to remap gamepad buttons.
8BitDo controllers
Many 8BitDo controllers can switch between modes, such as Switch, XInput (Xbox) and DInput. The way to change mode depends on the model, usually a button held while turning it on or a switch on the back, so check its manual.
- XInput mode behaves like an Xbox controller and is the most reliable choice in Chrome.
- Switch mode uses the Switch layout above, so A/B and X/Y feel swapped.
The controller tester shows the maker and layout Chrome detects, so you can confirm which mode is active.
Joy-Con and other non-standard controllers
Individual Joy-Cons and some third-party pads may appear with a non-standard layout in Chrome. Xbox Cloud Gaming and remapping tools, including Cloud Keys, can't reliably use those layouts. If the tester reports a non-standard layout, try a different connection or mode, or use a controller the tester shows as standard.