Finally got the chance to try out Balatro, and after playtesting its Controller Support: I can confirm it relies on SDL2 to handle general controller support, but it only shows Xbox prompts.

What if I told you there are additional button prompts leftover from the PC Version? Unfortunately, it's true, and you can find them within the source code files. 




This is a strange omission, given they're using SDL and SDL GameController Database to do the heavy-lifting-- you would expect them to use SDL_GameControllerGetType or something, but nope: it'll always shows Xbox button prompts.

But given how surprisingly moddable Balatro is: I decided to create a simple mod that replaces Xbox button prompts with DualShock 4, DualSense, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and Steam Deck. All button image assets are taken straight from the source files, and then modified. in Steam Deck's case: it's combined with PlayStation and Nintendo prompts.





Installation:

Due to the way Lovely Injector and Steammoded work, this mod will typically be flagged for quarantined whenever a new mod content update arrives. Whenever that happens: you might wanna wait for a day or two for Nexusmod admin/mods to review this mod and label it as safe.

But if you just wanna download this mod ASAP: here's a GitHub Mirror

Method 1: Steammodded

1. download any File Archivers app/programs that supports Zstandard/ZSTD, the lastest version of 7-Zip or NanaZip is highly recommended. 
   * If you're on a Linux distro (or you're on SteamOS): you can skip this step. Your File Archive app/program should support it.
2. Download Streammodded version 1.0+ (Balatro Mod-loader) and read the Installation booklet.
3. after that: download this Modpack, open the button prompt folder, and pick one of the Button Prompt folders.
   * There will be variants of the same Button Icons within the same Button Prompt file (for example: the Nintendo Switch prompts folder will include the Nintendo Layout version), just pick one of the variants and proceed
4. Drag and drop GamepadPrompts-[Insert Controller Type name here] file into `/Mods` folder.
5. To ensure this mod was successfully installed: launch Balatro and then hover towards the "Mod" menu and make sure you see "Gamepad Prompts - [Insert Controller Type name here]" on the list.


Method 2: Direct Patch
Due to copyright-related issues, I won't be able to provide you with the .exe file, as it contains the entire source code. Thus, I will teach you how to apply the customized button prompts.

1. download any File Archivers app/programs that supports Zstandard/ZSTD, the lastest version of 7-Zip or NanaZip is highly recommended. 
   * If you're on a Linux distro (or you're on SteamOS): you can skip this step. Your File Archive app/program should support it.
2. Open Balatro.exe as a Archive/Open inside.
3. Hover straight into resources > textures
4. Now go back to your Downloaded button prompt folder, pick one of the Button Prompt type folders and open it, open `Direct Download` folder
   * There will be variants of the same Button Icons within the same Button Prompt file (for example: the Nintendo Switch prompts folder will include the Nintendo Layout version), just pick one of the variants and proceed
5. Drag-and-drop both x1 and 2x  files inorder to override them, or manually override `gamepad_ui.png` file for both  x1  and `2x` files  


Uninstallation:

Two options:

1. delete Balatro.exe completely and Verify game integrity (on your storefront's properties)
2. take your existing Balatro.exe backup and drag it over to the game directory.