CtrlAssist v0.4.0 introduces demultiplexing functionality along with enhancements to the system tray and rumble targeting. The updated README now features FAQ and Cookbook sections with practical examples, such as the "Double Agent Tag Team" scenario, where a single assist controller uses a demux to help multiple primary players across separate mux instances, and the "Couch Co-Op Swap" scenario, in which two players take turns assisting each other using toggle mode, with force feedback following the currently active controller by default.

While controller demultiplexing was a requested feature from a prior release, I didn't have a concrete use case until I found myself helping a pair of youngsters play couch co-op multiplayer games with each other. Instead of needing separate assist controllers for each player, otherwise charging/pairing four controllers in total, being able to unicast between mux instances with a single assist controller made juggling both inputs much simpler. Then after being roped into the "It Takes Two" session myself, I found being able to swap primary and assist players outright much simpler when both helping and playing, allowing the Helpee to also aid the Helper when it really does take two.

New Features

Demux Operation Mode

CtrlAssist now supports demultiplexing (demux), allowing a single physical controller to be split into multiple virtual gamepads. This complements the existing multiplexing (mux) functionality and enables more advanced input routing scenarios.

Demux Modes:

• Unicast (default): Routes primary controller input to the currently active virtual gamepad. Cycle between virtual gamepads using the reserved Mode button.
  • Assist multiple players across separate mux instances
• Multicast: Broadcasts primary controller input to all virtual gamepads simultaneously.
  • Replicate controller input for advanced input multiplexing pipelines

Active Rumble Targeting

A new "Active" rumble target has been added as the default option for mux operations. This routes force feedback to whichever controllers are currently active according to the selected mode:

• Toggle Mode: Rumble follows the currently active controller
• Priority/Average Modes: Rumble sent to both controllers, same as before

Expanded Documentation

The README has been significantly expanded with:

• FAQ Section: Addresses common questions about who CtrlAssist is for, why it was developed, game compatibility, supported controllers, and running multiple instances
• Cookbook Section: Provides practical examples demonstrating complex multi-instance setups:
  • Couch Co-Op Swap: Two players alternating assistance
  • Double Agent Tag Team: One assist controller helping multiple primary players

Breaking Changes

• The rumble target enum options now defaults to "Active" instead of "Both"
• Configuration file format has been extended to accommodate separate mux and demux settings

Installation

CtrlAssist v0.4.0 can be installed via:

• Cargo: cargo install ctrlassist --force
• Flatpak: Download the bundle from the releases page and install with flatpak install