Platform: Console

Controller-first design, certification compliance, and locked frame rates define console development.

Available Scripts

console_compliance_handler.gd

Expert console certification helpers (focus loss handling, save indicators).

NEVER Do in Console Development

• NEVER show mouse cursor — Mouse on console = certification fail. Controllers only. Hide cursor with Input.set_mouse_mode(Input.MOUSE_MODE_HIDDEN).
• NEVER skip pause on focus loss — User presses Home button without pause = TRC violation. Listen to NOTIFICATION_APPLICATION_FOCUS_OUT, force pause.
• NEVER use unlocked frame rate — Variable FPS = screen tearing + cert fail. Lock to 30 or 60 FPS: Engine.max_fps = 60 + VSync.
• NEVER forget D-Pad navigation — UI only navigable with analog stick? Accessibility fail. MUST support D-Pad for all menus.
• NEVER hardcode button labels — "Press A" on PlayStation shows wrong icon. Use Input.get_joy_button_string() or platform-specific icon mapping.
• NEVER exceed platform memory limits — Switch has ~3.5GB usable RAM. Exceeding = crash/rejection. Profile with Godot Profiler → Memory tab.

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• Always show button prompts (A/B/X/Y or ⬜/✕/△/○)
• D-Pad navigation for all menus
• Back button support (B/○)
• No mouse cursor

Input Handling

func _input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
    if event is InputEventJoypadButton:
        match event.button_index:
            JOY_BUTTON_A:
                on_confirm()
            JOY_BUTTON_B:
                on_cancel()

Performance Requirements

• Locked 30/60 FPS - No drops allowed
• Memory limits - Strict budgets
• Certification testing - QA required

Platform Services

• Achievements/Trophies
• Cloud saves
• Multiplayer matchmaking
• Platform friends

Best Practices

1. Controller-Only - No mouse/keyboard
2. Pause on Focus Loss - Required
3. Save Prompts - Must notify saves
4. Certification - Follow TRCs/TCRs

Reference

• Related: export-builds, input-handling