This SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS – How to enable D-pad movement guide will teach you step-by-step how to utilize Steam Input to allow movement via D-Pad, for Classic Sonic stages as well as any sidescrolling segments, without interfering with your ability to use the analog stick during 3D sections
SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS – How to enable D-pad movement
Note that while I use the PS5 DualSense controller, the steps should be the same across all controllers.
Remapping via Steam Input
Either click on the controller icon on the library page for your game, or open Steam Overlay (default Shift+Tab) in-game and click the controller icon there
Click “Enable Steam Input”
click Edit Layout
click DPad
Click the dropdown menu and select “Joystick”
Congratulations!! You have now fixed a decade-old mistake!