Several controller settings changed during beta. Before rebuilding your layout or joining a group, check these settings against the latest notes. This is a beta settings checklist, not a tested device-compatibility guide.
Find the action bar in Edit Mode
Blizzard’s 8 October update moved Gamepad Action Bar settings, including compact mode, from Options to Edit Mode. Select the gamepad action bar there to change them. The old Options preferences were not carried over automatically. Layouts are saved separately by UI type.
If an older guide sends you to Options for compact mode, use the newer location. Set aside a moment to check your layout before heading out.
Check targeting before a group
Fixed Party Targeting assigns D-pad buttons to individual members of a non-raid party. Target-modifier and friendly/hostile action-side settings offer other targeting arrangements.
Try selecting each party member somewhere safe. Make sure you can tell whom you have selected before relying on it in a fight.
Know what rebinding changes
Blizzard’s 1 October notes describe gamepad-UI bindings as static: rebinding affects the keyboard-and-mouse interface. Changing a keybind there may not change the native controller layout.
Try the newer interactions
The 15 October update added a reticle swing timer and gamepad support for Press and Hold Casting. Using a ground-targeted item a second time confirms placement.
For a quick practice check, select an ally and an enemy, use your common abilities, inspect a quest reward and send a message. Keep a keyboard or another workable way to communicate nearby.
These notes do not establish that beta layouts will import into launch. Recheck the settings when you start your launch character.