Techniques are shown for changing input assignments of an input device controls for a first application while leaving assignments unchanged for other applications. When a first application is active, a first input action is registered from activation of an input control selected for mode control. In response, when an input mode of the first application corresponds to standard device mapping inputs, the input mode is changed to an input mode corresponding to an alternate device mapping inputs assigned to a subset of input controls. When the first application is in alternate device mapping mode, input control activations are registered according to the alternate device mapping actions. When a second application is active, input control activations are registered according to the standard input mapping actions.