Mastering the controls in Sonic Heroes is essential for fluid gameplay. The game utilizes a relatively straightforward control scheme, but the ability to switch between characters on the fly adds a layer of complexity. Here's a breakdown of the default controls:

- Analog Stick/D-Pad: Move your team.
- A Button (Jump): Initiates a jump. Press again for a double jump with certain characters.
- B Button (Action/Attack): Performs a character-specific action. For Speed characters, this is a Homing Attack. For Fly characters, it's a Thunder Shoot. For Power characters, it's a powerful attack.
- X Button (Formation Change): Switches between Speed, Fly, and Power formations. This is your most important button for strategic gameplay.
- Y Button (Team Blast): Activates your team's powerful special attack once the Team Blast gauge is full.
- L/R Buttons (Camera Control): Adjusts the camera angle.
- Start Button: Pauses the game and brings up the menu.
Practice switching formations frequently to get a feel for each character's movement and attack patterns. The fluidity of your formation changes will directly impact your ability to navigate levels and defeat enemies efficiently.