Overall, the control system feels much the same as the last game, with high and low modifiers for the stand-up game, and major and minor transitions for the ground game. But to give beginners an easier time, there's now a less demanding Amateur control scheme in addition to the standard Pro. This works by replacing the quarter and half circle motions with up and down flicks of the right analogue stick, but to make sure this isn't abused by more capable players, transitions with the Amateur system have a higher chance of being reversed.
You also have move control over the kind of fight you wish to stage. So if you'd rather play a match that removes flash knockouts, or with characters who share identical attributes in terms of physique and fighting ability, then the new Competition and Equalised Stats rules will let you go to war on a completely even footing. And for those who crave more realism in terms of damage and stamina, the new Simulation mode will force you to fight with more restraint.