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Xbox controller update could be transformative for gamers
In This Article
Microsoft could soon allow owners of someXboxcontrollers to replicate keyboard controls.
In a move often requested by PC and console gamers, Microsoft has launched an alpha test for the feature that’ll allow users to map a keys to a controller button.
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It’ll also be possible to map the the button along with a modifier key like Win, Shift, Ctrl or Alt. So Ctrl + S for example.
Gamers will need to own anXbox Elite 2 controller, or theAdaptive Controller, designed for gamers with accessibility needs.
If the feature rolls out to all users it be a great use of those additional buttons on the rear of the Elite controller, and give gamers of more complex titles a little more flexibility.
It could also make life easier and even open up some gaming experiences that previously felt inaccessible on the Adaptive Controller. It could mean that games som users have been able to fully enjoy feel accessible.
Microsoft does point out that support will be on a game by game basis, so you may see full support, partial support, or no support at all depending on the title.
The mapping can be done via the Xbox Accessories app, but the feature is only currently available for Xbox Alpha and Alpha Skip Ahead members, meaning its still quite early in the process and probably quite a while before it reaches all gamers.
“For the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and the Xbox Adaptive Controller, the Xbox Accessories app now supports mapping keyboard keys to your controller!” Microsoft says in the changelog (viaNeowin).
“To get started, open the Xbox Accessories app > Configure > create a new profile or edit an existing one > select a button to map > choose Primary or Shift > then move over to the new Key tab.”
Will this open up more gaming experiences to you or your friends? Let us know @trustedreviews on Twitter… or X… or whatever we’re supposed to call it this week.
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Chris Smith is a freelance technology journalist for a host of UK tech publications, including Trusted Reviews. He’s based in South Florida, USA. …
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Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
