Microsoft Xbox Gamepad Cursor Adds Mouse Control to Handhelds
▼ Summary
– Microsoft is testing a virtual Gamepad Cursor for Windows handhelds, which turns the left control stick into a mouse.
– This feature exists within Microsoft’s own Xbox mode on Windows 11 and is activated via the Game Bar, separate from manufacturer software like Asus’s Armory Crate.
– The cursor allows for precise control in apps or game sections not designed for controllers, using the left stick to move, the right stick to scroll, and the A button to click.
– It is currently available to Xbox Insiders, who can access it through the Xbox Insider Hub program.
– The feature is intended for a broader release to all Windows 11 users after the testing phase.
Microsoft is now trialing a new virtual mouse feature designed specifically for Windows-based handheld gaming devices. This Gamepad Cursor functionality, available within the Xbox mode on Windows 11, transforms the left analog stick into a precise pointer for navigating desktop elements and applications. It offers a streamlined alternative to existing manufacturer software, providing a native solution for tasks that typically require a physical mouse.
The feature is activated directly through the Xbox Game Bar, bypassing the need for third-party utilities like Asus’s Armory Crate. Once enabled, the left stick controls the cursor movement across the screen, while the right stick handles vertical scrolling. A standard button press, typically the A button, registers a click. This setup is particularly valuable for managing PC game launchers, entering login credentials, or interacting with any software not optimized for traditional controller input, where standard focus-based navigation often falls short.
Currently, this virtual mouse cursor is available to members of the Xbox Insider program. Gamers using devices like the Asus ROG Ally X can access the preview by joining through the Xbox Insider Hub app. This testing phase precedes a wider public release, which will bring the integrated mouse control to all Windows 11 users in the future.
(Source: The Verge)
