Microsoft continues to expand what is capable on its Android and iOS Xbox apps, as the tech giant announced today that it has begun testing out a new feature that will allow touch controls, allowing players to use touchscreen controls to play games on their smartphone or tablet — no wireless controller required.
Use touch controls in Xbox remote play, adjust thumbstick sensitivity for Xbox Wireless Controllers, and more with Xbox’s February Update. Learn more: https://t.co/5oJRy20hGN
— Xbox Wire (@XboxWire) February 14, 2024
A new Xbox Wire blog post reveals that the touch controls are available in the beta versions of the Xbox mobile apps this week. Microsoft previously dabbled in touch controls for Xbox mobile apps; my favorite is how Surface Duo owners can leverage the dual-screen design to transform the smartphone into a portable Xbox device. Yet the most common method before today's announcement was the Xbox Cloud Gaming service, where subscribers of the Ultimate Tier could play a limited number of games with touch controls.
The Xbox Wire blog post points out that Xbox remote play will support custom touch control layouts "on more than a hundred games" if you are using the iOS, Android, or Windows devices (e.g., Surface Tablet) versions of the Xbox app. But a basic touch control layout will be available and "can now be used for most other games."
The use of the touch controls on Xbox remote play is long overdue. While some can argue that touch controls are not the most conventional way to play your favorite Xbox games. The touch controls are a good alternative if someone is looking to play a quick session and doesn't have a wireless controller nearby.
More interestingly, the blog post revealed some other changes coming to the Xbox hardware ecosystem, such as a new thumbstick recalibration tool for Xbox Wireless controllers. As you can see from the screenshot image above, the new thumbstick tool will allow Xbox owners to recalibrate their thumbsticks. An excellent tool when repairing the controller for minor things like inconsistent responses. Or if you need to recalibrate the thumbsticks because you recently replaced them on the gamepad.
The announcement comes a day before Xbox releases a new episode on the Official Xbox Podcast, where Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond, and Matt Booty will "share updates on the Xbox business."
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
