Game Controller Archives

BetaBeacon

April 10, 2026

Android 17 Adds System-Level Controller Remapping for Mobile Gaming

Android 17 introduces a new Game Controller settings menu that allows players to reassign face buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks at the OS level. This feature is only available in Android 17 Beta 2 and later and is aimed at improving accessibility for players with limited hand mobility. The remapping news is not only a convenience feature but also has significant accessibility implications. The menu is split into two sections: Button inputs and Directional controls. The feature is still in Beta 2, so there are some rough edges, but Google is expected to address them before the stable release. This update is a long-overdue addition for Android, which has been focusing more on mobile gaming in recent years.

BetaBeacon

April 8, 2026

Google enables system-wide gamepad customization in Android 17

Google has introduced native controller remapping for its Android 17 Beta, allowing users to customize gamepad buttons, sticks, and triggers uniformly across games.

BetaBeacon

March 27, 2026

Netflix is coming for Discord with this social gaming feature

Netflix may introduce a voice chat feature for games, as indicated by findings in the app code. The code snippets suggest that Netflix could be preparing to introduce a Voice Chat feature to its games catalog, enhancing the social gaming aspect of the platform.

BetaBeacon

March 6, 2026

Razer’s latest Kishi V3 Pro USB-C controller grip for Android and iPhone/iPad just hit a new $120 all-time low

An exciting deal on Amazon for the Razer Kishi V3 Pro USB-C game controller grip, now priced at .99 with free shipping.

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

Three phenomenal Triple-A console and PC games you can also play on Android

The reboot of Tomb Raider, originally launched in 2013 for Xbox 360 and PS3, has been adapted for mobile devices by Feral Interactive, featuring touch screen controls and traditional game controller support. The game performs well on moderate devices like the Pixel 10 series, achieving 30 FPS with graphics settings and over 40 FPS in performance mode. While its graphics do not match the latest triple-A titles, it maintains engaging combat mechanics and a compelling narrative. Red Dead Redemption has also been released on Android, requiring a Netflix subscription for access. The game runs smoothly on devices like the Pixel 10 series and recommends a Snapdragon 888 for optimal performance. It offers a rich storytelling experience at a lower cost compared to its Steam price. Subnautica, a survival game released in 2014, allows players to explore an underwater landscape after a crash landing. It performs well on mid-tier devices like the Pixel 10 series, providing around 30 hours of gameplay for the main quests, with additional time for exploration.

BetaBeacon

January 6, 2026

Someone made ‘Foldy Bird’ and it’s a glorious way to destroy your foldable

Foldy Bird is a Flappy Bird clone that uses a folding phone's hinge as a mobile game controller.

BetaBeacon

December 20, 2025

What You Need to Play Red Dead Redemption on iOS and Android

To play Red Dead Redemption on iOS or Android devices with a Netflix subscription, a compatible device is needed. Android devices require Android 11 or higher, 6GB of RAM, and specific processors, while Apple devices need to be iPhone 11 or better. The game can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play Store, selecting the Netflix version and signing in with a Netflix account. Red Dead Redemption can also be downloaded through the Games section on the Netflix app.

BetaBeacon

December 11, 2025

A Secret Input Engine Could Change Android Gaming Forever

Google is preparing system-level powers for game controllers in Android, including a deep controller remapping engine and a "virtual gamepad" that converts controller presses into touch actions. The company is also experimenting with controller profiles that can be saved and tied to specific devices. The feature set currently exists only in Android Canary and its future availability is uncertain.

BetaBeacon

December 9, 2025

First look: Android 17 may finally let you remap buttons on your game controller

- Android 17 will introduce a game controller remapping feature - The feature will allow users to customize inputs for buttons and directional sticks on compatible gamepads - The remapping feature will change which key code or axis value is sent to Android games when a button is pressed - Google has time to enhance the feature before the Android 17 update next year

BetaBeacon

November 17, 2025

Android 17 update to bring native game controller remapping for mobile gamers

Android is working on a new feature for Android 17 that will allow users to remap controllers at the system level, providing a native controller area in Settings. This feature will also include a "virtual gamepad" that can map physical buttons to touch regions in games that do not have native controller support. This new feature aims to provide consistency for clip-on controllers, Android handhelds, cloud gaming players, Android TV boxes, laptops, and improve accessibility for players who rely on remapping buttons for gameplay.