thumbsticks Archives

BetaBeacon

June 28, 2026

Foldable gaming mode is coming with Android 17

A new feature called Foldable gaming mode is coming to Android 17. It allows for a customizable virtual controller to appear on the bottom half of a foldable device while the game plays on the top half. The virtual gamepad supports various controller inputs and has customization options such as button size and layout. The feature will become part of AOSP, allowing Android manufacturers to adapt it for their foldable devices.

BetaBeacon

June 26, 2026

Android 17 to offer a literal game changer for foldable phones – and now we’re in the market for a Pixel Fold

Google has unveiled a new foldable gaming mode for Android 17, which will divide the display of a book-style foldable device evenly with the game displayed on the top screen and a virtual gamepad on the bottom screen.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

I tried playing Fortnite with the Steam Controller, and now all I want to do is watch The Mandalorian and Grogu

A player approached Fortnite to test the Steam Controller while focusing on competitive shooters. They encountered a Mandalorian-themed event that included a watch party for an upcoming movie. The game featured a vibrant introduction with Mandalorian and Grogu, leading to a battle against Stormtroopers on Nevarro. Players watched a short clip from the movie, described as exhilarating with AT-AT-like walkers and explosions, which reignited the player's interest in the Star Wars franchise. However, the player's experience with the Steam Controller was disappointing, as the gyro feature needed adjustments and many buttons did not map correctly, leading them to prefer traditional thumbsticks and aim assist.

Winsage

May 18, 2026

Steam Controller Reservation Emails Begin Going Out With 72-Hour Purchase Windows

Valve has started contacting individuals on the Steam Controller waitlist by sending reservation emails to finalize purchases. Recipients have until May 18 to confirm their orders, or their reservations will be canceled. The first batch of controllers began arriving this week after the reservation system launched on May 8, following the controller's sellout in 30 minutes on May 4. Those with reservations should check their email and spam folder, as Valve is not sending reminder messages. The purchase window is 72 hours from when the email is received. Fulfillment will start in the United States and Canada, followed by the UK, Europe, and Australia. The reservation system does not strictly follow chronological order for email distribution. Users not included in the current wave of reservations will remain in line for future batches, though Valve has not announced when these will be dispatched. Resale prices for the Steam Controller on platforms like eBay are significantly higher than the retail price, despite anti-scalper measures in place. The Steam Controller features TMR magnetic thumbsticks, dual trackpads, gyro support, four rear grip buttons, and a Puck accessory that functions as a charger and 2.4GHz wireless receiver.

BetaBeacon

May 10, 2026

The Razer Kishi V3 Makes Mobile Gaming Feel Like a Real Console Experience Without Breaking the Bank

The Razer Kishi V3 is a gaming controller for mobile phones that provides tactile controls for serious play. It is compatible with most USB-C phones and has extendable grips to hold a phone case in place. The controller has full-sized thumbsticks, TMR technology for accurate movement, and back buttons that can be customized. Setup is simple, with passthrough charging and audio connection included. The Razer Nexus app allows for customization of settings and easy access to games.

BetaBeacon

May 8, 2026

The Best Mobile Gaming Controllers for iPhone and Android (2026)

- The Backbone One is a mobile gaming controller that is easy to recommend and comfortable for long gaming sessions. - The Backbone Pro is an upgraded version of the Backbone One with additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity and programmable back buttons. - The ohsnap! Mcon Mobile Gaming Controller is a magnetic controller that attaches to the back of phones and has a unique design. - The GameSir G8 Galileo is a mobile gaming controller with a cradle style that holds smartphones and has Hall-effect sticks and triggers. - The Razer Kishi Ultra is a sliding controller designed for tablets and large phones with USB-C connectivity. - The 8Bitdo Pro 2 is a traditional mobile controller with a retro design, Hall-effect sticks, and customizable features. - The Gulikit KK3 Max is an upgraded version of the King Kong controller with Hall-effect joysticks and programmable buttons. - The Viture x 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is designed for smart glasses and offers a comfortable gaming experience.

AppWizard

April 30, 2026

Why aren’t there more PC-first gamepads? Valve don’t know, but they “did see an opportunity” for the new Steam Controller

Valve's new Steam Controller is set to launch on May 4th, focusing specifically on the PC gaming experience. Valve designers Lawrence Yang and Steve Cardinali discussed the lack of PC-specific controllers in a market dominated by console peripherals. They noted that existing controllers are primarily designed for consoles, with 59% of Steam users currently using Xbox controllers and 26% using PlayStation controllers. The new Steam Controller aims to address the needs of PC gamers by incorporating familiar thumbsticks and inputs, as well as Deck-style trackpads for enhanced utility. It is priced at £85 and is designed to work seamlessly with the Steam platform. Yang and Cardinali also mentioned potential features for future iterations of Valve's gaming hardware.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

Logitech’s new gaming keyboard lets you hot swap analog and mechanical switches

Logitech has introduced the G512 X gaming keyboard, which features the ability to switch between analog TMR switches and traditional mechanical switches. It has 39 swappable keyswitch locations, allowing for customization with various switch types. The keyboard supports analog input functions for enhanced gameplay, including dual-actuation points and tactile feedback. It is a wired keyboard with an 8kHz report rate and comes in two form factors: 75% (G512 X 75) and 98% (G512 X 98), with the latter including a numpad. The G512 X features a black and purple design, Lightsync RGB light bar, and backlit keys. It will launch on May 2, priced at 9.99 / £169.99 / €189.99 for the G512 X 75 and 9.99 / £199.99 / €219.99 for the G512 X 98.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

This is the finest VR headset image quality I’ve ever experienced, but it comes at a price

The Pimax Crystal Super 57PPD virtual reality headset features a resolution of 3,840 x 3,840 pixels per eye and a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz. It has a weight of 879g without the cable and approximately 1kg with a 1m cable. The headset offers a 106-degree horizontal field of view and utilizes inside-out tracking via four cameras. It includes a single cable with DisplayPort and USB-C connections, and comes with two controllers. The headset's displays use QLED technology with local backlight dimming, providing vibrant colors and contrast, though it does not achieve the infinite contrast of OLED. The Crystal Super has eye tracking technology for automatic interpupillary distance adjustments and foveated rendering. The headset is modular, allowing users to swap out the screen and optics for different configurations. It is priced at ,599, reduced from ,799, with an additional 2% discount available.

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.