virtual gamepad Archives

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 18, 2025

Android 17 Might Turn Your Phone Into A True Gaming Beast

Google is working on a dedicated settings section for connected gaming accessories like gamepads in the Android 17 update. Users may be able to program or remap buttons on their controllers, and there could be support for an on-screen gamepad for large-screen Android devices. The update may also bring wider compatibility with external controllers, lower latency connections, and performance boosts in graphics APIs like Vulkan.

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.

BetaBeacon

November 15, 2025

Android 17 May Bring Forced Controller Support for Every Game

Google is preparing a quality-of-life update for Android 17 that will introduce native, system-level support for managing game controllers. This update will include a new Controller Remapping permission restricted to system-signed apps, a central hub for controllers in the Settings app, and a virtual gamepad that can map on-screen touch controls to physical controller inputs. This update aims to provide stable, low-latency, and predictable behavior across all games and devices, making mobile gaming more enjoyable for users.