In a move set to enhance user experience, Microsoft is rolling out an update for Windows 11 that will simplify typing with an Xbox controller, particularly on handheld devices. This update brings the controller functionality from the Xbox Series X|S to the Windows 11 environment, making it more accessible for users who prefer gaming on the go.
Enhanced Controller Functionality
According to reports from The Verge, all Windows 11 users can expect to see this new Xbox controller feature in the coming weeks. The update introduces a gamepad-specific layout for touch keyboards, which will include a variety of controller shortcuts designed to streamline the typing process. For instance, users will be able to press the X button for backspace and the Y button for space, mirroring the familiar experience of typing on an Xbox console.
Microsoft’s official announcement elaborates on this enhancement: “We have enabled the gamepad keyboard layout for the touch keyboard in Windows 11. This change introduces the ability to use your Xbox controller to navigate and type. This includes button accelerators (example: X button for backspace, Y button for spacebar); additionally, the keyboard keys have been vertically aligned for better controller navigation patterns.”
Implications for Handheld Gaming
This new controller support is particularly noteworthy as it extends to Windows 11 mobile devices, potentially igniting speculation surrounding a rumored Xbox-branded handheld device slated for release later this year. Reports suggest that Microsoft may be collaborating with Asus on this device, which is expected to run Windows and feature Xbox-inspired aesthetics. Furthermore, there are indications that Microsoft is also working on an internally developed Xbox handheld, targeting a launch in 2027.
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has previously expressed interest in creating an Xbox handheld, emphasizing his desire for current PC handhelds to embody the essence of Xbox. This aligns with a broader marketing strategy aimed at reinforcing the notion that Xbox encompasses more than just a single console experience.
