Microsoft will soon let users map keyboard keys to their Xbox controller buttons, news confirmed in the latest Xbox Insider build.
The new functionality is now available in the Alpha ring for Xbox Insiders via the Xbox Update Preview, and currently only works for both the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and the Xbox Adaptive Controller.
Microsoft notes that players can also map controller buttons to a keyboard as well, via the Xbox Accessories app on your Windows PC. You can only set one key to one button, and vice-versa, so combinations like Ctrl+Alt+S will not work.
Lastly, Microsoft noted that the functionality is still dependent on games supporting it, as some may offer full custom controls, partial, or none at all.
Here’s a rundown on the new functionality:
Keyboard Button Mapping for Xbox Controllers
For the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and the Xbox Adaptive Controller, the Xbox Accessories app now supports mapping keyboard keys to your controller!
To get started, open the Xbox Accessories app > Configure > create a new profile or edit an existing one > select a button to map > choose Primary or Shift > then move over to the new Key tab.
You can also find this feature in the Xbox Accessories app on your Windows PC by joining the Windows Gaming preview from the Xbox Insider Hub. Learn more about joining the Windows Gaming preview in the Xbox Insider Program FAQ.
Note:
- You may only map a given controller button to a single key, along with any combination of modifier keys (Win, Shift, Ctrl, Alt). For example, you could map Ctrl+Alt+W, but not Ctrl+Alt+W+E.
- Keyboard input support is game dependent, so you may notice some games will offer full support, partial support, or no support.
- Using or mapping keyboard keys via Bluetooth on PC is not supported. Learn more about the Xbox Accessories app and Bluetooth connections here.
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