Microsoft’s initiative to make their home console as accessible as possible continues with support for mouse and keyboard controls. A recently leaked internal video aimed at developers outlined the company’s plans to extend full support for the control scheme soon. According to the video, any non-Bluetooth Windows mouse and any USB keyboard will be compatible with the system soon. As such, lapdesk keyboards like Razer’s Turret could be the next living room controller.
Competitive Concerns with Mouse and Keyboard Controls
Users with the traditional PC control scheme have a distinct advantage in competitive games over those using gamepads. Microsoft’s video urged developers to consider having different matchmaking lobbies for users with keyboard and mouse control schemes.
Additionally, Microsoft has suggested this push could also help crack down on hackers. A notable hack currently allows for a mouse signal to be spoofed through a controller. Thus, allowing for greater aim and reaction time than is possible with a gamepad. The updated API that will allow for direct mouse control will also be able to dsitinguish such hacks.
Xbox Accessibility
The recently-announced Xbox Adaptive Controller showed that Microsoft is looking to find new ways to enhance the Xbox control experience. The XAC, for its part, is looking to make Xbox easier to use for those with physical impairments. The mouse and keyboard initiative, however, seems to be more aimed at hardcore gamers. These steps are all fantastic, though: why force gamers to use a gamepad if they’d rather use something else? By embracing the different ways users want to interact with their system, Xbox wins the goodwill of current users and the patronage of new users.
This move seems to be coinciding with Microsoft’s push to be perceived as a “good guy” in the home console market. Recent marketing from Nintendo has promoted cross-play between Switch and Xbox One. Rocket League, Minecraft and Fortnite all support cross-platform play. Sony, meanwhile, has been stubbornly blocking cross-play for those titles on their own system. Microsoft has taken this opportunity to push marketing making themselves, and Nintendo, seem like rational, cool-headed companies. Or, the “good guys,” as it were.
One Step Closer to a Living Room Gaming PC
The Xbox is essentially a Windows computer that has been optimized for gaming. The difference between the Xbox One and a gaming PC is becoming harder to tell with each update. While some may ask why Microsoft even feels the need to release dedicated consoles anymore, the Xbox brand has been quite successful.
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