Xbox Cloud Gaming lets you stream your favorite Xbox titles directly to your PC or mobile device. It’s a fantastic way to jump into the Xbox universe without needing a console. But what if you prefer the precision and control of a keyboard and mouse?
While not every game on Xbox Cloud Gaming offers native keyboard and mouse support, there are ways to make it work for many titles. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using a keyboard and mouse with Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Does Xbox Cloud Gaming Support Keyboard and Mouse?
Microsoft recently introduced official keyboard and mouse support for Xbox Cloud Gaming. This means that some games now recognize keyboard and mouse inputs directly, offering a seamless experience. However, it’s important to note that this feature is still in its early stages.
Not all games currently support keyboard and mouse. You’ll need to check the game’s details on the Xbox Cloud Gaming platform to see if it’s compatible. Additionally, some games might require in-game adjustments to optimize the controls for keyboard and mouse.
What You’ll Need
- A PC with a reliable internet connection (wired ethernet is recommended for the best performance)
- A Microsoft account with an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription (Xbox Cloud Gaming is included with this subscription)
- A keyboard and mouse
Getting Started
- Head to the Web: Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the Xbox Cloud Gaming website. Sign in using your Microsoft account.
- Pick Your Game: Browse the library of available games and choose the one you want to play with keyboard and mouse. Keep in mind that not all games currently support this feature. You can usually find this information on the game’s details page.
- Full Screen Focus: Before you start the game, make sure your web browser window is in full-screen mode. This is crucial for Xbox Cloud Gaming to properly capture your mouse and keyboard inputs.
Playing with Keyboard and Mouse:
- Cloud Power Up: Click on the chosen game to launch it through Xbox Cloud Gaming. The game will stream directly to your browser window.
- Welcome the Controls: Once the game loads, you should be able to use your keyboard and mouse to navigate the menus and in-game world. The on-screen prompts will typically reflect controller buttons, but the game will recognize your keyboard and mouse inputs.
- Fine-Tuning (Optional): Some games might offer additional options to customize keyboard and mouse controls. Look for settings menus within the game itself to adjust things like key bindings and mouse sensitivity to your preference.
Important Notes:
- Not All Games Are Created Equal: As mentioned earlier, not every game available on Xbox Cloud Gaming currently supports keyboard and mouse. While the library is growing, it’s always best to check the game’s details page before diving in.
- Embrace the Hybrid: Even in games that support keyboard and mouse, you might still encounter menus or features that are designed for controller input. In these cases, you can simply switch back and forth between your controller and keyboard and mouse as needed.
- Third-Party Enhancements: While Microsoft offers official keyboard and mouse support, there are also browser extensions available that claim to further enhance the experience. These extensions can provide additional customization options or even enable keyboard and mouse functionality in games that don’t officially support it. However, proceed with caution when using third-party extensions, as they might not be officially supported by Microsoft and could potentially introduce security risks.
Using a Third-Party Browser Extension for Keyboard and Mouse
If the game you want to play doesn’t officially support keyboard and mouse, you can use a third-party browser extension. These extensions act as a bridge between your keyboard and mouse inputs and the Xbox controller emulation used by Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Here’s a breakdown of how to use a browser extension for keyboard and mouse:
- Choose a Browser Extension: There are a few browser extensions available that offer keyboard and mouse support for Xbox Cloud Gaming. A popular option is “Keyboard & Mouse for Xbox xCloud.”
- Install the Extension: Head to your web browser’s extension store and search for the chosen extension. Follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
- Launch Xbox Cloud Gaming: Open your web browser and navigate to the Xbox Cloud Gaming website. Sign in to your Microsoft account and choose the game you want to play.
- Enable the Extension: Once the game starts streaming, activate the keyboard and mouse extension you installed. This will typically involve clicking on the extension icon in your browser toolbar.
- Configure Controls (Optional): Some extensions allow you to customize the button mapping. You can choose which keyboard keys or mouse buttons correspond to specific controller buttons. This can be helpful for finding a control scheme that feels comfortable for you.
Important Note: It’s important to choose a reputable browser extension and be cautious about granting permissions. Always check reviews and ensure the extension comes from a trusted source.
Games That Support Keyboard and Mouse
Here’s a list of Xbox Cloud Gaming games that currently support mouse and keyboard input:
- ARK: Survival Ascended
- ARK: Ultimate Survivor Edition
- Atomic Heart
- Cities: Skylines – Remastered
- Cities: Skylines – Xbox One Edition
- DOOM 64
- Deep Rock Galactic
- Gears Tactics
- Grounded
- Halo Infinite (Campaign)
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Hypnospace Outlaw
- Inkulinati
- Insurgency: Sandstorm
- Minecraft Legends
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
- Pentiment
- Quake
- Quake II
- Remnant II: Standard Edition
- Roboquest
- Sea of Thieves: 2024 Edition
- Shadow Warrior 3: Definitive Edition
- Sniper Elite 5
- Space Engineers
- SpiderHeck
- State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition
- Terraria
- The Sims 4 EA Play Edition
- Valheim (Game Preview)
- Zombie Army 4: Dead War
Things to Consider Before Using Keyboard and Mouse
- Compatibility: Not all games on Xbox Cloud Gaming support keyboard and mouse, even with third-party extensions. Check the game’s details before diving in.
- Input Lag: Streaming games introduce some level of input lag, which can be more noticeable with fast-paced games. Using a wired keyboard and mouse can help minimize this lag.
- User Interface: Some games might display controller prompts even when using keyboard and mouse. This can be visually jarring, but it shouldn’t affect gameplay functionality.
- Competitive Play: Be aware that using keyboard and mouse might give you an advantage over players using controllers in some games. Check the game’s rules and regulations before using keyboard and mouse in competitive modes.
Troubleshooting Tips
- The Classic Restart: If you’re encountering any issues with keyboard and mouse recognition, a simple browser refresh or restart can often do the trick.
- Check for Updates: Make sure your web browser is running the latest version. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility problems.
- Game Settings: Double-check the in-game settings to ensure there aren’t any options conflicting with your keyboard and mouse inputs.
Final Thoughts
While Xbox Cloud Gaming’s official keyboard and mouse support is still evolving, third-party browser extensions offer a way to experience your favorite games with your preferred controls. Whether you’re a seasoned PC gamer or simply find keyboard and mouse more comfortable, this guide equips you with the knowledge to elevate your Xbox Cloud Gaming experience.
So, grab your keyboard and mouse, dive into Xbox Cloud Gaming, and prepare to conquer those virtual worlds!
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