Xbox Controllers Could Support Mapping of Keyboard Keys in the Future as Test Runs Start on “Alpha” Builds

Published 07/26/2023, 5:52 AM EDT

Follow Us

Xbox has always been a platform that has pushed its boundaries beyond its limits to give an enhanced gaming experience to its fans. Be it collaborating with other titles or implementing modern technologies on its consoles and peripherals. Something like that is going to happen very soon.

Very soon, Xbox players will be able to map keyboard keys to their controller buttons. This feature is under development. If this comes live, this will be a groundbreaking feature of Xbox that will not only give greater flexibility to the players but will also expand the limit of customization. Let’s delve into the article and explore this feature that’s creating buzz among the fans.

The Keyboard Button Mapping Feature: How Does It Work?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

This keyboard button mapping feature is now accessible only to Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead members of the Xbox Insider Program. The program ensures fans experience this generational feature hands-on and gives the company the opportunity to make required changes and updates on the basis of their feedback.

If you own the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 or the Xbox Adaptive Controller, you will be able to access the feature through the Xbox Accessories app. To use this feature, all you have to do is open the Xbox Accessories app and then create a new profile or modify the existing one. After that, select a controller button that you want to map, then choose either the Primary’ or ‘Shift’ functions. At last, proceed to the ‘Key’ tab to complete the mapping process.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The fun doesn’t end here. Xbox has also facilitated the keyboard button mapping feature for Windows PC users. You just have to join the Windows Gaming Preview from the Xbox Insider hub, and through the Xbox Accessories app, you can enjoy this feature.

Limitations Imposed by Xbox

This is a game-changing feature that will take customizations to a whole new level as far as gaming is concerned. But there will be certain limitations to maintaining balance in the gaming community. Selected controller buttons can be mapped to a single key only, with the option of combining modifier keys like Win, Shift, Ctrl, and Alt. For example, you can map the ‘Share’ button to S on the keyboard or choose combinations such as Ctrl+Alt+S. Also, a reminder that more complex combinations like Ctrl+Alt+S+A will not be supported.

Xbox has also acknowledged that the degree of input support will totally vary depending on the games you are playing. So there might be games that will be fully functional with the keyboard button mapping feature, but on the other hand, there will be games that will partially or not support this feature at all. Also, you won’t be able to access the feature via Bluetooth on your PC.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

These certain limitations are posed to restrict players from taking undue advantages in competitive scenarios and also to maintain the game’s true mechanics and spirit.

Although there are some limitations, Xbox’s upcoming keyboard button mapping feature will bring a revolution to the world of gaming. And this feature is proof of how committed Xbox is to making the gaming experience better and more flexible for fans.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Here‘s the Xbox’s Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2308.230720-2200) to see other announcements.

Watch this Story : The Best PlayStation, Xbox, and PC Games Based on Popular Novels

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Nilendu Brahma

407Articles

One take at a time

Nilendu Brahma is an eSports Content Writer at EssentiallySports, bringing his passion for gaming and sports journalism to the forefront. With a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Nilendu combines his love for writing with his expertise in eSports. As a die-hard Barcelona fan and a cricket fanatic, he understands the pulse of sports enthusiasts.
Show More>

Edited by:

Harshita