Microsoft reveals prototype Xbox controllers for mobile devices

Earlier this month Microsoft revealed Project xCloud, an Xbox One streaming service which is designed to bring Xbox quality graphics to low-power devices through the powers of cloud gaming. 

While we know that game streaming can be effective, Microsoft knows that the Xbox gaming experience doesn’t end with what is shown on-screen. Controls have been an important factor for gamers since the dawn of the industry, forcing Xbox to invest in a new gamepad design that can be used with both home consoles and mobile devices.   

While Microsoft has experimented with touch-based mobile interfaces, we all know that a touchscreen emulation cannot compete with a real gamepad spawning Microsoft’s “Versatile” controller. A paper detailing Microsoft’s research efforts is available to read here. This controller concept may prove to be vital for Microsoft, as they continue to push cloud gaming in the future. 

In their paper, Microsoft mentions Nintendo’s Switch console, noting how potent the combination of “mobile gaming with physical controls” can be, a factor which has prevented gaming smartphones from reaching their fullest potential.