Microsoft Expands its Cloud Gaming Service with Mouse and Keyboard Support for PC Users

In an effort to provide a more accessible gaming experience for PC users, Xbox Cloud Gaming has recently added support for mouse and keyboard in the preview version. This means that players can now use these peripherals to enjoy titles like Fortnite, Doom 64, and Sea of Thieves through the Xbox cloud service on Edge and Chrome browsers, as well as the Xbox app on Windows PC.

Two years ago, users playing games from the Xbox Cloud Gaming catalog on PC had to connect a controller to play. However, some users prefer using a mouse and keyboard for better control when playing on a computer. To make this experience more accessible, Xbox began working on adding mouse and keyboard support in March 2022.

Now, this feature is available to users enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview program. Players can seamlessly use a mouse and keyboard to play a variety of games in the Xbox Cloud Gaming catalog. Titles such as Fortnite, ARK Survival Evolved, Sea of Thieves, and Halo Infinite, among others, now support these peripherals. Users must enable preview features in their browser and play games in full-screen mode to utilize this feature effectively.

While some games may initially display controller UI elements, they will adapt to mouse and keyboard controls once the player starts using these peripherals. This new feature aims to enhance the gaming experience for players who prefer using a mouse and keyboard on PC.

In summary, Microsoft has expanded its cloud gaming service by adding support for mouse and keyboard input devices for PC users enrolled in the preview program. This feature allows players to enjoy popular titles like Fortnite with better control while playing on their computers using their preferred input devices.