Beta Testing Begins for Xbox Cloud Gaming with Mouse and Keyboard Compatibility
Microsoft is launching an array of new features for Xbox, as detailed in their recent Xbox Wire blog post. Among these updates is the introduction of mouse and keyboard support for games played via Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service. Although still in the beta-testing phase, this feature is now available for 26 titles.
“Mouse and keyboard support for cloud gaming will start rolling out today,” the blog post announced. “You can now use your mouse and keyboard for your gaming experience on web browsers (Edge or Chrome). Later this month, you’ll also be able to use the Xbox app on PC by selecting a game that has a mouse and keyboard badge. From there, you will be able to use your mouse and keyboard to control the game, just like you would on a PC game.”
The currently compatible games for mouse and keyboard support include:
- ARK Survival Evolved
- Atomic Heart
- Cities: Skylines – Mayor’s Edition
- Cities: Skylines – Remastered
- Deep Rock Galactic
- Doom 64
- Fortnite (browser only)
- Gears Tactics
- Grounded
- Halo Infinite
- High on Life
- House Flipper
- Inkulinati (Game Preview)
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
- Norco
- Pentiment
- Quake
- Quake 2
- Sea of Thieves
- Slime Rancher 2
- Sniper Elite 5
- State of Decay 2
- Terraria
- The Sims 4
- Valheim (game preview)
- Zombie Army 4: Dead War
To test this feature on web browsers, players can follow these steps:
- Go to xbox.com/play.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Select a mouse and keyboard-supported game.
Players can switch seamlessly between using a mouse-and-keyboard combination or a controller. Simply press the Xbox button on the controller or any key on the keyboard to swap input devices.
Additionally, the Xbox app on PC will receive a special update to celebrate the upcoming release of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, launching on May 21. The update will introduce a new channel to the Xbox app, highlighting the new entry in the series and making it easier to find the previous title. The channel will also feature a “captivating video” to promote the newest game. Players can pre-install Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II now to ensure it’s ready to play upon release.
Players interested in early access to updates can join the Xbox Insider Program, allowing them to share feedback and help shape the future of Xbox.