Android Gaming: Google Adds Support To Xbox Elite Controller On USB

Good news to smartphone, Xbox and PlayStation gamers, Google will add support to Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Controller, which usually does not work when connected to most Android devices over USB.

At last, pairing up a game controller to phones will no longer be a major problem as Google promised to add support on Xbox Elite Controller from the next Android update. The promise comes with the assurance that the controller mapping on the next Android devices will be as fluid as needed.

How It Works

The Android Open Source Project Gerrit revealed that they have added a key layout file for the model 1698 Xbox Elite Controller, a 2015 released model which is still widely available today. This layout file makes button presses on games recognizable for Android.

The absence of the added key layout file on the present Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is why most Android devices over USB do not respond when connected to the said wireless controller. Without the said controller, button presses also become unrecognizable and at times lead to actions not prompted by the gamer.

On the other hand, there are certain devices that work together when connected -- like connecting Sony’s DualShock 4 controller to a smartphone to use it playing with a PlayStation 4.

Restrictions

Since the Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Wireless Controller neither operates over Bluetooth nor does it work wirelessly, gamers can only enjoy the benefit of the added key layout when their devices are connected or wired via USB.

The added key layout only applies to the first generation Elite Controller. The recently announced Microsoft controllers do not cover the support.

Some Android versions were designed by manufacturers to be fully capable of the said support while others are not. As of the moment, no specific brand names and models for each category were released yet.

More Supports Added

Aside from the Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Wireless Controller support, Google also added key layout files for other Xbox One controllers. The tech giant added the support for model 1537 for USB and model 1708 for USB and Bluetooth almost a year after it added the controller mapping for the Xbox One S wireless controller.