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Microsoft is integrating touch controls into its Xbox programs for iOS and Android smartphones.
This week, the software developer began testing touch controls in beta versions of the Xbox mobile apps, allowing Xbox owners to remotely operate their consoles and play games on phones and tablets without the use of a Bluetooth controller.
Microsoft's Xbox Mobile Apps Will Soon Users To Remotely Play With Just Touch Controllers
The touch controls are identical to those available on Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming service, with an on-screen overlay that allows you to remotely navigate the Xbox UI, open games, and stream them all from your own console without the need for a controller, as per The Verge.
The touch controls are surprisingly good in a pinch, especially considering that you previously had to utilize a Bluetooth controller for this remote-play experience. Obviously, a specialized controller will provide a significantly better experience.
However, Microsoft did announce a few years back that 20% of Xbox Cloud Gaming gamers only utilize touch controls. Microsoft has already added bespoke Xbox touch controls to hundreds of Xbox games, with titles such as Hades, Minecraft Dungeons, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon being especially popular.
Microsoft Expands Xbox Touch Controls to Android, iOS, and Enhances Cloud Gaming Experience
Microsoft has also used Xbox touch controls on its dual-screen Surface Duo handset, which, when activated, resembles a Nintendo 3DS running Xbox games. That was confined to the few individuals who purchased a Surface Duo, so it's encouraging to see that millions more will now have access to Xbox touch controllers on Android and iOS devices.
Microsoft has gradually added Xbox Touch Controls to over 50 games in recent months, including Sea of Thieves, Gears 5, and Minecraft Dungeons. The full list of touch-compatible games can be found here, and you can even stream games to the Surface Duo using a standard Bluetooth or Xbox controller.
Now that Microsoft has announced plans to create a dedicated Xbox Cloud Gaming app for iOS, we may expect to see them there.
Photo: Mika Baumeister/Unsplash
