Xbox Insiders Get First Dibs on Mouse and Keyboard Support for Xbox Cloud Gaming

Microsoft has exciting news for Xbox enthusiasts enrolled in the Insider program: they can now be among the first to test mouse and keyboard support for Xbox Cloud Gaming.

In a recent Xbox Wire update, Microsoft shared the latest release notes for Xbox Insiders. Among the highlights is the introduction of mouse and keyboard support for Alpha Skip-Ahead users, offering a sneak peek at this feature on the cloud gaming service. Initially, support will be available on Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome web browsers, as well as the Windows PC Xbox App.

As with any preview feature, Xbox Insiders may encounter some hiccups as Microsoft refines the experience before a wider release. According to the blog post, while some games will initially display a controller interface, the mouse and keyboard UI will activate once players start using these peripherals, such as moving the cursor with the mouse. Additionally, those using the service on a web browser must enable full-screen mode for the feature to function properly.

Microsoft also provided a list of games currently supporting mouse and keyboard on the service, along with any known issues. Here's the full list:

• Fortnite (Browsers only)

• ARK Survival Evolved

• Sea of Thieves

• Grounded

• Halo Infinite

• Atomic Heart

• Sniper Elite 5

• Deep Rock Galactic

• High on Life

• Zombie Army 4 Dead War

• Gears Tactics

• Pentiment

• Doom 64

• Age of Empires 2

It's worth noting that some games may encounter difficulty when switching between gamepad (controller) and mouse and keyboard while streaming.

This announcement is part of Microsoft's gradual rollout for its cloud gaming service, which has been in beta since late 2019. Over the past few months, the service has also added support for Meta Quest virtual reality headsets, showcasing Microsoft's commitment to expanding the accessibility and versatility of Xbox gaming.