Microsoft is Developing Mobile Controller Attachments

Microsoft has been looking to bring high-quality gaming to all mediums, including phones. But with just a touchscreen, how can we expect to have a fluid feeling gameplay experience? That's why Microsoft is developing controller attachments.

Detailed in research papers by the tech company, we see a prototype controller set up for mobile gaming. It features two separate halves of a controller. When connected together, they resemble that of a normal Xbox controller, albeit slimmer. The two separate halves can also attach themselves to the side of your mobile device, enabling a "screen between controller" play mode.

"As smartphones and tablets have become pervasive, so has mobile gaming. Not surprisingly, popular games for these platforms are focused on touchscreen-based interaction. However, many types of game are less well-suited to mobile devices. Despite systems like AdaptControl which can adapt to the 'drift' typically occurring when using virtual on-screen controls, touch-based emulations of traditional gaming controls like Dpads, buttons & joysticks are often unsatisfactory."

With this philosophy in mind, Microsoft designed the featured prototype. Starting as conceptual renders, the company built physical prototypes out of foam and 3D printing.

The controller setup is intended for use with the Project xCloud, a game to device streaming program intended to bring console quality to people's smartphones. We're seeing an increased interest in playing your console/PC games from your phone, with programs like PlayStation Network play and Steam Link for Android as common examples.

If the controller isn't too expensive, and the connection system works smoothly and without lag, then this could be a fantastic method for those who are out and about too often to commit to most games. Though given it's current development stage, it'll be a few years before we see more.