Microsoft Prototype Xbox Controllers for Mobile Pictured

Mobile Controllers for Project xCloud?

Microsoft officially announced their Project xCloud game streaming service several weeks ago. The service intends to deliver game streaming not only to PCs, but for consoles and mobile devices as well.

The ambitious project has been in the works for several years now. Although it seems to be only economically viable lately with the rise of cloud services and technology finally catching up.

Now it appears that Microsoft is also working on a versatile controller attachment for the mobile devices according to Windows Central. Undoubtedly to bring parity to the gaming experience on that platform in comparison to the PC or consoles. Especially since mobile gaming is heavily touch-control based. This limits the playability significantly compared to other platforms.

Microsoft Research has been drawing up and making prototypes of this controller. The goal is for the device to be versatile and able to work standalone or as an attachment. One of the designs looks like a slimmer Xbox One controller, except it is actually a left and right piece with a dock in the middle. These two separate pieces can be removed and placed directly on a tablet or phone.

When is Project xCloud Streaming Service Launching?

These are of course, still early prototypes and they do not even have an official name yet. Nonetheless, it is interesting to see that Microsoft is keeping mobile gamers in mind.

As for the Project xCloud itself, that might take some time arriving as well. Although considering Microsoft has been working on it for years, they are much closer to launching the service now more than ever.