How Do I Know If My Game Supports Controllers? A Breakdown for Gamers
As a hardcore gamer, few things are more annoying than booting up an exciting new title only to find your prized controller painfully unsupported.
So how can players easily determine if a game will accept inputs from an Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo or other gamepad? Let‘s dig into the indicators and options across platforms.
The State of Controller Support
While console systems like PlayStation, Xbox and Switch are designed exclusively for use with controllers, support varies wildly in the PC and mobile realms.
According to a Steam Community hardware survey, just 63% of Steam games offer full controller integration as of 2022. 23% have partial support with limited functions. And a sizeable 14% are fully incompatible with gamepads, relying solely on mouse/keyboard setups.
The situation in mobile is even more scattershot thanks to the touchscreen-first nature of smartphones and tablets. Android at least offers native integration of popular controllers like Sony‘s DualShock 4.
But many iOS games ignore controller input altogether unless developers intentionally account for accessories like the SteelSeries Stratus Duo or Razer Kishi. Certain titles even block controller support outright if detected.
Let‘s cover how controllers can or can‘t be used across current systems, including tricks that clever gamers have uncovered.
Checking for Controller Support
PC Platforms
On Windows PCs and especially through Steam, checking a game‘s controller readiness is blissfully easy in 2024:
1. Verify the Steam page – Games that integrate gamepad controls will showcase a controller icon front and center beside the usual keyboard/mouse symbol.
2. Classify the integration quality – On closer inspection, Steam specifies "Full", "Partial" or "Basic" compatibility for each title. Only "Full" ensures seamless play.
Even without indications, PC presents options to players. Through tinkering with middleware like Steam Input or Controller Configurator programs, games can gain unofficial yet workable gamepad bindings. Unique control methods have been crafted for hits like Dark Souls, Stardew Valley and Cities Skylines by ambitious enthusiasts.
For more flexibility, I cannot understate the value of initiatives like Steam Big Picture. Transforming your desktop into console-like interface primes Windows 10 or 11 for controller-driven navigation.
iOS and Android
Unlike the enhancements found on PC, tapping into mobile controllers offers less guaranteed compatibility:
No mandates exist across iOS and Android forcing developers to account for play beyond touchscreens. Instead the impetus lies on studios like Epic, Gameloft and Telltale Games to deliver button mapping on an app-by-app basis.
sizeable contingent of mobile games do tout controller integration, including hits like Minecraft, Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact. But finding support specifics often requires deep App Store diving:
1. Read the description – Among various screenshots and promotional text, devs may directly confirm controller readiness like with upcoming puzzle title Lemnis Gate. This first party confirmation is increasingly common the past 2 years.
2. Scan user reviews – If the listing avoids mention, scrolling into reviews frequently surfaces player testimonials on what pads properly connect. Savvy gamers thankfully share their compatibility findings.
3. Test peripherals yourself – When all else fails, only plugging in gear like the Nacon MG-X or Razer Kishi provides definitive proof one way or another. Be ready to request refunds!
Despite gaps, players have driven explosive interest in mobile controllers like Backbone‘s iPhone-snug offering. With Apple embracing official pad support since iOS 13 and Google adding native recognition too, the form factor shows no signs of fading.
PlayStation, Xbox and Switch
While less efficient at driving work calls or web browsing, console setups require zero guesswork for controller support confidence:
Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo actuate their platforms exclusively around gamepads. Their respective DualShock, Xbox Wireless Controller and Joy-Con serve as mandatory inputs for the vast majority of titles.
Select games like CD Projekt‘s upcoming Phantom Liberty do enable keyboard and mouse on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. But these are rare exceptions, not the norm.
As a result, seeing a game physically released on disc or digitally sold on the PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop or Xbox Marketplace cements full integration with that console‘s official controller.
Smooth Controller Setups Solve Frustrations
With controller capabilities varying so greatly depending on the game and target device, unpredictability remains an ongoing annoyance. Will that hot new release accept your prized Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma or lovingly crafted custom arcade pad?
Thankfully as connectivity standards improve and recognition tricks spread among gaming communities, players wield more influence than ever ensuring their preferred gamepad works flawlessly. We must vigorously continue holding developers accountable.
Until universally supported controls become an industry mandate, following the above guidance helps console, PC and mobile gamers alike benefit from the superior feedback of gaming controllers over mundane touchscreens.
Button mashing lives on thanks to our collective efforts! What games have you uncovered slick workarounds for adding controller configurations on? Share your insights in the comments below.
