Microsoft’s new Xbox Gamepad Cursor adds a virtual mouse to handhelds
Microsoft has begun testing a new feature called Gamepad Cursor in its Xbox mode for Windows-based handhelds. The feature enables users to convert the left stick of handheld gaming devices, such as the Asus ROG Ally X, into a virtual mouse pointer, providing a solution for applications that lack controller support.
Accessible directly from the Game Bar in Windows 11, the Gamepad Cursor simplifies usability for non-gaming software on portable devices. Unlike Asus’s own cursor implementation built into Armory Crate, Microsoft’s solution integrates seamlessly into the Xbox mode interface, eliminating the need for additional third-party software to activate the feature.
The Gamepad Cursor addresses a common limitation of handheld gaming PCs: the inability to easily navigate traditional desktop applications and web interfaces designed for mouse-and-keyboard input. By repurposing the analog stick as a cursor control mechanism, the feature extends the versatility of gaming handhelds beyond their primary use case, making them more practical for everyday computing tasks.
This development reflects Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Windows gaming experience on portable devices and improve the integration of Xbox features into its broader Windows ecosystem.