BackPublished: July 14, 2021
Summer is the prime-time of all the gaming-related goods, so you’ll see a lot popping out here and there. Today we’ll discuss the Microsoft cloud gaming service — Xbox Cloud Gaming, or, xCloud. It’s currently in Beta stage, but has this ever stopped anyone from trying? To give it a shot you would need an Xbox Game Pass, a supported device and controller.
Let’s dig deeper into the xCloud-right-in-your-browser situation (check the system requirements first). And even though the list of supported controllers is quite exhaustive, you can’t natively use mouse and keyboard on xCloud at the moment. Good thing you are reading this blog post though, because we’re about to provide you with a guide: learn how to use Xbox Cloud gaming with keyboard and mouse.
Why stop there, if you can also use Azeron keypad, Steam controller, Nintendo Switch Pro and Joy-Cons, maybe even a PlayStation Navigation gamepad with Xbox Cloud service? Learn how to play xCloud on PC with any device supported by reWASD. And also, as usual, the troubleshooting part: make sure to check it out if you experience any difficulties. You can always contact us in Discord, Forum or Facebook, so we could help you out with setting up reWASD.
For any of the further steps, you would need reWASD installed. Don’t be shy, use the benefits of a free trial!
I want to play Xbox Cloud gaming with keyboard and mouse
After successfully downloading, installing reWASD, and then rebooting your PC, complete the following steps:
- Define where your mouse and keyboard devices are: if you see the icons with question marks in the bottom-left corner, you will need to initialize some devices. Make sure to use Detection mode to make the correct choice!
- If you plan to make an xCloud mouse and keyboard setup, you need to group the devices you plan to use: click on the Group icon near the name of a device, then add another device you wish to use along with it
- Time to make a config. We understand that it may seem like a long road, that’s why we suggest starting with our config to use mouse and keyboard on xCloud. You can modify it up to your needs later
- If you have decided to create a config from scratch, make sure to choose a Virtual Xbox One controller in Virtual controller settings; and find your perfect way to get the unmapped mouse back
- After you have made, or imported the config, you need to choose it in the upper-right menu, and press Apply. Done, your xCloud mouse and keyboard config is ready to play any game!
You can add controllers to that same group too! This way, keyboard, mouse, and controller will eventually appear as one device on your PC
There is one more thing worth mentioning, a mouse remapped to the Right stick will require your attention. It won’t act as a regular mouse, it will act as a Right controller stick, and that is an entirely different story. reWASD provides lots of settings that you can modify to make the movement more mouse-like, and I would suggest starting with this blog post about setting up the mouse as a Right stick. Or, if you feel more comfortable watching a video, start here:
My controller is supported by reWASD, but is not supported by xCloud
You can use any gamepad reWASD supports to play xCloud on PC. Make sure to check the xCloud list of supported controllers, and if you don’t see your gamepad there, but clearly see it in reWASD interface — the next steps are exactly what you need!
- Connect your gamepad to PC, choose it in the list of connected devices (bottom-left corner)
- Create a new profile and config. You can also choose the xCloud Chrome or Edge config made by our team
- If you decided to make a config from scratch, all you need to do once a new config is created is to click on a Magic Wand below the image of a controller and choose Virtual Xbox One
- Once you have settled the config part, press Apply and play xCloud on PC, any game is at your disposal!
A little clarification for Azeron keypad owners, you would need to make sure you have a Virtual Xbox One controller in Virtual controller settings, and assign all the binds manually
Bonus pro-tip for using xCloud iOS or Android app
As you may know, reWASD is capable of creating an External Virtual controller if you have a powerful Bluetooth Adapter. That means, if you wish to use a mouse, keyboard, or any supported controller on xCloud iOS or Android app — you can do that! Follow these steps:
- Remap your device(s) like one of the guide above shows, check one for keyboard and mouse and one for controller
- Open Virtual controller settings. Then make sure you have Xbox One controller chosen in Virtual controller settings, and check the External device box:
- At this point you would need to setup a Bluetooth adapter and reboot your PC after that, please check a more detailed guide
- After you reboot, you need to connect to your Target. Make sure that you have Bluetooth enabled on your device, and complete the steps from this guide
- When you successfully connect the External Xbox One to your device, you’re ready to go
Test the input from our External Virtual controller with a gamepad tester. You can find this app in the App Store, or Google Play Store.
How to play xCloud on PC with Nintendo Switch controller?
It will take you a few clicks to set up the xCloud Nintendo Switch configuration! Let’s see how you do it step-by-step:
- Connect the controller to PC
- Choose it in the lower-left corner, then click the Profile icon and Add a new profile or pick an existing one
- If you chose an existing profile, click + sign to add a new xCloud Nintendo Switch config. If you created a new profile, the empty config is added automatically
- Now, all you need to do is press the Magic Wand icon and choose Xbox One controller in the drop-down list
Here you go, your xCloud Nintendo Switch setup is ready, and you can test it in games :)
Troubleshooting whatever could go wrong with xCloud on PC
Now you know how to play xCloud on PC with any device supported in reWASD, but sometimes things don't go as smoothly as we want them to. Let's troubleshoot!
- First and foremost, you should open xCloud in Chrome or Edge after you apply the config in reWASD. Thus, Apply the config first, then refresh \ reopen the xCloud website
- Let’s check if reWASD emulates the controller in your system correctly. Click Win+R, type in joy.cpl, press Enter. Keep this Game Controllers window open, get back to reWASD, and Apply the config to use mouse and keyboard on xCloud. Check back to the Game Controllers window, are there any controllers in there? Since you, most likely, need reWASD to emulate an Xbox One controller, you should see a Bluetooth XINPUT compatible input device there. Double-click it, and try to press some keys to check the input
- If you see the controller, press the keys, but nothing is happening in the tester, use Detection mode to make sure you have applied the config to the right device(s). It may be easier to reset the initialization info and the group (open Preferences — General, and press Clear Data), and to re-initialize all the devices from scratch
- If you see Wireless Controller in the Game Controllers window, re-check the Virtual controller settings in reWASD config. You should have an Xbox One controller chosen
- If all-of-the-above steps did not help, you can try to change the Xbox One controller in Virtual controller settings to Xbox 360 gamepad
If you have more than one controller in joy.cpl, xCloud may focus on some other gamepad, not on reWASD's Xbox One. So make sure you whether disconnect the physical gamepads that you have connected at the moment, or check if you have remapped some other device by accident.
We hope this post answers all of the questions you had about how to play xCloud on PC. If you have more, we will gladly chat with you and discuss them! Reach out to us wherever you feel comfortable: Discord text chat, on Facebook, or on reWASD Forum. Make sure to follow us on Pinterest, Reddit, and YouTube to keep your hand on the pulse.
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FAQs
Can I play Xbox cloud on PC with keyboard? ›
While there are plenty of games that could work quite well with keyboard and mouse setups, there are limitations. Despite Xbox Cloud Gaming running from the cloud, it still relies on Xbox hardware.
How do I play cloud games with keyboard and mouse on PC? ›For mouse and keyboard support, players need to use the Keyboard & Mouse for Xbox xCloud third-party browser extension. Once this extension is installed, players will be prompted to activate keyboard and mouse support when their browser is streaming Fortnite.
Can you play xCloud without a controller on PC? ›To play Xbox Cloud Gaming without a controller, you'll need to use the on-screen controls or a compatible Bluetooth device. To use the on-screen controls, simply tap the screen where you want your character to go. You can also use the on-screen controls to perform actions, such as attacking or using items.
Can I play Xbox Cloud Gaming without controller? ›Xbox Cloud Gaming is a cloud gaming service that allows you to play Xbox games on your phone or tablet. You can use it with or without a controller. If you don't have a controller, you can use the on-screen controls.
Does xCloud work with mouse and keyboard? ›So what if you want to use a mouse and keyboard? Just install the extension in your browser and go to xCloud! If you want to customize the default preset for your button mappings click the icon in the Extensions toolbar (it may not be pinned by default after install).
Does xCloud have keyboard and mouse support? ›Since very few games on Xbox consoles support mouse and keyboard as first-class input devices, Microsoft chose to limit xCloud users to only using gamepad controllers to play. This extension fixes that restriction!
Can you play Xbox pass without controller? ›Touch-enabled games allow Xbox Game Pass members to stream games on Windows PCs, iOS devices, and Android phones and tablets without a controller.
Can you play Xbox pass with keyboard and mouse? ›As of writing, Xbox Cloud Gaming (as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) only supports controllers and touch controls. On PCs and laptops, generally speaking, you'll be forced to use an Xbox gamepad if you want to play titles via the internet.
How do I use xCloud on my PC? ›- Open Microsoft Store.
- Search for “Xbox Insider Hub” and click the top result to open the app page.
- Click the Install button. ...
- Open the Xbox Insider Hub app.
- Click the Join button. ...
- Click the Accept button.
You can use an Xbox One without a controller but you won't necessarily get all of the functionality out of it. You can control elements of your console, chat and share updates with an app, connect a standalone mouse and keyboard or use a third-party adapter to connect a mouse and keyboard.
How do I use reWASD for free? ›
The software has a 7-day free trial, a basic lifetime license and some groups of features. During the free trial, all the basic features are available to use. Each group of features also has 3-day trial so you can evaluate them.
Can I play Game Pass games on PC without controller? ›No it needs to find a connected controller. There are a couple of controller emulators, but I've never gotten them to work right. thanks, it's awesome!
How do I use touch controls on xCloud? ›Launch a game that supports touch controls. Look for the Play with Touch section, or look for the touch icon on the game. Tap the controller icon in the upper-left corner of your screen (next to the Xbox button ).
What is Xbox play with touch? ›Play with touch controls
Xbox Game Pass for Android offers the ability to play many games using touch controls on your mobile device, removing the need for a controller if you want a convenient way to pick up and play.
There are two ways to play Xbox console games right on your Windows PC, phone, or other device. Cloud gaming lets you play Xbox games from the cloud using your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Remote play lets you remotely play the games on your Xbox console on other devices.
Does Xbox Cloud Gaming have latency? ›At present, Xbox Cloud Gaming's display pipeline bears a latency of around 8-74 milliseconds. That's the time it takes for controller inputs to register in-game. However, it's now working on bringing its Direct Capture tech to a wider number of games on the service.
What resolution is Xbox Cloud Gaming? ›Xbox Cloud Gaming: stream quality and performance
To keep a consistent performance, Xbox Cloud Gaming streams at a 1080p resolution up to 60fps.
Right-click the Bluetooth icon in your system tray. Click "Add a Bluetooth Device." Click "Add Bluetooth or other Device" and select Bluetooth. Click "Xbox Wireless Controller." Wait until the Guide button is solid white, and the Bluetooth menu says the controller is connected.
Is Apex legends keyboard and mouse compatible on Xbox? ›Yes you can play Apex Legends using a keyboard and mouse on Xbox. However it requires you to buy a Xim dongle in order to connect your mouse and keyboard to your Xbox which cost around $100.
What games are available for Xbox cloud? ›Xbox Cloud Gaming
What games can you play without a controller? ›
- Deep Space Battle VR. You should check out this game if you want to feel like a flying Jedi Starfighter from Star Wars. ...
- End Space VR for Cardboard. ...
- Trooper 2. ...
- VR Roller Coaster. ...
- Smash Hit. ...
- VR X-Racer. ...
- VR Racer – Highway Traffic 360. ...
- Snow Strike.
Xbox xCloud is a cloud gaming service that is available only for Game Pass Ultimate members. So essentially, for games like Elden Ring or GTA V, which are titles outside Game Pass, xCloud users will need both an active Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a digital copy of the game.
Do all Xbox games support keyboard and mouse? ›You'll be able to plug and play without the need for any extra peripherals. However, the Xbox One only supports the use of Keyboard & Mouse in some games and apps. The game or app publisher must enable this feature for their content.
Can you cloud game on PC? ›When and where can I use xCloud? Cloud Gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is available in 28 countries as a dedicated app for Android devices. Windows PC users can play Cloud Gaming titles through the native Xbox app, and it is also available via a web browser on iOS, Mac and Chromebook.
Does cloud gaming use a lot of data? ›That means each would consume an additional 378 GB of data per month on average, or 527% more than the average game download, which uses 60 GB of data, when playing for 42 hours on Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires 20 megabits per second (Mbps) of bandwidth, Kagan predicted.
Can I use my phone as an Xbox controller? ›How to Use Phone as Xbox One Controller for Android or ... - YouTube
Can I play Xbox games on PC without a console? ›Purchase an Xbox Play Anywhere digital game, play it on Xbox and Windows 10 PC at no additional cost.
Why does it keep saying you need a controller for this game? ›The error occurs due to how the console detects the keyboard and mouse. The console detects the controller as the default input device for gaming. When you connect the keyboard and mouse, they are, in essence, "emulating" the controller.
What is better than reWASD? ›The best alternative is Xpadder. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try JoyToKey or AntiMicroX. Other great apps like reWASD are Pinnacle Game Profiler, InputMapper, JoyXoff and QJoyPad.
What is reWASD? ›reWASD is tailor-made to remap Xbox One controllers. We created an app with Xbox Elite Wireless in mind, so it suits best for those who use Xbox Elite on PC and want to get more from its paddles. For those who use Dualshock 4 on PC, there's another zest.
Is reWASD allowed on Valorant? ›
Nope. As for April 2022, Valorant does not support controllers natively.
How do I play Xbox cloud games on Android? ›- Open the Xbox Game Pass app.
- Select your gamerpic, and then the Settings gear icon.
- Go to App settings and select Network.
- Toggle Play over WiFi only to enable or disable cellular data.
- Open Safari and head to xbox.com/play (opens in new tab). ...
- Sign in to the Microsoft account linked to your Xbox Game Pass.
- At the bottom of the screen, tap the share button and select Add to Home Screen.
SEA OF THIEVES Playing on Xbox Cloud Gaming - YouTube
Is Xbox Cloud Gaming good? ›Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming platform has some incredible promise, and works well for the most part, but there is a range of technical hurdles that remain, potentially holding back mainstream adoption.
How much is Xbox cloud? ›How much is Xbox Cloud Gaming? Xbox Cloud Gaming is only available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This service costs $15 a month and includes Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Game Pass, Game Pass for PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and EA Play (console only).
Is Minecraft on Xbox Cloud Gaming? ›Microsoft Announces Minecraft Legends Game for Xbox, PC and Cloud, Coming in 2023.
Is Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS? ›Xbox Cloud Gaming is available to everyone with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and works on most platforms, including iPhones and iPads.
Can I play Xbox on my IPAD? ›Play games installed on your Xbox console, including Xbox Game Pass titles, on any compatible PC, Android, or iOS device. Currently Android and iOS excludes backward compatible titles from Xbox 360 or Original Xbox.
Can you play Xbox games on a gaming laptop? ›Start Playing Xbox Games Using the Laptop's Screen
Launch the Xbox app on your Windows laptop. Find the console icon next to the search bar at the top of the application. Click on the icon to start streaming your Xbox console to your laptop.
How do I play Xbox cloud on my PC? ›
- Select Search on the taskbar, type Xbox, and then select it from the list. If the app isn't installed, you can get it for free from the Microsoft Store. Get the app.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- In the sidebar menu on the left, select Cloud Gaming.
I exclusively use an XBox controller for NMS. Works great. But before I got the controller (which I got for another game) I used the keyboard and mouse combo just fine.
Can you play Xbox pass without controller? ›Touch-enabled games allow Xbox Game Pass members to stream games on Windows PCs, iOS devices, and Android phones and tablets without a controller.
Can you play Xbox pass with keyboard and mouse? ›As of writing, Xbox Cloud Gaming (as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) only supports controllers and touch controls. On PCs and laptops, generally speaking, you'll be forced to use an Xbox gamepad if you want to play titles via the internet.
How does cloud gaming work on PC? ›When you've selected a game, you can then select to play with Cloud. On Windows PCs, you can access Cloud games via the Xbox app where you'll need to sign in to your Microsoft account. For Android phones or tablets, you'll need to download the Xbox Game Pass app from the Google Play or Samsung Galaxy store.
How do I play Xbox Cloud games on Windows 10? ›How to Use Xbox Cloud Gaming on Windows - YouTube
Is Xbox Cloud Gaming good? ›Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming platform has some incredible promise, and works well for the most part, but there is a range of technical hurdles that remain, potentially holding back mainstream adoption.
How can I use my Xbox keyboard and mouse? ›- Make sure your Xbox console has available USB ports.
- Plug both the mouse and keyboard into a USB port.
- Try moving the mouse and using the keyboard.
- Play games or browse the internet using your new control scheme.
Using a Keyboard and Mouse on an Xbox One Without an Adapter
All you need to do is ensure that you have the correct software and an available USB slot for each device. After updating the software, plug in your mouse and keyboard input, and you'll be ready to go.
No, thank you. Obviously, flight is done controller only. Use the controller.
What xCloud games support touch controls? ›
- A Memoir Blue.
- AI: The Somnium Files.
- Among Us.
- ANVIL: Vault Breaker.
- Aragami 2.
- Archvale.
- art of rally.
- Astria Ascending.
The software has a 7-day free trial, a basic lifetime license and some groups of features. During the free trial, all the basic features are available to use. Each group of features also has 3-day trial so you can evaluate them.
How do I use touch controls on xCloud? ›Launch a game that supports touch controls. Look for the Play with Touch section, or look for the touch icon on the game. Tap the controller icon in the upper-left corner of your screen (next to the Xbox button ).