Xbox One will support mouse and keyboard, but not every game will partake

The decision is left with individual game developers

Mouse and keyboard support on consoles can be a tricky thing to sort out, particularly when it comes to competitive games like shooters. Do you let keyboard and mouse users take on gamepad players? Do you split them up? Do you even have a big enough audience to warrant segmenting the groups?

I think Microsoft has the right idea for Xbox One. Basically, it’s up to developers to decide.

Announced today on Inside Xbox, Microsoft will soon support mouse and keyboard on Xbox One beginning “in the coming weeks” with Warframe for Xbox Insiders. After that test, we’ll see more.

“With this new input support at the platform level, developers can now build mouse and keyboard support in their games if and how they choose,” explained Microsoft. “It’s important to note that mouse and keyboard support for games is added on a title-by-title basis, entirely at developers’ discretion. For all other titles, nothing changes. Mouse and keyboard input is not enabled by default for games.”

“Each development team knows their titles best and we support them in creating the right experience for their games as they see fit, to ensure an optimal and fair gaming experience.”

🚨WAITING FOR SOMETHING EPIC?

Be sure to tune in to the November edition of #InsideXbox to find out what’s on the horizon.

#Xbox #Razer ⌨️🖱 pic.twitter.com/D1ZiuMWl4R

— R Λ Z Ξ R (@Razer) September 25, 2018

Microsoft says that “most” wired and wireless USB keyboards and mice will work.

The company is also partnering with Razer for hardware specifically suited “for this new functionality.” We only got a basic tease today, but Microsoft and Razer will have more to show on November 10.

Mouse and Keyboard Support for Xbox One Developers [Xbox]