Microsoft has long been teasing players with adding mouse and keyboard support to Xbox One. Up until now, that idea has not been turned into reality but company representatives broke the silence, to say the least.
During the PAX West Panel event, Xbox Director Mike Ybarra discussed the matter. He was quoted as saying that keyboard and mouse support was “definitely coming”. He also acknowledged players’ concerns about the unfair advantage those who use a mouse and keyboard will have over those using a controller. Mr Ybarra also confirmed that the supported titles would be announced very soon.
The Xbox Director said that the team is well-aware of the “fairness” issue that will emerge once the keyboard and mouse support is added. Still, he said that Microsoft would let the developers decide whether to implement a support for a PC control scheme. He emphasized that once a keyboard and mouse support is added to Xbox One, Microsoft would “coach” developers about the best practices. Mr Ybarra reassured console players that there would be functionality, allowing them to choose whether to choose their opponents.
There is no denying that FPS fans, who use a mouse and keyboard, will have an incredible accuracy advantage over the console players. In this respect, players will be able to choose whether to play against “keyboard and mouse people” or “controller people” so that any imbalances are kept to the minimum.
Currently, the Gears of War 4 supports cross-play between Xbox One and PC, and Microsoft is now exploring the controller vs. keyboard and mouse option. Gears of War 4 console players can choose whether they want to play against PC users or not.
In lighter news, Microsoft discontinued the production of the original Xbox One. The console is no longer available in the UK and the US retail stores.
The Xbox One X, promoted as “the most powerful console” Microsoft has ever released, will hit the shelves on November 7th.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced a sweet price reduction for the Xbox One S. What’s more, players now have the chance to purchase a bundle containing the much-anticipated Destiny 2. The latter arrives for consoles in two days’ time (September 6th). Its PC launch falls on October 24th.
Update: According to the latest information, Microsoft has already run out of stock on Destiny 2 as a free choice bundle.
