After nearly two years of anticipation, Microsoft is finally bringing mouse and keyboard support to its Xbox Cloud Gaming service, allowing players to experience select titles with traditional PC gaming inputs through the cloud streaming platform. The new input method was launched on March 25th in a public preview available to Xbox Insiders.

Cloud gaming has traditionally been optimized for gamepad controls, mirroring the experience of playing on a console. However, many gamers prefer the precision and flexibility offered by mouse and keyboard setups, especially for genres like first-person shooters and real-time strategy games. Microsoft aims to meet this demand by expanding input options for its cloud gaming service.

The preview rollout covers a curated selection of games that have been optimized for mouse and keyboard controls, including popular titles like Fortnite, Sea of Thieves, and Halo Infinite. Microsoft notes that some games may initially display controller UI elements before adapting to the new input method once the user starts interacting with the game.

To access mouse and keyboard support, Xbox Cloud Gaming users will need to be running the service through the Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome web browsers, or the dedicated Xbox app on Windows PCs. Importantly, the feature requires games to be running in full-screen mode to ensure proper pointer capture and input recognition.

For those who prefer to switch between input methods on the fly, Microsoft has included an ALT+F9 keyboard shortcut that allows players to toggle between mouse and keyboard controls and an Xbox controller.

The full list of games currently supporting mouse and keyboard inputs on Xbox Cloud Gaming includes:

• Fortnite (via browser only)
• ARK Survival Evolved
• Sea of Thieves
• Grounded
• Halo Infinite
• Atomic Heart
• Sniper Elite 5
• Deep Rock Galactic
• High on Life
• Zombie Army 4 Dead War
• Gears Tactics
• Pentiment
• Doom 64
• Age of Empires 2