Microsoft have recently announced that soon you will be able to use Sony’s DualShock 4 gamepad for the PlayStation 4 with Xbox games.
Starting next year, Microsoft’s Project xCloud streaming tech is getting support for more controllers. Those include third-party peripherals from well-known manufacturers. It also includes Sony’s controller as well.
“Enabling people to play games on the device of their choice goes beyond a phone or tablet. It extends into how you control the game,” Project xCloud boss Kareem Choudry writes in a blog post. “In addition to using an Xbox One wireless controller, we’ll expand support to more Bluetooth controllers beginning next year. That includes the DualShock 4 wireless controller and gamepads from Razer.”
Microsoft didn’t say exactly how this is going to work, or how it will connect successfully, but Xbox Game Pass games on PC already work with DualShock 4, so this is likely an expansion of that.
This support for a competing controller is part of Microsoft’s recent tendency to be more open and accommodating to players. The company just wants people to get into the Xbox ecosystem through Game Pass, buying a console, or playing on PC, and have recently been more open to working with others like when Xbox and Nintendo first allowed cross-play.