Redmond giant Microsoft has announced that controller-enabled Samsung Gear VR games will work with Xbox wireless controller, and the first game to support the two will be the new Minecraft: Gear VR Edition game. This is indeed good news as using the Gear VR with Xbox controller will become a lot easier. To top it up, even the Xbox Elite controller gets support for the platform.
Microsoft wrote in a blog post –
Today, we’re excited to announce that the new Xbox Wireless Controller, will soon be compatible with controller-enabled games on Samsung Gear VR starting with Minecraft: Gear VR Edition. In addition, broader support across all Gear VR controller-enabled titles like Herobound, Spirit Champion, Omega Agent, and End Space will be available in the coming months.
Microsoft says that Gear VR edition of Minecraft will let users right inside the world of Minecraft and do things with a brand new perspective. The company further added that a Minecraft update is due in October for compatible Android devices so that users can pair the Xbox One Wireless Controller to work with Gear VR. Besides, the company also announced its plans to make Xbox Wireless controller compatible with all controller-enabled Gear VR games in the future.
Users also need to have the latest update for the Xbox One wireless controller as well. Once their controller is up-to-date, all they have to do is download the virtual game’s update scheduled for next month. Then connect the controller via Bluetooth and start playing.
Microsoft added Bluetooth support for its latest Xbox wireless controller, which essentially makes it easier to use the controller work with platforms like Gear VR. A wireless controller is essential for any VR game, as you can’t add a wired controller to a smartphone. Moreover, unlike most mobile games where you can use the phone itself as a controller, one can’t do so with VR-enabled games since the device is strapped around your head.
The list of supported phones includes the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy s6 edge+, Galaxy S6, or Galaxy S6 edge. Microsoft’s move to make the Gear VR compatible with it’s Xbox wireless controller could make that virtual reality platform more attractive to gamers. In addition, it could also bolster standalone sales of the Xbox Wireless Controller.
