Xbox handheld owners finally get the one feature they’ve begged for, and it instantly fixes one of the platform’s most annoying problems

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A new Xbox Insider update adds joystick cursor support, offering a more intuitive way to navigate handheld devices compared to existing solutions like those available in Armoury Crate.

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 with AMD Z2 Extreme processor.
Lenovo Legion Go 2 with the Xbox app. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Xbox seems to be on a roll lately when it comes to implementing long-requested features, whether you are on console or using a gaming handheld.

Now, it is adding a Gamepad Cursor toggle to Xbox Game Bar, letting you control your handheld with a joystick. This is something that has always felt a bit finicky in my experience.

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What the Gamepad Cursor actually does and how to enable it

New gamepad cursor toggle (Image credit: Windows Central)

In a new update, Xbox is giving users the option to toggle a feature that turns the left joystick into a mouse cursor. The right thumbstick works as a scroll wheel, while the A button lets you click, making navigation feel more intuitive.

If you are like me and use an ASUS-branded device like the Xbox Ally or ROG Ally, you will already have Armory Crate, which includes a desktop mode that works in a similar way, but the controls feel very different.

As mentioned by ROGAllyLife, who also covered this story, Armoury Crate’s desktop mode can be awkward to use, especially when you are in Xbox Mode, (formerly known as Xbox Fullscreen Experience).

To use the latest update, you will need to be enrolled in the Xbox Insider Program, which can be found under Xbox Game Bar settings and then under More Settings at the bottom. Once you are set up, follow these steps:

  • Open the Xbox Game Bar
  • Go to Settings
  • Scroll down to Gamepad Cursor
  • Toggle Gamepad Cursor on or off

It is good to see Xbox continue working on these improvements. That said, I still selfishly want a full overhaul of the Xbox app to make it feel more like a console, at least when using Xbox Mode.

For now, I tend to use third-party alternatives like Winhanced. It has its own issues, but it does offer a more console-like experience, and the team over there is working on it and has their own Discord and often listen to community feedback, implementing what they can based on that feedback.

With all that said, let me know your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to take part in our poll!

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Adam Hales
Adam Hales
Contributor

Adam is a Psychology Master’s graduate passionate about gaming, community building, and digital engagement. A lifelong Xbox fan since 2001, he started with Halo: Combat Evolved and remains an avid achievement hunter. Over the years, he has engaged with several Discord communities, helping them get established and grow. Gaming has always been more than a hobby for Adam—it’s where he’s met many friends, taken on new challenges, and connected with communities that share his passion.

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