Minecraft will be the first Samsung Gear VR game with Xbox Wireless Controller support

By Dan Thorp-Lancaster
last updated

Microsoft has announced that support for the new Xbox Wireless Controller will soon be coming to Minecraft: Gear VR Edition. Support is expected to launch in October following an update to the game, and gamers using Samsung's VR headset will then be able explore the world of Minecraft and build to their hearts' content using the controller.

Minecraft is only the first of several Gear VR games that will see the arrival of Xbox Wireless Controller support, though. Microsoft also detailed plans (opens in new tab) for support in a number of other controller-enabled games:

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.

It's important to note that this only applies to the new Xbox Wireless Controller that sport Bluetooth connections. However, it should be welcome news for those who already own one of these controllers and a Samsung Gear VR headset. While the first bit of support won't arrive until the October Minecraft update, Microsoft says that those attending MINECON will get a chance to try it out early.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster
Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. 

21 Comments
  • Bluetooth should have been a feature on the Xbox controller since day 1! That would have opened up a lot of possibilities for it and drove up adoption and support, and obliterating any would-be competition. M$ has a huge tendency of shooting themselves in the foot
  • Very true. Now I want to buy a new controller... This way it will work with my Xbox, gear VR, ans PC... Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
  • If only it got the better range with the old XB1, I would buy it now.
  • Another version of Minecraft?
  • Exactly. This version made for VR.
  • Windows phone users can use website. Or bots.
  • Well I had no plans to buy a custom designed controller since I got the Elite but seems like I will after all (well...if Microsoft ever brings the bloody thing to Europe that is...) Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
  • I wanted one too, but the white one looks fair enough, So I got that one! The blue controller they just released looked way to blue for me (I like that color tough). I dont understand why they cant make you order to europe from the states... are plenty of stores that allow that, Just add the VAT and international shiping!
  • Customs. What I can't understand is what's so hard about offering it in Europe. It's not like they're producing the things in the USA. They're done in China anyway. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
  • I see, but shouldnt it be easy to sell it at least in the EU since they have the same customs? or thats just when countries trade inside the union?
  • That's only inside the union where there are no customs. Everything from outside the EU IS subject to each country's legislation Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
  • What Elite? X3?
  • Of course not. The Elite controller. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
  • Hahaha oh. Not so familiar with Xbox lingo nowadays. I thought it couldn't be x3. I'll be damned if I see you get another windows phone haha
  • Lol exactly ;) Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
  • I want to know will this be enabled on windows phones? I'm sure they're powerful enough to handel it, it would be amazing!
  • It's cute, but Minecraft does not work well in VR, as controller-based movement quickly causes nausea in most people. The VR version for Oculus makes this very clear after only a few seconds. A version more like the Hololens demo (distant 3rd person where it looks more like a strategy game than a 1st person game) would work much better.
  • That's a problem with VR in generall, not a problem just with Minecraft in VR. It's the main reason VR will never become more than niche.
  • this should be the surface phone main selling point
  • VR? Microsoft can't get basic apps in their mobile store let alone VR apps. Surface Phone (IF it ever happens) will be enterprise focus. So forget great cameras, VR or any of those consumer-centric things. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
  • This is great news I just bought the Gears of War 4 controller yesterday and was mad that it wasn't working with my Gear VR.