A new Xbox cloud feature lets work laptops play like gaming PCs

If you own an older productivity laptop, Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming can be the way you avoid buying a pricey gaming PC. Now, Microsoft says that you’ll be able to enjoy a more PC-like experience with mouse and keyboard support for select titles within Cloud Gaming on a web browser, beginning today.

Microsoft also said that the mouse-and-keyboard experience will also be accessible via the Microsoft Xbox app for Windows later this month.

Mouse and keyboard support has existed for years on the Xbox, though only on titles that supported them. On the PC, you’ll need to have either the Google Chrome or the Microsoft Edge browser installed, plus, of course, a mouse and keyboard. Even then, there will only (?) be 26 titles that Microsoft will support with a mouse and keyboard:

ARK Survival EvolvedAtomic HeartCities: Skylines – Mayor’s EditionCities: Skylines – RemasteredDeep Rock GalacticDoom 64Fortnite (browser only)Gears TacticsGroundedHalo InfiniteHigh on LifeHouse FlipperInkulinati (Game Preview)Mount & Blade II: BannerlordNorcoPentimentQuakeQuake 2Sea of ThievesSlime Rancher 2Sniper Elite 5State of Decay 2TerrariaThe Sims 4Valheim (Game Preview)Zombie Army 4: Dead War

To begin playing with a mouse and keyboard on Xbox Cloud Gaming, you’ll need to visit the Xbox.com/play site, sign in with your Microsoft account, and select one of the supported games. Microsoft said that when this feature is added to the Xbox app, you’ll see a special icon to denote the new capability. And here’s a nice feature: You can switch back and forth between an Xbox controller and a keyboard simply by pushing the Xbox button on your controller, or tapping a key on your keyboard.

Microsoft also said that it has begun previewing new Compact Mode features (“Jump back in” and “Friends”) to Xbox Insiders and a small cadre of regular players. “Jump back in” will feature the last nine games that you’ve played. Compact mode is designed for the small but growing crop of handheld gaming PCs.

Author: Mark Hachman, Senior Editor

As PCWorld’s senior editor, Mark focuses on Microsoft news and chip technology, among other beats. He has formerly written for PCMag, BYTE, Slashdot, eWEEK, and ReadWrite.

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