Google Play Games Beta on PC picks up controller support in latest update
More games arrive alongside a higher display resolution.
What you need to know
- Google's October update for its Play Games on PC beta finally lets users play with a controller on supported titles.
- The update also brings 4K resolution support for monitors and a better way to search within the "All Games" section of the launcher.
- Google announced that its gaming library for the PC beta has reached over 3,000 titles, including Clash of Clans and Clash Royale.
- Play Games for PC beta expanded to India and 60 additional regions this summer as the company gives users new and more ways to play.
Enjoying mobile games on a PC has gotten easier through Google Play Games' beta and we're now receiving a QoL update.
Google's latest Keyword blog post details what users can expect this month in terms of its Play Games PC beta, which finally brings console controllers into the fold. The company states controller support is now arriving for PS5 DualSense, PS4 DualShock, Xbox One, and Xbox S/X controllers.
While support is good, Google is warning users that not every game will deliver the same experience. Certain games will likely display whether or not they support the use of a controller on PC. However, such games early on include Asphalt 9 Legends and BADLAND.
With regard to the visual quality of games, Google is trying to enhance that by rolling out 4K screen resolution support for monitors that can deliver that sort of strength. Additionally, the Play Games PC beta now lets users press the ever-classic Shift+Tab in a game to select the perfect screen resolution via its new menu.
Both of the coming additions will likely benefit Google's expanded gaming library of over 3,000 games for PC. Moreover, the company has announced that Clash of Clans and Clash Royale are available to play on Windows 10 and 11 computers.
Google has also listened to user feedback as it recently rolled out a search function in the playtest. According to the post, placed within the "All Games" section of the launcher, users can interact with the search bar at the top to quickly find a game they're looking for.
After entering open beta during the summer of 2022, Google made its Play Games for PC available for those in India while also expanding to 60 more regions. Connecting your Google account ensures that whatever progress or new pieces of gear you've collected on your Chromebook or PC are saved and ready to continue on another device.
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The company brought about options for keyboard mapping and lowered the required specifications, as well. Windows 10 (at the minimum), an SSD with 10 GB of available storage space, and 8GB of RAM are among those new thresholds to meet.
Furthermore, joining the Play Games PC beta will require users to enable hardware virtualization on their computers. Google offers a bit of information to help walk you through the process.
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