Does PUBG: New State have controller support on Android?

Pubg New State
Pubg New State (Image credit: PUBG/Krafton)

Best answer: There's no word on controller support yet, but because PUBG Mobile doesn't natively support controllers, it's safe to bet that PUBG: New State will do the same.

A brand new mobile-exclusive

PlayerUnknown's BattleGrounds, or PUBG, is one of the first major battle royale titles to hit the scene, ushering in a new genre of multiplayer game. The popularity of PUBG is massive, especially on Android, and Tencent plans to deliver a bigger and better experience with PUBG: New State, a brand new, mobile-exclusive game set in the PUBG universe. As the first true successor to the original PUBG, players can expect updated visuals, dynamic gunplay, and new unique mechanics such as dodging, drone calls, and support requests. It's quite possible it ends up as one of the best Android games available when it arrives.

PUBG: New State is set in the year 2051, meaning it's a "near-future" war setting, allowing developers to introduce changes based on upcoming technology. Amusingly, this isn't the farthest out the franchise is going, as the forthcoming third-person horror game The Callisto Protocol is set in the PUBG universe, taking place in the year 2320.

But one change on everyone's mind is whether or not PUBG: New State will feature controller support? With native controller support and tons of great game controllers for Android, this should be a sure thing, right? Unfortunately, the jury is still out on this one, and we don't know if PUBG: New State will support controllers.

Next generation battle royale

Unlike popular mobile shooters like Call of Duty: Mobile, PUBG Mobile does not natively support controllers on Android. While some plug-ins can enable controller support, they're not officially supported, and using them could result in a ban. This could change as we get closer to release, of course. The developers have been working hard on the game, taking feedback from participants in various PUBG: New State Alpha testing rounds.

PUBG Mobile is one of the best free-to-play Android games available, and we're expecting PUBG: New State to carry on the series' over-the-top multiplayer matches. You can see PUBG: New State now on Google Play to get the latest news and updates on the game. PUBG: New State is available on mobile devices worldwide as of Nov. 11, 2021.

Zackery Cuevas
Zackery Cuevas is a writer for Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore. I like playing video games, talking about video games, writing about video games, and most importantly, complaining about video games. If you're cool, you can follow me on Twitter @Zackzackzackery.