Microsoft’s new Xbox Gamepad Cursor adds a virtual mouse to handhelds

Microsoft has started testing its own virtual mouse cursor inside its Xbox mode for Windows-based handhelds. The new Gamepad Cursor option provides a quick way to turn the left stick of a handheld like the Xbox Ally X into a virtual mouse.

While Asus has its own cursor as part of Armory Crate, Microsoft’s Gamepad Cursor lives inside its own Xbox mode in Windows 11, and it’s easy to activate from the Game Bar without having to use Armory Crate. Once activated, the Gamepad Cursor will turn your left stick into a mouse for precise control, or for apps that aren’t designed for controllers.

The left stick will scroll around a screen like a mouse, while the right stick lets you scroll up and down. You then use the A button to activate the click. It’s very useful for apps that aren’t designed for a controller, or parts of PC games where you might have to sign into an account that don’t always work well with the default focus-based navigation.

Microsoft is testing this virtual mouse with Xbox Insiders, and it’s easy to sign up to the program in the Xbox Insider Hub if you don’t want to wait until this new feature rolls out more broadly to all Windows 11 users.