Future support for extended button mapping on Xbox platform

tigerman2309 · Dec 17, 2023

I asked bing (ChatGpt) a question about why controller support is so behind technology on the Xbox platform and was told that this is a limitation of the current version of XInput. When asking why PC versions of the same game could support the missing features the answer was Directinput was being used. When ask what was happening to bring the support in line with current technology using Thrustmaster T248 as this is supported fully on PS5 and PC. Was told this.

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Indeed, the Thrustmaster T248 steering wheel is a good example of a device that offers features beyond what XInput currently supports1 2 3. The T248 features more than 20 different displays on its built-in screen, 3 types of Force Feedback presets, 25 action buttons, and magnetic paddle shifters1. It also includes a magnetic pedal set with 4 pressure modes on the brake pedal1.

While the T248 is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC 4 5 , it seems that not all of its features are fully supported on the Xbox platforms 4. On the other hand, the T248 is officially licensed for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, and it appears that more of its features are supported on these platforms6 7 8.

This situation highlights the limitations of XInput and the potential benefits of supporting a more feature-rich input standard like DirectInput on Xbox consoles. As you pointed out, this would allow for better compatibility with the advanced features that manufacturers like Thrustmaster are bringing to their controllers and steering wheels.

However, the decision to support DirectInput on Xbox consoles would ultimately be up to Microsoft. It’s an interesting topic and it will be fascinating to see how controller technology and input standards evolve in the future.

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My question is when is the addition of Directinput like features going to be added to XInput allowing additional buttons to be mapped within the platform, or are there plans to port Directinput to Xbox platform.

:)

tigerman2309

If this is the case, then why is there a seeming lack of support within both Unity and Unreal to enable developers to support more advanced features within the games, as both are popular platforms within the game development industry and yet most of these games fail to take advantage of any additional functionality, whereas the PC versions of similar games are able to without any additional development time or effort.

My hopes are that the newer GameInput that is supposed to replace XInput in the near future allows more flexible mappings within Xbox gaming. Steering wheels like my Thrustmaster T248 have upwards of 25 buttons, but at this time those are mapped as another hat, the display is all that currently can be altered to display what the developer wants.

SwordofWhedon

she also used AI to reply to you, I'll give you a real answer

With Xbox, all drivers must be contained within the game itself, in other words the people who make the devices have to work with Forza, Flight simulstor or whomever to incorporate their drivers into the game

There is no limitation on their ability to incorporate advanced features. For example the original Xbox had the steel battalion controller that had extensive ability to make buttons blink and all kinds of stuff. The only limitation is their willingness to work with developers.

ngocphi

Oh I see what's going on

You need to submit something here https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.reddit.com/r/simracing/comments/y04fei/looking_for_steering_wheels_that_uses_xinput_on_pc/&ved=2ahUKEwjPlODprZeDAxWFkIkEHYoMDNYQjjh6BAgbEAE&usg=AOvVaw236aT3JX3-zZ0sI4Z2Da3J

Not xbox forums

Xinput is newer

Supported by everyrhing including steam

You have to address your manufactureR not xbox

Logitech addressed your question

tigerman2309

I agree, but the problem is that even this remapping is limited to the available buttons that are seen on a standard controller, this is not extensible at this time. The Elite controller features back buttons, but they can only be remapped to standard functions, the limitation is placed by the current XInput software, not by the hardware manufacturers, so a software limitation is imposed on developers. Xinput was designed to replace DirectInput, but the feature set is seriously short.

DirectInput - Older API - 8 Axis, 128 Buttons + POV

Xinput - Newer API 4 Axis, 10 Buttons, 2 Triggers + POV

This is why PC games favour DirectInput over Xinput, but Xbox platform only supports Xinput at this time.

Annanda Martins

Hi, my name is Annanda, thank you for your question and for reaching out.

First of all, thanks for the questions and great topic. Unfortunately, here in the community, we have no information regarding those topics, okay? We cannot say when, but in my opinion, if this will be advantageous for Microsoft and the players, I am sure this will be looked into.

I recommend that you read about the Idea Hub. There you can Share Ideas and Engage with Team Xbox Using the Xbox Idea Hub. So there you can share your questions and ideas about this topic, okay?

In this link, you can read more about it, such as the FAQ as well as getting started with it!

https://news.xbox.com/2019/03/29/engage-using-the-xbox-idea-hub/

Thank you again.

I hope I was able to answer your questions! Please, if you have any other doubts, we are here to help.

If the reply was helpful, please don’t forget to upvote or accept as an answer, thank you.

Best Regards, Annanda.

Future support for extended button mapping on Xbox platform