Google is preparing to introduce native game controller remapping with the rollout of Android 17 next year, according to details found in the latest Android beta. The change signals an effort to strengthen Android’s gaming capabilities as high-performance gaming smartphones continue to evolve.
The improvement comes as manufacturers push hardware boundaries with devices such as the Nubia RedMagic 11 Pro, which combines the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset with advanced cooling systems. At the same time, software-based controller support across Android devices has remained inconsistent, prompting Google to take a more direct role.
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Android Authority reported evidence in beta code indicating that users will be able to customise the functions of all buttons on a Bluetooth or USB-C controller within system settings. The original article noted “Google is planning support for native controller remapping,” suggesting features such as assigning rear paddles or reconfiguring shoulder buttons for game-specific actions. Support for virtual gamepads also appears to be under development.
The report indicates that Android 17 may allow virtual on-screen buttons to be linked with physical gamepad inputs, offering a workaround for games that lack external controller compatibility. This approach intercepts inputs at the system level, allowing Android to modify and remap controls before they reach individual applications.
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Android Authority expects the new tools to debut alongside Android 17 in mid-2025, though feature delays or cancellations remain possible as development progresses.
Source: Android Authority