After years of anticipation, Android users of the popular open-world game Genshin Impact are finally getting the long-awaited controller support. The announcement came from miHoYo during their Developer’s Discussion livestream on March 12, 2025, indicating significant updates set to launch with Version 5.5 on March 26, 2025.
Controller support has been available on the iOS version of Genshin Impact since February 2021, but Android players have had to make do without official support until now. This significant shift allows players to enjoy the game with compatible controllers, including the DualShock 4, DualSense, Xbox Wireless Controller, and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Using these controllers will provide users with more flexible gameplay, moving beyond the typical touchscreen controls.
All controllers will require Bluetooth connections, so players should check their device compatibility before making any purchasing decisions. The long absence of this feature for Android users had been frustrating, with many resorting to workarounds, which often hindered gameplay rather than aiding it. “The biggest addition is, at long last, Android devices will support controllers,” the Developer’s Discussion excitedly noted.
With over 60 million estimated monthly players engaged with Genshin Impact, this long-overdue support promises to make gaming sessions more enjoyable and comfortable for many. “I, for one, have been waiting to be able to sit on the sofa or in bed playing Genshin with a controller without needing to hook up my PlayStation 5,” shared one enthusiastic player during the discussion, highlighting the rising demand for greater flexibility when accessing the game.
Further details about these updates will be unveiled during the live Special Program Announcement on March 14, 2025, allowing players to gain insight on what else is being added. Alongside controller support, Version 5.5 brings enhancements for the Serenitea Pot shop, including the capability to purchase multiple items simultaneously and improved navigation within the store itself. Such changes come as a relief to those who have found the existing shop interface cumbersome. Players now also benefit from features enabling them to track previously encountered bosses, which ensures they won't miss out on challenging encounters.
These updates from miHoYo reflect their commitment to player feedback and highlight the studio’s efforts to keep the gaming experience fresh. “These updates make it easier to play and enjoy the game from different settings and with more tools at our disposal,” the company reiterated.
While the excitement builds for the upcoming patches, players are also reminded of the existing compatibility with iOS and other platforms like Windows, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. The launch of the Nintendo Switch version, initially expected several years ago, remains shrouded in uncertainty, as no updates have been shared by miHoYo since 2020.
Consequently, the anticipation surrounding the launch of controller support on Android symbolizes not just the answer to user demand but also underlines the importance of maintaining player engagement within the expansive world of Genshin Impact. Moving forward, this added functionality points toward future enhancements and flexibility for fans eagerly crafting their adventures.
With the gaming community watching closely, the upcoming updates on March 14 and the subsequent launch on March 26 promise to keep the momentum going for Genshin Impact, reaffirming its position as one of the most immersive games available today.