Summary: The Android version of Genshin Impact now natively supports the use of a controller to play the game. Support was added in the most recent update, so it should work for you as soon as the latest update is installed.
Genshin Impact is finally getting native support for controllers, and for players of the game, this has been a long time coming. Controller support has technically been available through alternative means, like with Razer’s Nexus app. Through this method, you can map the touch controls to specific buttons on the controller. For example, Razer’s Kishi Ultra.
The difference, though, is that there may have been controls that wouldn’t necessarily work correctly. For instance, you couldn’t really map certain in-game menus. Now, however, native controller support makes it possible to play the game as you would with touch controls. With full access to all menus and features.
Genshin Impact controller support is now available
The interesting thing about this is that Genshin Impact has had native controller support from the beginning. Just not on Android. The game is available on PC, Xbox, PS4, and PS5. Everything is coded to the controller inputs without a lack of access to anything. You can also use Xbox and PlayStation controllers with Android. So the correct input visuals have always been available. It’s a wonder, then, why the Android version of the game has never been able to use a controller natively.
What’s even more strange is that native controller support has been available in the iOS version of the game for quite some time. Since 2021, to be exact. Yet the Android version of the game is just now getting it. What’s likely the case is what usually happens to be the reason for things like this. There was probably a snag getting controller support working on Android due to how many different Android phones there are. This is merely speculation, though.
Bluetooth and wired connections are supported, but they’re not on by default
As Android Police points out, it’s possible to use your controller whether it’s connected via Bluetooth or via a wired connection. This means you can connect something like a DualSense controller or the Kishi Ultra, and both will work. However, there is one caveat. Controller support isn’t enabled by default. You will need to open the game’s main menu and toggle it on.
This also reportedly has to be done every time you launch the game with a controller. It’s not as convenient as having the controller automatically detected. But it’s also better than not having any native controller support at all. Beggars can’t be choosers, I guess.
