Foldable phones have long struggled with gaming ergonomics, as their large inner screens can be uncomfortable to hold and use with touch controls. Android 17 aims to solve this with a new foldable gaming mode that turns the bottom half of a foldable’s display into a customizable virtual gamepad while the game runs on the top half.
Unlike previous solutions that relied on third-party apps, the built-in gamepad is integrated directly into Android and works with any game that supports controllers by simulating physical button inputs. It includes dual thumbsticks, a D-pad, action buttons, shoulder buttons and extensive customization options for layout, size, themes and haptic feedback.
The virtual controller can be hidden when not needed and automatically disables itself when a real controller is connected. As part of Android 17’s core platform, manufacturers will also be able to tailor the feature for their foldable devices when it launches later this year.
Source: Android Authority
