Why does my Xbox keep saying you need a controller for this game?

The Xbox “You need a controller for this game” error is not what players want to see when connecting a keyboard and mouse to your new-gen Xbox Series X|S or last-gen Xbox One. It can pop up at any moment while gaming in titles like Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, and Apex Legends. Thankfully, there is a simple workaround that can solve this problem. Here is how to fix the Xbox “You need a controller for this game” error.

How to fix the Xbox “You need a controller for this game” error

Why does my Xbox keep saying you need a controller for this game?

To fix the Xbox “You need a controller for this game” error, users should:

  • Ensure that the connected Xbox controller is still powered on.
    • Though players are using a keyboard and mouse when this error pops up, a powered-on controller is still required.
    • Connecting the Xbox controller via USB can help fix the issue, as that provides constant power.
  • Restart the game.
    • Sometimes games can hiccup and have a moment. Restarting the game can help fix issues like controller errors.
  • Reboot the console.
    • If all else fails, the old “Turn it off and back on again” can help fix issues like this.

As strange as it may seem, those using a keyboard and mouse on Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One still require a controller to be connected. This is because the consoles use the gamepad to interface with the keyboard and mouse inputs.

Hopefully in the future a connected controller isn’t required for keyboard and mouse play. For now, though, that’s the one downside of the advanced control.

In other gaming news, Xbox Game Pass has added Assassin’s Creed Origins, For Honor, and more for June 2022. The Genshin Impact Hidden Dreams in the Depths update has added two new characters. The new F1 22 gameplay trailer includes the first extended look at “F1 Life.”

  ❘   Published: 2022-06-01T22:08:55

  ❘   Updated: 2022-06-01T22:08:55

An Xbox error message after trying to connect a keyboard and mouse is a gaming nightmare for Warzone and Apex Legends players – but luckily for them, there’s a fix. 

One frustrating error has been plaguing Xbox users trying to connect a keyboard and mouse to an Xbox Series X|S.

The error message says “you need a controller for this game” and can pop up at any moment while playing, which is the last thing a Warzone or Apex Legends player wants to see.

Fortunately for those affected, there is an easy workaround for this problem and it only requires you to follow a few simple steps.

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How to fix Xbox error: ‘You Need a Controller for this Game’

There are a number of steps you can take to fix the ‘You Need a Controller for this Game’ error on Xbox. These are the following:

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  1. Fix 1 – Users should start by making sure the connected Xbox controller is still on. A powered-on controller is still required even though you are using a keyboard and mouse. A simple fix is using a USB chord so the controller has a constant power source.
  2. Fix 2 – Restarting the game is always a surefire way to fix errors that occur and if all else fails you may need to reboot the console. Sometimes turning it off and back on again actually is the solution to a problem.

Microsoft

The Xbox Series X is a powerhouse, but stock issues remain.

It may be annoying for players to ensure that a controller is still powered on while using a keyboard and mouse, but Microsoft requires it because the gamepad is used to interact with the keyboard and mouse inputs.

  • Read More: SteelSeries launches Prime Bounty program giving pros the chance to win prizes

Keyboard and mouse users will have to wait before an eventual update comes where a powered-on controller is not required.

Until then, use these steps to at least guarantee there won’t be any disruptions while playing games such as Warzone or Apex Legends. It’s worth noting the issue is not limited to just these games, either, though players have reported the issue appearing while playing those two.

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Many players opt for a keyboard and mouse on their consoles to play FPS games. This method of playing is especially popular among those who are mainly PC players trying out FPS games on a console. If you are an Xbox player playing FPS games with a keyboard and mouse, chances are you've run into a bothersome error.

Why does my Xbox keep saying you need a controller for this game?

Playing with a keyboard and mouse on Xbox consoles has resulted in a "you need a controller for this game" error popping up in the middle of your games. This is certainly not ideal when playing BR games such as Warzone or Apex Legends. Imagine having a guy downed just to get this error. Yeah, not fun at all.

This error occurs because the console generally detects the controller as the default input for the games. In fact, in order to play with a keyboard and mouse on your Xbox console, you must have your controller connected and powered on. The keyboard and mouse act as a controller "emulator," so to speak.

Why does my Xbox keep saying you need a controller for this game?

It can get annoying to have it powered on at all times, but there is no workaround for this as of now. At least, not until Microsoft decides to push an update that may render it possible not to require a powered-on controller for the keyboard and mouse to work.

TOP GAMEPLAY HIGHLIGHTS

This is not a new issue either. It has been around for quite some time, as confirmed by an Xbox forum post. One of the users named SlamDeath36 posted a picture of what the error looks like in this exact scenario.

Why does my Xbox keep saying you need a controller for this game?

In any case, here are a couple of things that may fix the issue for you.

  • Solution 1: One of the more obvious fixes is to check whether your Xbox controller is still powered on or not. To ensure your controller is powered-on at all times, it is best to use a wired controller. Plug in the USB cord to ensure a constant power supply.
  • Solution 2: Another common fix is to restart the game itself.
  • Solution 3: As cliche as it sounds, restarting your console can also help fix the problem. If nothing else works, restarting the console should.

If any of the above solutions worked for you, be sure to let us know in the comments below. If you have any other plausible solutions, let us know, and we would be happy to add them to our list.

How do you get rid of you need a controller for this game on Xbox?

How to fix the Xbox “You need a controller for this game” error.
Ensure that the connected Xbox controller is still powered on. Though players are using a keyboard and mouse when this error pops up, a powered-on controller is still required. ... .
Restart the game. ... .
Reboot the console..

Why does it say you need a controller for this game?

This error occurs because the console generally detects the controller as the default input for the games. In fact, in order to play with a keyboard and mouse on your Xbox console, you must have your controller connected and powered on. The keyboard and mouse act as a controller "emulator," so to speak.

Why is my Xbox One controller connecting but not working?

Restarting your console and controller might correct the connection issue. First, make sure that nothing is interfering with your controller's wireless signal: Move closer to your Xbox.

Why won't the Xbox app recognize my controller?

Turn on the Xbox console you're trying to connect to and check for available updates, then try again. Make sure you've enabled remote play on your console. Press the Xbox button  on your controller to open the guide, then go to Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Remote features.