An interesting piece of code has been added in Chrome's Gamepad API, namely support for Nintendo's Joy-Con and Switch pro controllers. This has sparked the interest of many users not just because of the feature in itself, but also due to how such a change has been made almost immediately after Google's teaser for GDC, announcing the company's "vision of the future of gaming".

Regarding Joy-Con support specifically, it appears the controller will work in both dual and single mode, while the Pro Controller will work both wired and via Bluetooth. Support for the Charging Grip is also available.

The changes have been described on Chromium Gerrit, a website dedicated to developers working on Chromium and is currently being reviewed. The commit's details are as follows:

Improve support for Nintendo Switch gamepads

This adds support for Nintendo Switch controllers through Gamepad API:
* Switch Pro (USB and Bluetooth)
* Joy-Con L (Bluetooth)
* Joy-Con R (Bluetooth)
* Joy-Con L+R (Bluetooth)
* Charging Grip (USB)

These devices require an initialization sequence that is not performed by the host's gamepad support or by the platform data fetcher. They also provide calibration data that is needed in order to correctly scale the thumbstick inputs.

This implementation replaces the experimental Switch Pro support on Linux, which is removed in this CL.
BUG=801717 Change-Id: Ided8ec689a87a69643b4d4d82dc3b2bf04a7c912

Source (1)
Source (2)

 

[gnmmarechal]

Huh, interesting. Nice? I guess?

 

[x65943]

Very curious now what alphabet has got up their sleeve

 

[Deleted member 441875]

neato burrito.

Now we need chrome-based emulators /s

 

[Durelle]

neato burrito.

Now we need chrome-based emulators /s

I thought there were some,

-edit-

Found one

 

[ghjfdtg]

I would rather have a proper driver to use them system wide to be honest.

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

So now I can use a game controller to browse the internet?

 

[Xzi]

Sounds like their new "console" is gonna have support for multiple controllers. Not sure it'll really improve sales for them, though, Switch already has the same and the 8bitdo controller adapter lets you use any modern controller on any modern device.

 

[Dr.Hacknik]

Sounds like their new "console" is gonna have support for multiple controllers. Not sure it'll really improve sales for them, though, Switch already has the same and the 8bitdo controller adapter lets you use any modern controller on any modern device.

The Switch's OS (Horizon) supports all if not most HID controllers. If it uses HID, 9/10 it'll just work over either bluetooth or USB.
Although, I am very sure Xinput controllers don't work; but somebody may have already made a custom Service for those.

 

[Kubas_inko]

This will be very useful, right guys?

 

[the_randomizer]

Rather odd choice, but I guess there's no harm

 

[HtheB]

I've heard from other sources, that the Switch might end up getting a browser; Chrome.
Which explains the Joy Con codes

 

[Technicmaster0]

Sounds like their new "console" is gonna have support for multiple controllers. Not sure it'll really improve sales for them, though, Switch already has the same and the 8bitdo controller adapter lets you use any modern controller on any modern device.

Kinda OT, but do you know if the 8bitdo adapter supports ps3 and ps4 consoles?

 

[Xzi]

Kinda OT, but do you know if the 8bitdo adapter supports ps3 and ps4 consoles?

Yeah I did. Guess I kinda phrased that a bit awkwardly. It works on basically anything with a USB port, though it probably doesn't work with Wii. I haven't tested that yet.

 

[chartube12]

Google also has had a leak of a splittable controller in several different colors. Seemly more bazar?, the patients have revealed the controller is partially designed by a Sony subdivision!

 

[Ryan Warren]

I thought this would be for their game streaming service that was tested recently with assassin's Creed? I really hope that a game streaming service is made since I could have all my games through a browser and a good internet connection.

 

[TehCupcakes]

I wouldn't read too much into it. It could be related to whatever they're announcing, but it could also just be coincidence; a bit delayed support for some popular controllers that have been on the market for a while. Assuming Chrome already has support for more standard gamepads, this just brings joy-cons up-to-par with existing functionality for the rest of the gamepad market.

That being said, I also wouldn't be surprised if Google did some sort of in-browser gaming service. Whether that is a streaming service or something like a web platform dedicated to gaming (HTML5+?)... Who knows.

Google getting into the gaming market makes me cautiously optimistic. If any company has the influence and the scale to make an entrance, Google is it. However, if is anything browser-based and/or streaming-based (as this update might suggest), I find it unlikely that it will be able to gain traction with core gamers.

 

[Rahkeesh]

I thought this would be for their game streaming service that was tested recently with assassin's Creed? I really hope that a game streaming service is made since I could have all my games through a browser and a good internet connection.

It is and I don't understand why people are speculating otherwise.

All of Google's windows "apps" go inside the Chrome browser. If they are going to support game streaming on PCs then of course they are doing it via Chrome.

 

[Xabring]

Are they planing to use the joycons as VR input?

 

[raxadian]

Meh, I still prefer using a mouse or my fingers.