Using an Xbox One without a controller can be done but you will not be making the most of its functionality. You can be in control of elements in your console, chat and post updates with an application, link a standalone mouse and keyboard or make use of a 3rd-party adapter to link a mouse and keyboard.
Playing lots of games will not be possible though, especially the quicker or twitchier games until the adapter is used. The app, mouse and keyboard option are not ideal but they can function after a fashion. The adapter is your best bet but it is also costly. Without your controller, it breaks and as you await a replacement, see below for hoe to use your Xbox One without a controller, keep reading.
Use The XBox App
The Xbox app is not a newbie. They have been in our faces for a while now. You are able to chat with friends, search for groups in games, ensure your activity feed is filled with the latest stuff, view clips and promo of games, purchase games to be delivered to your XBox and transform it to a media controller for viewing films or TV.
The app and your Xbox will have to use one WiFi network but should locate each other without any issue if they are.
Making use of the app to play games is restricted. Basic games can be played since the app can use the keyboard to control, even if it will require enough practice and is not close to being as precise as an Xbox controller. Game support is also limited so you have to check before usage if you intend to go for it and not a controller.
Android and iOS users can enjoy this app. Be aware that it to prone to crashing here and there so it is not faultless. It functions better as something that can complement an Xbox controller rather than replace it.
The app is available for Android and iPhone and works okay on each. It actually works better as an addition to an Xbox controller rather than a replacement for it.
Use A Mouse And Keyboard With XBox One
Most times, PC gamers and Xbox One gamers are stopped from playing the same matches because mouse and keyboard can give PC players an edge. So how about if you could use a mouse and keyboard with an Xbox One? It is possible after a fashion.
The USB mouse and keyboard can be used to navigate your Xbox One already. A mouse support is built into the console and keyboard shortcuts already configured. Just a few games can function with this type of control.
This page on Xbox One support website lets you know precisely what is presently possible or impossible to do with a mouse and keyboard on Xbox One. The page does not address the exact games that presently support mouse and keyboard but i can vouch for Fortnite and War Thunder, because i tested them.
Use A 3rd-Party Dongle With XbOX One
There are two great third party dongles that allow you connect and use a mouse and keyboard to an Xbox One. I’m talking about IM Apex and IOGEAR KeyMander. These dongles engage in the translation of mouse and keyboard input into the Xbox for use in games. This is the only feasible way I know of right now to use an XBox One without a controller to play games.
They are quite expensive though. Both costs $99.99 that is 36,073 naira and there is no mouse or keyboard included.
These dongles are linked to your Xbox through USB and the mouse and keyboard get linked to the dongle. The dongle translates input from the mouse and keyboard into native Xbox language so it can be used for every control scheme you will normally use in a game. Creation of specific profiles is also possible for you to use your favorite shortcut keys or mouse buttons for precise commands inside a game.
With Google Stadia and the reported arrival of Xbox games playable on PC, the console’s era is running out. So till then, i will not advice that you invest massively in any console hardware until we are sure that both technologies will make it unnecessary. If you are a crazy fan of your Xbox though, you might have a different opinion and if your controller breaks, at least now you are aware of the fact that all is not lost and it will still be possible to use your console until there is a replacement.
