Google’s Android 17 update might be gearing up for a major gaming shift in smartphones and tablets. Early clues suggest something big is brewing, from controller tweaks to deeper integration. Should gamers be excited?
With the rise of gaming handhelds, Google seems to be betting on smartphones as a rightful alternative. However, given the current state of the Android OS, major upgrades are still needed to shake up the market. With Android 17, we may finally see the company expand the operating system’s gaming capabilities, starting with deeper physical controller integration, new features, and performance improvements.
Android 17 is not expected to be officially announced until sometime in the second quarter of 2026, but we’re already getting a glimpse of what’s to come through the latest Android 16 builds. Interestingly, there are clues pointing to what the next major OS version might include, especially in the gaming department.
Android Phones May Get Console-Like Capabilities in Android 17
According to strings of code discovered in the latest build by Android Authority, Google appears to be working on a dedicated settings section for connected gaming accessories like gamepads. If this feature makes it into Android 17, users will gain quick access to manage these accessories directly from system settings.
Another feature tied to this is controller remapping, spotted in the Android framework. This suggests users may be able to program or remap buttons and elements on their controllers to perform different actions, which is similar to standalone console controllers and the Google Play Games platform for PC.
The Android 17 update could bring wider compatibility with gamepads and controllers. In the picture, the Backbone One controller looks deceptively small until compared with an Xbox Series X controller. Image source: nextpit
However, the outlet notes this functionality might be limited to system-level use and not available to third-party apps and games. But since it’s still in testing, we could see changes as development progresses.
Controller remapping may also include a virtual gamepad, allowing gamers to customize shortcuts more easily. However, this could also mean support for an on-screen gamepad for large-screen Android devices. The code references standard buttons like the D-pad, left and right triggers, menu buttons, and joysticks.
Wider Controller Compatibility with Android 17?
Beyond these features, Android 17 could bring deeper integration with external controllers. That means users can expect improvements like lower latency connections and broader compatibility across more brands.
Additionally, building on the gaming-centric upgrades introduced in Android 16 at the system level, Android 17 may continue to deliver performance boosts, especially in graphics APIs like Vulkan.
Google is expected to officially unveil Android 17 sometime in April or May 2026, though the developer preview could begin as early as this month or the next. We’re watching closely as more details emerge about these gaming-focused enhancements that could benefit a wide range of users and mobile gamers.
Which gaming features or changes would you like to see in Android 17? Do you want to see Google expand the cloud gaming capabilities on Android? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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