Controlling The Future...Of World of Warcraft
The pros and cons of WoW controller support
A lot of discussion is circulating around the idea that World of Warcraft is being actively adapted for controller support ahead of the next Xbox hardware launch. Rumors suggest the new device will run Battle.net natively, with all games playable on the system. It kinda sounds insane but stay with me here.
Even if the hardware ends up being the most PC-like console yet, controller support still matters. The living-room setup demands it, as does accessibility for players who don’t want to use a keyboard and mouse in that environment.
It’s a good moment to consider the pros and cons of a controller-based WoW experience, while ignoring the automatic backlash this kind of thing tends to draw…for now. :)
The Upside
Official controller support would make World of Warcraft more accessible and flexible. Many players already use third-party add-ons or tools to play with controllers, proving there’s measurable interest.
Other MMOs have shown how successful native controller design can be. Final Fantasy XIV, for instance, features excellent controller support and thrives across PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and even handheld platforms like the Steam Deck and similar devices. The same goes for Elder Scrolls Online, which some players actually prefer on controller given some core tenants of its design.
Native support in WoW could streamline movement and combat for casual players, open the door to console and cloud platforms, and improve accessibility for those with physical limitations. Blizzard could refine the interface for analog input instead of leaving it to mods.
It would also pave the way for easier ports to PlayStation or Switch 2 if Microsoft truly wants to broaden WoW’s reach.
The Downside
WoW was built around mouse-and-keyboard precision. Official controller support might dilute that design, forcing UI compromises or control simplifications that could slow gameplay and reduce efficiency in raids or PvP.
Some players already view recent ability-rotation changes as “dumbing down” the game, possibly in preparation for a controller-friendly system. That perception won’t help community morale.
There’s also the risk of splitting the player base if balance changes start accounting for controller limitations, and development costs could rise to serve a niche in the overall player-base.
My Takeaway
While cynicism is easy, especially in WoW’s famously skeptical community, this could be a real opportunity for the aging king of MMOs. Expanding how and where people can play could strengthen the game’s longevity. The challenges are real, but we’ll likely know much more about this shift soon.
See you next time! - Scott
I’ve not played WoW in about 10 years but I think being able to play easily/well on my Steam Deck without mods would get me to give it another go.
I would love to have this for every day farming like dailies and gathering. I can’t ever see raiding with a controller though.