Microsoft removes Xbox Game Pass gamepad from Surface Duo, seemingly by accident
The latest update to Xbox Game Pass on Android removes the gamepad from the second screen of the Surface Duo.
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What you need to know
Microsoft’s Surface Duo just lost a fan-favorite feature among gamers. Following a recent update to Xbox Game Pass for Android, the app no longer shows a gamepad on the second display of the Duo. The reason for the removal is unclear, especially given the popularity of the feature. There’s a chance that Microsoft removed the feature by accident.
“I just noticed that the recent update on Xbox Game Pass app there’s no gamepad on the second screen,” saidHautamekiPL on Reddit. “Can you check on yours? I have Surface Duo 1.”
In response to that post, several Duo owners confirmed the removal of the gamepad on the second screen of the foldable.
“Can confirm, it doesn’t work,” responded yugabe. “It’s like it doesn’t detect a [second] screen and just plops the game in the middle. Way to NOT go!”
Microsoft began testingdual-screen support with Xbox Game Pass on Surface Duo back in May 2021. The functionality later rolled out to general availability, greatly enhancing the gaming capability of the device. When the feature was new, our gaming editor Jez Corden discussed how the Surface Duo could become aNintendo DS-like devicedue in large part to the gamepad.
It seems unlikely that Microsoft would remove such a popular feature without explaining the move. We’ll have to wait to see if it was simply an omission by the Xbox Game Pass team.
YouTuber Shane Craig showed off the issue in a video, as well as directions for how to roll back to a previous version of Xbox Game Pass that still shows a gamepad on the second screen of the Duo.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
