Google Chrome will soon support Nintendo Switch controllers

Google Chrome may soon have native support for both the Nintendo Switch Pro controller and its Joy-Cons, according to an article from 9to5Google.

A new commit in Chromium’s Gerrit source code, titled “Improve support for Nintendo Switch gamepads”, was discovered by both 9to5Google and Owen Williams.

https://twitter.com/ow/status/1106175733842526208

This update comes just mere days before Google is expected to reveal something big and gaming related at GDC 2019.

It’s pretty straight forward. Thanks to Gamepad API, people will be able to connect either their Switch Pro controller, either or both Joy-Cons, or the Joy-Con Charging Grip. The controllers can either be connected with a cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Chrome has been capable of supporting the Switch Pro controller for a little while now, but only on Linux. This update appears to move beyond Linux, allowing anyone with access to chrome the ability to use their Switch controllers with the browser.

However, this isn’t necessarily a radical move – there are few web-based games or applications that would require the extensive use of a Switch controller or really, any gaming-based controller. On the other hand, it is nice to at least have the option there, and there may be something even bigger in store in the future.

Google’s GDC reveal event is set to take place on March 19th.

Sources: 9to5Google, Owen Williams on Twitter, and Events With Google.