Google previews foldable gaming mode for Android 17

Google has previewed a new gaming mode for foldable phones that will be part of the upcoming Android 17 platform release. The feature, designed to address ergonomic challenges, automatically splits the unfolded screen into a 50/50 layout, placing an unobstructed game view on the top half and a fully customizable virtual gamepad on the bottom.

The mode was detailed by Android Community Engagement Manager Mishaal Rahman in a Reddit post, providing a fuller picture after an initial mention in a broader Android 17 announcement on June 16. According to the information, the virtual controller emulates physical hardware button presses at the system level. This allows it to work natively with any mobile game that already supports physical controllers, without requiring additional effort from developers.

The gamepad includes a standard console layout featuring a D-pad, left and right thumbsticks, A/B/X/Y action buttons, L1/L2/L3 and R1/R2/R3 shoulder buttons, and a Start button. Users will have several customization options, including the ability to switch between "Twin stick, Inline" and "Twin stick, Staggered" layouts, adjust the overall size of the controls between small, medium, and...