Google’s Daydream VR SDK finally adds support for two controllers

2 min read

Google is adding support for two controllers to its popular VR operating system Daydream, which until now, only supported single controller. The reveal came to light as XDA developers noted mentions of multiple controller support in the latest Google Daydream VR SDK for Unity.

Google partnered with Lenovo to launch the first standalone Mirage solo headset back in May. Now, with support for multiple controllers added in Google Daydream SDK will allow for far more applications with Google-powered headsets.

As per the official release notes, the headset will be able to prompt the users about devices that support “one controller” and those supporting “two controllers”. The prefab is capable of automatically tracking the Daydream controller on devices supporting only one controller.

To get automatic tracking of Daydream Controller on devices supporting two controllers, a second prefab instance should be added.

One of these controllers on will play the role of a “dominant” controller and depending on your preferences, you can set either right hand or left-hand controller as the dominant.

Support for multiple controllers does not necessarily mean that multiplayer gaming will be possible on the handset. It is just additional controllers added to the device. Having a controller in each hand that does different things can make your gameplay experience way more immersive.

As for now, Google hasn’t provided any clear indication regarding how the two controllers will work in conjunction with each other. Whether it is going to use a standalone headset or a Bluetooth 5.0 compatible device to establish the connection between two controllers haven’t been specified.

With the new support, Google’s Daydream will pose competition to popular VR headsets such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, etc which already come equipped with multiple controllers. There aren’t a lot of games supporting Daydream at the moment but the new update might pave the way for new games being run on these headsets in the future.

It’ll be a while before we see anything in action. Although, the new addition will take these headsets a step ahead when it comes to bridging the gap between mobile games and console-level gaming on VR.

For more information on the new update, check out the official Google VR SDK.