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How to use keyboard and mouse support in The Sims 4

The Sims 4 is available on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, but until recently, players were stuck using traditional controllers instead of the mouse and keyboard setup used by the PC version. The franchise is not designed for gamepads, and with the game’s latest update, console players can now enjoy the same keyboard and mouse experience as their PC friends.  Below, we’ll explain how to use a keyboard and mouse in The Sims 4 for both Xbox One and PS4, so you can experience the game the way it was meant to be played.

Regardless of the system you choose, make sure you stay up to date with the latest Sims 4 patch notes on the game’s official website. Here, you’ll get information on added features as well as bug fixes that could solve problems you have related to your keyboard and mouse setup.

Sims 4 keyboard and mouse support on Xbox One

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Xbox One officially supports keyboard and mouse controls across several different games, and before you begin playing The Sims 4 with your peripherals, you need to get them properly connected to the console.

Plug your devices into the USB ports on your Xbox One, and then go to the “Settings” menu of your console and select “Kinect & Devices.” Here, you’ll be able to swap mapping or alter the cursor speed on the mouse, but you should also be able to use the peripherals without having to adjust settings.

Once this is done, you should be ready to play with keyboard and mouse controls without issue! Just keep a standard controller nearby in case something works incorrectly, and ensure The Sims 4 is updated to the most recent version. You will still need your gamepad for the initial starting screen.

Sims 4 keyboard and mouse support on PS4

The Sims 4 screenshot 10
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Enabling keyboard and mouse controls for the PS4 version of The Sims 4 is almost identical, but setting names are slightly different than they are on Xbox One.

Plug your keyboard and mouse into your PlayStation 4’s USB ports. You’ll see that there are a couple of them located on the front of the console, which should make it a bit more accessible than on the Xbox One. After this, navigate to the “Settings” screen from the home page and click “Devices.”

Once you arrive at this page, you’ll notice a list of various possible device types. Most likely, you’ll want to modify the “Mouse” and “External Keyboard” options. When you’re working with the “Mouse” option, you can adjust your type from right-handed to left-handed, and you can change the pointer speed between slow, normal, and fast.

After you complete the update, load up The Sims 4 and hold the X button down on your controller while you’re on the main menu. From here, you can easily use your mouse’s cursor to select the specific options you want to pick in your game. You can also do this throughout the beginning personalization process. Be aware that you will need to have both your mouse and keyboard plugged in, even if you only need to use the mouse and nothing else. However, if the keyboard is plugged in incorrectly or not at all, the mouse will not function.

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Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
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