World of Warcraft Forever adds controller, hints at console

World of Warcraft Forever is set to launch on November 4 and will offer native gamepad support, including a controller‑focused interface, dedicated action bars, targeting controls and menu navigation built into the game rather than via add‑ons. The new title revisits the 2004 setting and expands the Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor continents with over a thousand quests, a new race, and several new dungeons and raids.

Longdale hints at a console future

Blizzard vice‑president Holly Longdale said the gamepad support is the first step toward making the game playable on devices beyond PCs. She noted that “What you just described is really what we're after. Play it wherever you want and, at some point, on whatever you want.” and referenced Project Helix, an Xbox‑PC hybrid that could run Xbox and PC games from multiple stores. Longdale also mentioned that people have already been getting the game running on the ROG Ally X handheld, implying future console compatibility.

Gamepad support was added to give players a controller‑focused interface, separate action bars, and menu navigation that does not rely on add‑ons. The move also shows Blizzard’s willingness to make the classic MMORPG more portable, as it has already been played on handhelds such as the ROG Ally X. This suggests that the company is keeping the possibility of a console port in mind, especially as Project Helix is expected to bridge Xbox and PC gameplay.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma praised the commercial results of WoW Forever just hours before launch. The combination of a classic setting, new content and native controller support has sparked speculation that the title could eventually reach Xbox consoles or other hybrid devices. Until a formal announcement is made, players can enjoy the game on PC with a controller from launch, while the company’s comments leave the possibility of a console future open.