Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 4 hrs ago
Xbox Nano controller adds Wi-Fi for cloud gaming, while phones can act as TV gamepads
Microsoft has announced Cloud Connect, a Wi-Fi feature for the Xbox Nano Controller that is now in preview.
The feature connects the controller directly to Microsoft’s cloud servers while players use Xbox Cloud Gaming, rather than connecting through Bluetooth.
This approach, also used by Google’s discontinued Stadia Controller, is intended to reduce input delay.
Cloud Connect is currently limited to users in the United States and supported smart TVs and web browsers.
Setup requires the Xbox beta app on Android or the Xbox Accessories app on PC, with Xbox Insider enrollment needed for PC setup.
In a separate preview, players can use an iOS or Android phone as a virtual gamepad for Xbox Cloud Gaming on supported smart TVs.
The phone controls run in a web browser, and some games will have layouts tailored to their gameplay.
Microsoft announced Cloud Connect, a preview feature that lets the Xbox Nano Controller connect to Wi-Fi for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
The direct Wi-Fi connection is intended to reduce input latency compared with Bluetooth.
The preview is limited to users in the US and supported smart TVs and web experiences.
Microsoft also announced a global preview that lets people use iOS or Android phones as virtual controllers for Xbox Cloud Gaming on supported smart TVs.
The Xbox Nano Controller is a $50 compact controller compatible with Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, mobile devices and select smart TVs.
- Who
- Microsoft and Xbox Cloud Gaming users.
- What
- The Xbox Nano Controller can connect directly to Wi-Fi for cloud gaming through Cloud Connect. A separate preview lets users play on supported smart TVs using a phone as a virtual controller.
- When
- Announced on November 4, 2026. Both features are rolling out in preview.
- Where
- Cloud Connect is available to users in the US on supported smart TVs and web experiences. The phone-controller preview is global on supported smart TVs where Xbox Cloud Gaming is available.
- Why
- Direct Wi-Fi is intended to reduce input latency compared with Bluetooth. The phone feature lets people play on a supported TV without a physical controller.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Xbox released the smaller Xbox Nano Controller.
Xbox announced that Cloud Connect was rolling out in preview.
Xbox announced a global preview allowing phones to act as virtual controllers on supported smart TVs.
- Controller price
- $50
- Cloud Connect availability
- US users; supported smart TVs and web experiences
- Phone-controller preview
- Global on supported smart TVs where Xbox Cloud Gaming is available
- Phone compatibility
- iOS and Android
- Setup requirements
- Xbox beta app on Android or Xbox Accessories app on PC; PC setup requires Xbox Insider enrollment
6 sources
Xbox Nano Controller borrows a feature from Google's discontinued Stadia controller
Xbox Cloud Gaming could soon let players use their smartphones as controllers on TVs
Xbox Nano Controller gets direct Wi-Fi cloud gaming support
Microsoft confirms direct Wi-Fi for the Xbox Nano controller plus you can use your phone as a TV gamepad.