Game news · AI
XBOX previews phone controls and Wi-Fi cloud connect for cloud gaming
XBOX Cloud Gaming is rolling out two preview features: using a supported phone as a controller on a supported Smart TV, and connecting the new XBOX Nano Controller directly over Wi-Fi in the US. Both remain tests with limited availability and compatibility.
Use a phone when no controller is nearby
The phone-controller preview lets a supported Android or iOS phone act as the controller for a supported Smart TV. Its controls open in the mobile browser, eliminating the need for a separate controller for that session. Some games will also provide control layouts tailored to their own play.
To enable it, turn on Preview Features under Settings > Account in the latest supported Smart TV experience. When launching a game without a physical controller connected, the player can select the phone-control option. The preview is rolling out on supported TVs in countries where XBOX Cloud Gaming is supported.
A direct Wi-Fi route for the XBOX Nano Controller
The XBOX Nano Controller preview is open to players in the U.S. Rather than establishing a Bluetooth connection with the TV, cloud connect uses Wi-Fi to reach the cloud server directly. Xbox says this can help reduce input latency and make gameplay feel more responsive.
Cloud connect remains an early test and does not work with every cloud gaming experience yet. For now, it can be tried on supported Smart TVs and the web.
Setup begins in the XBOX beta app on Android or the Xbox Accessories app on PC, with XBOX Insider enrollment required when using the PC app. The app then guides the player through connecting the controller to a Wi-Fi network. To play, the user opens a supported XBOX Cloud Gaming experience, signs in with the same XBOX account used during setup, and the controller connects through cloud connect.
The previews will continue to evolve
XBOX says both experiences are being tested to identify what works and what needs improvement, with feedback intended to shape future updates. Phone-controller feedback can be submitted from the phone or a supported Smart TV app; after scanning the QR code displayed on the TV, the player can select Give Feedback from the phone’s top-left Xbox icon.
On the TV, feedback is available through the Guide or the XBOX app’s main menu. Cloud connect feedback can be submitted through the Xbox Accessories app on PC or the XBOX mobile app by selecting the Feedback icon.
At a glance
- Phone controller preview
- A supported Android or iOS phone can serve as a controller on a supported Smart TV. The controls appear in the phone’s browser, and some games offer tailored controls.
- Enabling the phone preview
- Preview Features must be enabled under Settings > Account in the latest supported Smart TV experience. The phone-control option appears when a game is launched without a physical controller connected.
- Cloud connect preview
- Players in the U.S. can preview cloud connect with the XBOX Nano Controller on supported Smart TVs and the web.
- How cloud connect works
- Cloud connect uses the controller’s Wi-Fi connection to reach the cloud server running the game instead of connecting to the TV over Bluetooth. Xbox says this can reduce input latency.
- Controller setup requirements
- Cloud connect can be configured with the XBOX beta app on Android or the Xbox Accessories app on PC. PC setup requires XBOX Insider enrollment.
- Account and compatibility conditions
- The controller connects through cloud connect after the player opens a supported XBOX Cloud Gaming experience and signs in with the XBOX account used during setup. Availability, supported games and supported devices may be limited during testing.
Sources and language information
Official information · Source language: English
Source region / storefront: Not specified by the source; language does not imply availability.