Microsoft Unveils New Xbox Cloud Gaming Controls: Phone as Controller and Wi-Fi Connected Xbox Nano

Image: Xbox previews two new ways to control cloud games · Source

Microsoft has introduced two new preview features for Xbox Cloud Gaming, enabling players to use their phones as controllers on smart TVs and connect the Xbox Nano controller directly via Wi-Fi to cloud servers for lower latency gameplay.

Microsoft has officially introduced two innovative control options for Xbox Cloud Gaming, enhancing how players interact with cloud-streamed games. The first feature allows users to use their smartphones as controllers when playing on smart TVs, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware. This phone controller option is accessible through the Xbox Cloud Gaming website and requires simply toggling preview settings under the account section.

The second new feature focuses on the Xbox Nano controller, which now supports a novel "cloud connect" mode. Unlike traditional Bluetooth connections that link the controller to the console or TV, this mode connects the Xbox Nano directly to the cloud servers over Wi-Fi. According to Xbox representatives, this direct cloud connection can reduce input latency, potentially making gameplay more responsive and improving user experience.

Players in the United States can access the cloud connect feature starting immediately in a preview phase. International users can try out the phone controller option on smart TVs, ensuring broad access across regions. Both features are currently in beta testing, meaning availability, supported devices, and compatible game titles could be limited as Microsoft refines these functionalities.

Setting up the cloud connect requires users to employ the Xbox beta app on Android or the Xbox Accessories app on PC to configure the Nano controller. The phone controller experience is more straightforward, accessible through the Xbox Cloud Gaming interface without additional software, apart from enabling preview mode.

These new control options expand the versatility of Xbox Cloud Gaming, offering players alternative ways to engage with games beyond conventional controllers. They may also help enhance accessibility and convenience, particularly on smart TVs where connecting physical controllers can sometimes be cumbersome.

By leveraging Wi-Fi for direct cloud connections and smartphones as controllers, Microsoft is exploring ways to reduce latency and improve the responsiveness of streamed games. These efforts align with the broader industry trend toward cloud gaming experiences that do not rely heavily on dedicated hardware. As both features are still under development, Microsoft is actively gathering feedback during the preview to optimize performance before potential wider release.