Xbox previews two new ways to control cloud games

I revealed yesterday that the new Xbox Nano controller supports a Wi-Fi connection directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming, and now Microsoft is making it official today. Two new Xbox previews will let players try out using a phone as a controller on smart TVs, as well as cloud connect on the Xbox Nano to connect directly to cloud servers.

“Instead of a Bluetooth connection to your TV, cloud connect uses your Wi-Fi to connect directly to the cloud server running your game,” says the Xbox team. “That can help reduce input latency, so gameplay may feel more responsive.”

[Image: The new phone controller feature. https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/11/XBOX-Wire-DtC-Phone-Controller-110426-5428ff0def107f49971d.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]

Players in the US will be able to preview the new cloud connect option for the Xbox Nano controller starting today. If you’re not in the US you will be able to preview a new phone controller option on smart TVs. The controller is available on the Xbox Cloud Gaming website, allowing people to use the streaming service without a dedicated Bluetooth controller.

Microsoft says “both experiences are still being tested” and that “availability and supported games or devices may be limited” during this beta phase. You’ll need to use the Xbox beta app for Android or the Xbox Accessories app on PC to set up cloud connect on the Nano controller, and the smart TV phone controller just requires a toggle of preview features from the Settings > Account section of Xbox Cloud Gaming.