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]