Xbox Cloud Gaming is testing two new ways to control a game: your phone on a smart TV, and a direct Wi-Fi link from the Xbox Nano Controller to the game server. Xbox has just announced both as previews, and says supported games and devices may be limited while it gathers feedback.
Your phone can now stand in when there’s no controller nearby. Start a game on a supported TV with no controller connected, scan the QR code on screen, and the controls open in your phone’s browser, on Android or iOS. Some games get controls tailored to how they play.
To try it, turn on Preview Features under Settings > Account in the latest Xbox app on your TV. Xbox’s list of supported TVs covers 2021 and newer Samsung models, most newer LG sets, and select Amazon Fire TV and VIDAA-powered devices. The preview is rolling out on those TVs in countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming is available.
Cloud connect changes the route your button presses take. The Nano normally talks to your TV over Bluetooth; with cloud connect, it joins your Wi-Fi and sends inputs straight to the server running your game. Xbox says that can help reduce input latency, though it gives no figure.
If you remember Google’s Stadia, the Stadia Controller also reached the cloud over its own Wi-Fi connection. Xbox said nothing about Wi-Fi when it announced the Nano in October, and the product page still lists only Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth.
In any case, you’ll need a $49.99 (about Php 3,170) Nano and a US location, and Xbox says it won’t work with every cloud gaming experience yet. Setup runs through the Xbox beta app or, for Xbox Insiders, the Xbox Accessories app on PC.
Xbox’s support guide lists play.xbox.com and the Xbox apps on LG TVs, VIDAA TVs, Fire TV and Meta Quest. Samsung TVs aren’t on that list, even though select Samsung sets get a Nano offer in the US this holiday season.
Both previews arrive as Game Pass plans get monthly cloud limits in November: 15 hours on Ultimate, 10 on Premium and 5 on Essential. We think that’s just Xbox’s own funny way of saying, “Here, kid, you can pay to play.”
