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Xbox previews phone controller support and direct Wi-Fi for Nano Controller

Microsoft is previewing two new control methods for Xbox Cloud Gaming, enabling players to use smartphones on supported smart TVs and adding direct Wi-Fi connectivity to the Xbox Nano Controller.

A white and a black Xbox Nano Controller resting on a wooden desk next to their retail packaging.
Image: @analyticsinme

Microsoft is testing two new control options for Xbox Cloud Gaming, according to an Xbox Wire preview announcement reported by Techmeme and The Verge. The updates introduce smartphone-based controls for users on supported smart TVs alongside direct Wi-Fi connectivity for the compact Xbox Nano Controller.[1][2][3][6]

Under the new phone controller feature, players accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming through supported smart TVs can substitute their smartphone as a controller when a physical gamepad is not nearby. Promotional graphics shared by Engadget show a virtual touchscreen interface on a mobile device mapped to control gameplay on an external television display.[1][4][6]

The second feature adds direct Wi-Fi cloud gaming capability to the Xbox Nano Controller, an approach Engadget described as adopting a technique previously popularized by Google Stadia. Analytics Insight reported that the USD 49.99 miniature controller uses the Wi-Fi connection in an effort to make cloud gaming sessions feel faster and more responsive.[1][4][5]

Key facts

  • Microsoft is previewing smartphone controller support for Xbox Cloud Gaming on supported smart TVs.
  • Microsoft is adding direct Wi-Fi cloud gaming connectivity to the Xbox Nano Controller in preview.
  • The Xbox Nano Controller is priced at USD 49.99.
  • Engadget noted that the Nano Controller's Wi-Fi feature adopts a mechanism previously used by Google Stadia.

Sources · 6 sources

  1. TE

    TechmemeArticle ·

    Microsoft previews using smartphones as controllers for Xbox Cloud Gaming on supported smart TVs and direct Wi-Fi cloud gaming support for the Nano Controller (XBOX Wire) XBOX Wire : Microsoft previews using smartphones as controllers for Xbox Cloud Gaming on supported smart TVs and direct Wi-Fi cloud gaming support for the Nano Controller — Starting today, we're rolling out two previews for XBOX Cloud Gaming. On supported Smart TVs, you can use your phone as a controller when you don't have one nearby.

    Open source
  2. TV

    The Verge@vergePost on X ·

    Xbox Cloud Gaming is getting a phone controller and new direct Wi-Fi connectivity for the Xbox Nano. https://t.co/bcDM8C6kQD

    Open source
  3. TW

    Tom Warren@tomwarrenPost on X ·

    Xbox is previewing two new ways to control cloud games today. Xbox Cloud Gaming is getting a phone controller and new direct Wi-Fi connectivity for the Xbox Nano. Full details 👇 https://t.co/EGEPwn6SRX

    Open source
  4. EN

    Engadget@engadgetPost on X ·

    The Nano Controller is adopting a Google Stadia trick. https://t.co/hb5fBfnZOa

    Open source
  5. AI

    Analytics Insight@analyticsinmePost on X ·

    𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐎𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐒𝐃 𝟒𝟗.𝟗𝟗 𝐗𝐛𝐨𝐱 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐨 Microsoft’s tiny Xbox Nano Controller costs USD 49.99 and includes a Wi-Fi feature that could make Xbox Cloud Gaming feel faster. #Xbox #XboxNano #CloudGaming #Microsoft #GamingNews #AI #AINews #AnalyticsInsight #AnalyticsInsightMagazine   Read More 👇 https://t.co/43rXf6eTrr

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  6. NE

    NeowinFeed@NeowinFeedPost on X ·

    Microsoft is testing two new Xbox Cloud Gaming features, letting Smart TV users play with their phones and adding Wi-Fi to the Xbox Nano Controller. #XboxCloudGaming #XboxNano https://t.co/qHLE06BHyM

    Open source