--- title: "Xbox Cloud Gaming adds smartphone control and Nano Controller: Microsoft evolves cloud gaming" description: "Microsoft has introduced two new features for Xbox Cloud Gaming: smartphone control via browser on TV and a compact Nano Controller with direct Wi-Fi connection to cloud servers. Both options are in preview mode available only in the US." date: 2026-11-05T14:28:25.762Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/xbox-cloud-gaming-smartphone-nano-controller-control tags: [xbox, cloud-gaming, microsoft, nano-controller, gaming, smartphone, input-lag] author: "Alexander Buran" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Xbox Cloud Gaming adds smartphone control and Nano Controller: Microsoft evolves cloud gaming ![Smartphone as an Xbox Cloud Gaming controller with Nano Controller and games on TV screen](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/05/xbox-cloud-gaming-smartfon-nano-controller-upravlenie/xbox-cloud-gaming-smartfon-nano-controller-upravlenie-1.webp) ## Key Points - A smartphone can now be used as a controller for Xbox Cloud Gaming on TVs via browser without installing apps - The new Nano Controller connects to cloud servers directly via Wi-Fi (Cloud Connect), bypassing Bluetooth TV connection - Both features are in preview status and available only to US users - The approach is partially borrowed from the discontinued Google Stadia service Microsoft has significantly revised its cloud gaming interaction model on the Xbox Cloud Gaming platform. The company introduced two new features that allow game control without a traditional gamepad: a smartphone can now act as a full-fledged controller, and a new compact Nano Controller connects directly to cloud servers via Wi-Fi. Both options are in preview status and, as of this publication, are available exclusively to users in the United States. ### Smartphone as a full controller on TV The first innovation allows using a mobile device as a control interface while streaming games via Xbox Cloud Gaming on supported TVs. The controller interface opens automatically via the browser, eliminating the need to download separate apps to your smartphone. For a number of titles, developers have provided custom button layouts adapted to the specific game mechanics. You can activate the feature on the TV via the Settings > Account section in the cloud interface, where you need to enable the Preview Features option. ### Nano Controller and Cloud Connect technology The second key innovation is aimed at reducing input lag. Microsoft is launching a feature to connect the new compact Nano Controller directly to cloud servers via Wi-Fi using Cloud Connect technology. Unlike the classic scheme where the gamepad transmits a signal via Bluetooth to the TV, which then broadcasts it to the cloud, the Nano Controller bypasses the intermediate link and connects to the server directly. This shortens the data transmission chain and, consequently, reduces response latency. ### Configuration and availability restrictions Initial configuration of the Nano Controller is carried out via the Xbox beta app on Android or the Xbox Accessories utility on PC. Participation in the Xbox Insider preview program is required for PC connection. After initial setup, the controller connects to your home Wi-Fi network and automatically pairs with the Xbox cloud session when a game is launched. Both new options are in preview status, so the list of compatible devices and games may be limited and expand as updates are released. ### Historical context: The legacy of Google Stadia A similar approach to using Wi-Fi controllers and mobile devices as a control remote for a cloud session was previously employed by the defunct Google Stadia service, which was shut down in 2023. Microsoft is effectively borrowing part of the technical concept, adapting it to its own ecosystem and expanding functionality through the browser interface on TV. Notably, both features were introduced amid temporary restrictions on cloud gaming, which gives the update additional strategic context: the company aims to maintain the service's appeal to the existing audience while terms of service are shifting. ### What this means for players For users in the US already subscribed to Xbox cloud gaming, the new options open the possibility to play Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Starfield, and other library titles without having to hold a full-sized gamepad. Timelines for availability in other markets have not yet been announced. Given the preview status, Microsoft may adjust the list of supported devices and games before a general release, so players are advised to monitor updates via the Xbox beta app and the Xbox Insider program. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Смартфон превратится в геймпад: как Microsoft обновила облачный Xbox](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/smartfon-peretvoritsya-geympad-microsoft-1793886190.html) - The source contains all key facts: browser-based TV interface, Nano Controller with Cloud Connect, US-only restriction, preview status, setup via Xbox beta / Xbox Accessories, and mention of Google Stadia. ## FAQ ### Can I control Xbox Cloud Gaming from my smartphone without installing extra apps? Yes. The controller interface opens automatically via the browser on the TV, so you don't need to download separate apps to the smartphone. To activate, enable Preview Features in Settings > Account. ### What is Cloud Connect technology and why is it needed? Cloud Connect allows the compact Nano Controller to connect directly to Microsoft cloud servers via Wi-Fi, bypassing the intermediate Bluetooth connection to the TV. This shortens the data transmission chain and reduces input lag. ### When will the new features be available outside the US? As of publication, both options are available only to users in the United States and are in preview status. Microsoft has not announced specific timelines for expansion to other markets. ### How do I set up the Nano Controller? Initial setup is performed via the Xbox beta app on Android or the Xbox Accessories utility on PC (PC requires participation in the Xbox Insider program). Once set up, the controller connects to your home Wi-Fi and automatically links to your cloud session when a game starts.