Xbox previews two new ways to control cloud games

<figure> <img alt="Illustration of Xbox and play logos" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22478836/acastro_210429_1777_0004.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I revealed yesterday that the new <a href="https://www.theverge.com/games/1025430/xbox-nano-controller-direct-cloud-wifi-connectivity">Xbox Nano controller supports</a> 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.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">"Instead of a Bluetooth connection to your TV, cloud connect uses your Wi-Fi to connect directly to the cloud server running your game," <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/11/04/cloud-gaming-inputs-preview/">says the Xbox team</a>. "That can help reduce input latency, so gameplay may feel more responsive."</p> <img src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/11/XBOX-Wire-DtC-Phone-Controller-110426-5428ff0def107f49971d.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="The new phone controller feature. | Image: Microsoft" data-portal-copyright="Image: Microsoft"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Players in the US will be able to preview the new <a href="https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/controller/cloud-connect">cloud connect option</a> for the Xbo …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/1026455/xbox-nano-direct-cloud-wifi-connection-xbox-cloud-gaming-phone-controller">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>