Xbox tests phone controls for cloud games and direct Nano connection

Xbox has begun rolling out two cloud gaming previews. One lets players use a phone as a controller on supported smart TVs; the other connects an Xbox Nano controller directly to the game server over Wi-Fi. The Nano test is currently limited to the United States.

To use a phone, turn on Preview Features under Settings > Account in the latest supported smart TV experience. Launching a game without a physical controller connected then presents an option to use a supported Android or iOS phone. Controls open in the phone’s browser, and some games have layouts tailored to them.

The phone preview is rolling out in countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming is supported. Game and device support may be limited during both previews.

Nano’s cloud connection uses Wi-Fi to reach the server running the game instead of connecting to the TV over Bluetooth. Xbox says this may reduce the delay between an input and its response. The early test currently works on supported smart TVs and the web.

Setup uses the Xbox beta app on Android or Xbox Accessories on PC. PC setup requires Xbox Insider enrollment; players then sign in to a supported cloud gaming experience with the same account used to set up the controller.