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

Your phone can now act as an Xbox controller for cloud gaming on your TV, removing the need for a physical gamepad.

Microsoft is previewing two new features for Xbox Cloud Gaming. First, on supported smart TVs, users can now utilize their smartphones as game controllers if a physical controller is unavailable. This feature works through the phone's browser and is rolling out to countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming is supported. Second, in the U.S., a preview of 'cloud connect' is available for the new Xbox Nano Controller. This controller connects directly to the cloud gaming session via Wi-Fi, bypassing Bluetooth, which aims to reduce input latency for a more responsive gaming experience. Cloud connect currently supports select smart TVs and web-based cloud gaming. Both features are in early testing and subject to feedback for future improvements.

The introduction of smartphone-as-a-controller for Xbox Cloud Gaming directly addresses a key barrier to entry for casual gamers: the requirement for specialized hardware. By enabling play on supported smart TVs without a physical controller, Microsoft is significantly lowering the friction for spontaneous gaming sessions. This move could broaden the audience for cloud gaming, making it more accessible to households where controllers are not always readily available, and potentially increasing engagement on the platform.

The 'cloud connect' feature with the Xbox Nano Controller signals a push towards reducing input latency in cloud gaming. A direct Wi-Fi connection to the cloud server, as opposed to Bluetooth to an intermediary device, is designed to improve responsiveness. This enhancement is crucial for making fast-paced games playable via streaming and could set a new standard for the performance expectations of cloud gaming services, potentially influencing how other platforms approach controller connectivity.