● Covered by 3 sources · 3 reportsLow impact3 neutral
Xbox Nano Controller Features Wi-Fi Cloud Connect, Similar to Stadia Controller
Key points
- Xbox Nano Controller launches this week for $50.
- Features "Cloud connect" for Wi-Fi-based Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Functionality is in preview and under development.
- Similar Wi-Fi direct connection to the defunct Stadia Controller.
- Xbox Nano Controller's cloud connect preview starts today in the US.
- A new phone controller option for smart TVs is available outside the US.
- The phone controller interface opens in a browser, no app needed.
- Some games have custom controller layouts for the phone controller.
Xbox Nano Controller Release and Features
Microsoft is releasing the Xbox Nano Controller this week for $50. This controller is designed with a smaller form factor for portability and users with smaller hands. A key feature is its integrated "Cloud connect" capability.
Wi-Fi Cloud Gaming Connection
The "Cloud connect" feature allows the Xbox Nano Controller to pair directly over Wi-Fi for Xbox Cloud Gaming. This aims to provide a fast and responsive experience by bypassing traditional Bluetooth connections to a console or device. This method of direct Wi-Fi connection for cloud gaming was previously a hallmark of Google's Stadia Controller.
Development Status and Future Plans
Microsoft has stated that the Wi-Fi cloud connect functionality is a preview experience and is still under development, indicating that its performance and features may change. The Verge notes that this feature is also anticipated to be included in a future Xbox Elite Controller model. While Amazon's Luna Controller also uses Wi-Fi, Microsoft's adoption could broaden the reach of this technology.
Updates
- Xbox Nano Controller's cloud connect preview starts today in the US.
- A new phone controller option for smart TVs is available outside the US.
- The phone controller interface opens in a browser, no app needed.
- Some games have custom controller layouts for the phone controller.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Xbox Cloud Gaming is testing two new controller options: using a smartphone as a controller for smart TVs and direct Wi-Fi connectivity for the Nano Controller. The phone controller works via a browser interface, while the Nano Controller's Wi-Fi connection aims to reduce latency for cloud gaming.
Xbox Cloud Gaming is introducing two new preview features: a phone controller option for smart TVs and direct Wi-Fi connectivity for the Xbox Nano controller. The direct Wi-Fi connection, called cloud connect, aims to reduce input latency by connecting the Nano controller directly to cloud servers.
The new Xbox Nano Controller, launching this week for $50, includes a "Cloud connect" feature that uses Wi-Fi for Xbox Cloud Gaming. This functionality, currently in preview, mirrors the direct Wi-Fi connection method previously used by the Google Stadia Controller and is expected in future Xbox Elite Controllers.