Tech
Xbox previews two new ways to control cloud games
Publication: The Verge
Author: Tom Warren
Source published: 04/11/2026, 19:00:00 UTC
Briefing created: 04/11/2026, 19:03:09 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 04/11/2026, 19:01:25 UTC.
Briefings
Microsoft officially announced two new Xbox preview features on November 4, 2026, enabling direct cloud gaming connectivity via Wi-Fi on the Xbox Nano controller and allowing phone controllers to function on smart TVs. These updates aim to reduce input latency compared to Bluetooth, though the article does not specify exact latency reduction percentages or confirm which specific games are supported. The findings are presented by the Xbox team in a single statement without detailed technical breakdowns or user testing results.
Key points
- Xbox Nano controller now supports direct Wi-Fi connection to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers, replacing Bluetooth for cloud gaming connectivity.
- Phone controllers can now be used as controllers on smart TVs through the new cloud connect feature.
Context
This finding expands Xbox Cloud Gaming accessibility by offering two new hardware and software options for users to connect to cloud servers. The article states that cloud connect uses Wi-Fi to connect directly to the cloud server running the game, which can help reduce input latency and improve responsiveness. The preview features are available for testing in the US, but the specific games supported are not listed in the provided text.
Limitations
The evidence is limited to a single statement from the Xbox team without technical specifications, latency data, or game titles. The article does not specify the exact date of the official announcement beyond the preview release date, nor does it provide details on regional availability beyond the US.
Generated by Bittrees-hosted qwen35-2b sha256:aaf42c8b7c3c on 04/11/2026, 19:03:09 UTC. Based on publisher-provided feed evidence; may not cover the full original article. Check the source for details.
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