Xbox Cloud Gaming Gets Phone Controller and Wi-Fi "Cloud Connect" Previews
Xbox has opened two previews for Cloud Gaming: a phone-as-controller option on supported Smart TVs and Wi-Fi-based cloud connect for the Xbox Nano Controller in the US.
Xbox has started rolling out two new ways to play through Xbox Cloud Gaming, and both are in preview. One turns your phone into a controller on a Smart TV. The other links a controller over Wi-Fi straight to the cloud server that is running your game, according to Xbox Wire.
Using your phone as a controller
Say you want to play a cloud game on your TV but don't have a controller within reach. A supported Android or iOS phone can take its place. The controls open in your phone's browser, so you don't need a separate controller. For certain games, the on-screen controls will be shaped to suit how that game is played.
To give it a go, switch on Preview Features in Settings > Account in the latest supported Smart TV experience. After that, start a game while no physical controller is connected. An option to use your phone for that session will appear.
Pure Xbox notes that supported TVs include certain Amazon, LG and Samsung models, among others. Xbox says the preview begins rolling out today on supported TVs in the countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming is offered.
What cloud connect does
Cloud connect is aimed at responsiveness. Rather than pairing with your TV over Bluetooth, the controller goes through your Wi-Fi and reaches the cloud server hosting your game directly. Xbox says this can cut input latency, so gameplay may feel more responsive.
For now, players in the US can preview it with the new Xbox Nano Controller. Xbox describes it as an early test that won't yet work with every cloud gaming experience. You can try it on supported Smart TVs and on the web.
Pure Xbox also cites a Windows Central rumour that cloud connect may come to all Xbox controllers in future. Xbox has not confirmed that, and for now the feature is exclusive to the Nano.
How to set up cloud connect
- Set up your controller using the Xbox beta app on Android, or the Xbox Accessories app on PC. Setup through the PC app requires Xbox Insider enrollment.
- Follow the app's steps to connect the controller to your Wi-Fi network.
- Sign in to a supported Xbox Cloud Gaming experience, using the Xbox account you used during setup.
Xbox points to its cloud connect setup guide on the Xbox support site for detailed instructions.
What it means for you
If you own a supported Smart TV, you can try the phone controller by switching on Preview Features today. Cloud connect is a narrower test: you need the Nano Controller and a US location. Because both are previews, expect gaps in game and device support.
Xbox is asking for feedback and says it will use it to shape future updates. For the phone controller, tap the Xbox icon in the top-left corner after scanning the TV's QR code, then choose "Give Feedback". Cloud connect feedback goes through the Xbox Accessories app on PC or the Xbox mobile app.
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Quick answers
Do I need a physical controller to play Xbox Cloud Gaming on a TV?
Not in the new preview. On a supported Smart TV, you can use a supported Android or iOS phone instead when no controller is connected.
Can I use cloud connect outside the US?
Not yet, according to Xbox. The cloud connect preview is available to players in the US with the Xbox Nano Controller.
Where do I turn on the phone controller preview?
Go to Settings > Account in the latest supported Smart TV experience and turn on Preview Features.
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