Xbox began rolling out two Xbox Cloud Gaming previews on November 4, 2026, and both change how players control streamed games. On supported Smart TVs, a phone can now act as the controller when no gamepad is nearby. In the U.S., players can also preview cloud connect, a Wi-Fi connection mode for the new Xbox Nano Controller. Team Xbox announced both previews on Xbox Wire and said both experiences are still being tested. As a result, availability and the supported games or devices may be limited while the company gathers feedback.
Phone Controller Preview for Smart TVs
Xbox pitches the first preview at players who want to stream a cloud game on a TV but lack a controller nearby. It works with a supported Android or iOS phone and a supported Smart TV. According to Xbox, the controls open in the phone’s browser, so players can skip a separate controller. The company adds that some games will also offer controls tailored to how they play.
To try it, players turn on Preview Features under Settings > Account in the latest supported Smart TV experience. Then, when they launch a game without a physical controller connected, the TV shows an option to use a phone for that session. Xbox says the preview is rolling out on supported TVs in countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming is supported. However, the announcement does not list specific TV models or name the games that have tailored controls.
Cloud Connect Preview With the Xbox Nano Controller
The second preview is limited to players in the U.S. and uses the Xbox Nano Controller. Xbox contrasts it with a Bluetooth connection to the TV. Instead, cloud connect uses the home Wi-Fi network to connect the controller directly to the cloud server running the game. Xbox says that approach can help reduce input latency, so gameplay may feel more responsive.
Xbox describes cloud connect as an early test, and it will not work with every cloud gaming experience yet. For now, the company lists supported Smart TVs and the web as the places to try it. The announcement does not give a timeline for bringing cloud connect to more countries or more devices.
How to Set Up Cloud Connect
Setup takes three steps, according to Xbox. First, players use the Xbox beta app on Android or the Xbox Accessories app on PC to set up cloud connect on the Xbox Nano Controller. Setup through the PC app requires Xbox Insider enrollment. Next, they follow the app’s steps to connect the controller to their Wi-Fi network. Finally, they open a supported Xbox Cloud Gaming experience and sign in with the same Xbox account used during setup. The controller then connects through cloud connect. Xbox also points players to its cloud connect setup guide for detailed instructions.
Sharing Feedback on Both Previews
Xbox says it is testing both experiences to learn what works well and what needs improvement. The company adds that it will use that feedback to help shape future updates. For the phone controller, players can send feedback from the phone itself. After scanning the QR code on the TV, they tap the Xbox icon in the top-left corner and select Give Feedback.
On the TV, players can open the Guide with the Xbox button or the Xbox icon in the top-left corner and select Give Feedback. Alternatively, they can open the Xbox app’s main menu, click the profile icon in the top-right corner and choose Give Feedback. For cloud connect, feedback goes through the Xbox Accessories app on PC or the Xbox mobile app by selecting the Feedback icon.
