November 4, 2026. Xbox has started rolling out two cloud-gaming input previews. They are tests with limited device and game support, not features guaranteed across every cloud setup.
The official announcement separates phone-as-controller support on compatible smart TVs from cloud connect on the Xbox Nano Controller.
Phone controls on a supported television
The TV preview uses a supported Android or iOS phone’s browser as the controller. Xbox says to enable Preview Features under Settings, then Account, in the latest supported TV experience. Launching a game without a physical controller connected can offer the phone option. Rollout is limited to supported TVs in cloud-gaming countries.
Nano Controller cloud connect
This preview is US-only. It connects the Nano Controller over Wi-Fi directly to the cloud session rather than using Bluetooth to the TV. Xbox says it may reduce input latency; that is not an independent performance measurement.
Setup uses the Xbox beta app on Android or Xbox Accessories on PC; the PC route requires Insider enrollment. The announced test covers supported smart TVs and the web.
Check the exact route first
Before buying hardware or rearranging a setup, confirm your country, device and game eligibility in the current support guidance. For Canadian readers, the US-only cloud-connect restriction is especially important.
We have not tested either preview. Keep feedback specific to the setup you actually used rather than assuming a result on one television applies to all devices.
Photo: Jonas Leupe / Unsplash, Unsplash License. Illustrative stock photograph, not a game or preview screenshot.
