Overview
- The Xbox Nano, which went on sale Wednesday, November 4, retails for $49.99 and is available from Microsoft and third‑party retailers as a pocket‑sized controller for consoles, PC, mobile and cloud play.
- Microsoft has opened a US‑only preview of 'Cloud Connect' that uses the Nano’s Wi‑Fi radio to connect straight to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers rather than routing inputs over a Bluetooth link to a TV or phone.
- To try Cloud Connect users must configure the Nano through the Xbox beta app on Android or the Xbox Accessories app on PC, with PC setup requiring Xbox Insider enrollment, and connect the controller to their home Wi‑Fi and the same Xbox account used for cloud sessions.
- Separately, Xbox launched a global preview that lets players use an iOS or Android phone as a virtual controller on supported Smart TVs by enabling Preview Features in the TV Xbox app and opening controls in the phone’s browser, with some games offering tailored touch layouts.
- Reporters and analysts compare Cloud Connect to Google’s Stadia controller and several outlets say Microsoft could expand direct‑to‑cloud Wi‑Fi to future Xbox controllers, but that wider adoption and full game support remain unconfirmed as Microsoft collects feedback during testing.