SNACK: 3-line summary
- Xbox Cloud Gaming began rolling out two input previews on November 4, including phone controls for supported smart TVs.
- The phone option requires enabling Preview Features on the TV, then scanning a QR code to open browser-based controls.
- The separate Nano Controller preview is US-only and connects directly to the cloud over Wi-Fi on supported smart TVs and the web.
A supported Android or iOS phone can stand in for a gamepad in a new Xbox Cloud Gaming smart TV preview. The game is streamed to the TV, while the phone’s browser provides the controls—it is not a way to stream the game to your phone. Xbox announced the feature on November 4 alongside a separate Wi-Fi connection preview for the Nano Controller, with both beginning to roll out that day.
Turn on the TV preview, then scan the QR code
The phone-controller preview covers supported smart TVs in countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming is available. You will also need a supported Android or iOS phone; the rollout does not mean every TV and phone combination can use it immediately.
- In the latest supported smart TV experience, open Settings > Account and turn on Preview Features.
- Launch a game without a physical controller connected, then select the phone-controller option for that session.
- Scan the QR code with your phone to open the controls in its browser.
Some games offer specialized touch controls, but not every game does. Normal cloud-service and game-access requirements still apply; the preview does not make Game Pass or its games free.
Snackgirls react
Red: I want to try playing with my eyes on the TV and my thumbs on a phone. I’m curious how much I’d miss the feel of a physical pad.
Nea: I’m curious which games would suit a quiet, short session on the TV. I’d start with something that leaves a little room to think.
Nano’s direct Wi-Fi connection is a separate, US-only preview
The Xbox Nano Controller cloud-connect preview is limited to the United States and currently works with supported smart TVs and web experiences. That US-only restriction belongs to the Nano preview, not the separate phone-controller preview.
Instead of sending inputs over Bluetooth through the TV, Nano connects directly to a cloud server over Wi-Fi. Xbox says this can reduce input latency.
Setup uses either the Xbox beta app on Android or Xbox Accessories on PC. The PC setup route requires Xbox Insider enrollment. Once set up, connect the controller to Wi-Fi and sign in with the same Xbox account used during setup.
Sources and date: 2026-11-05 KST
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