Xbox Cloud Gaming lets phones act as controllers on smart TVs

Microsoft has begun a preview that lets players on supported smart TVs use their Android or iOS phones as controllers for Xbox Cloud Gaming. The feature means players can play supported games without buying a separate controller.

Xbox announced the two new controller options on 5 November 2026. The phone option works on supported smart TVs. Players connect their phone to the TV and use it to control the game.

The second change applies only to users in the US. They can now connect the Xbox Nano controller directly to a smart TV over WiFi. Until now, the controller connected over Bluetooth.

What it means for players

The phone option may appeal to people who do not own a controller but already have a smartphone. It removes one cost from getting started with cloud gaming. The WiFi connection for the Xbox Nano gives US owners another way to link the controller to their TV.

The preview covers only supported smart TVs and supported Xbox Cloud games. Xbox has not said which TV models or games are included in the list, or when the features will be available to everyone. Details on wider availability are not yet known.