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The Xbox Nano has a hidden cloud secret

By · Via The Verge · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The cloud-connect feature functions by routing player inputs straight over Wi-Fi through pairing managed in the Xbox mobile application. It is currently being evaluated via private testing on the newly designed Xbox Cloud Gaming website. Microsoft plans to debut the capability as an early preview for the miniature controller before bringing it to smart TVs and web platforms. The technology was originally developed for a canceled hardware refresh but is now anticipated to appear on the upcoming Xbox Elite 3 controller as well.

Key points

  • Direct-to-cloud Wi-Fi connectivity aims to reduce input latency similarly to the disconti…: Direct-to-cloud Wi-Fi connectivity aims to reduce input latency similarly to the discontinued Google Stadia controller.
  • Microsoft plans to expand the controller's direct-to-cloud streaming preview to smart TVs…: Microsoft plans to expand the controller's direct-to-cloud streaming preview to smart TVs and web browsers in the future.
  • The upcoming Xbox Elite 3 controller is also expected to incorporate this Wi-Fi cloud con…: The upcoming Xbox Elite 3 controller is also expected to incorporate this Wi-Fi cloud connection capability.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Microsoft is about to launch its new Xbox Nano controller tomorrow, and the little device has a little secret. The Xbox Nano can connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming over Wi-Fi to improve latency. It’s a feature Microsoft hasn’t officially announced yet, but one I’ve been anticipating since the Xbox Nano leaked earlier this year.

The Xbox Nano has a hidden cloud secret

Microsoft’s miniature Xbox controller can connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Microsoft’s miniature Xbox controller can connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming.

The Xbox Nano will be able to connect directly to Microsoft’s cloud servers to reduce latency, much like how Google’s Stadia controllers used to work. This new cloud connect feature for the Xbox Nano is being privately tested on the new Xbox Cloud Gaming website, and will require you to pair the controller over Wi-Fi to Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming servers using the Xbox mobile app.

I’m expecting Microsoft to announce this as a preview for the new Xbox Nano controller soon, before it’s fully supported across Xbox Cloud Gaming on the web and on…

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