Xbox Cloud Gaming already lets you play console games on a compatible smart TV without owning an Xbox. But there’s still one piece of hardware you need to get started. A controller. Microsoft is now testing a way to get around that requirement, allowing players to use their Android phone or iPhone as a virtual gamepad. The game runs on the television, while your phone takes care of the controls.
The feature is part of two new Xbox Cloud Gaming previews, and there’s an interesting difference compared to what Sony offers with its PS5.
How does the phone controller work?
According to Xbox, the virtual gamepad works directly through your phone’s browser. There is no need to install a separate app, and some games will even get their own customized touch controls.
As far as setting it up goes, you need to enable Preview Features under Settings > Account in the Xbox app on a supported smart TV. Launch a game without a physical controller connected, and you’ll get an option to use your phone instead. Scan the QR code on the TV, and you’re good to go.
In case you’re wondering, Sony already offers virtual controls through its PS Remote Play app. But there’s a catch. Remote Play streams games from your PS5 to the phone itself, where you use the touchscreen buttons. You can’t simply use the phone as a controller and continue playing on your TV through the official app.
Xbox has another controller trick in testing
Microsoft is also introducing something called cloud connect with the new Xbox Nano Controller. Instead of connecting to the TV over Bluetooth, it connects directly to Xbox’s cloud gaming servers over Wi-Fi, which could help reduce input lag. For now, the Nano Controller’s cloud connect preview is limited to the US and supports select smart TVs and web browsers.
The phone controller preview has a wider rollout, covering countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming is available. Not every TV or game is supported yet, though, and Microsoft hasn’t shared a date for wider availability.