đ¤ The Xbox Nano Controller releases tomorrow for $49.99 with a compact design built for travel and smaller hands
âď¸ It connects directly to cloud servers over Wi-Fi via the Xbox app to significantly reduce input lag
đ° To maintain its lower price and mini form factor, it omits the 3.5mm headphone jack and rumble support
đ The direct-to-cloud Wi-Fi feature is also expected to appear on the upcoming Xbox Elite 3 controller
Microsoftâs shrunk-down Xbox Nano Controller releases tomorrow, and it turns out thereâs a feature that Microsoft is yet to share.
According to The Verge, the Xbox Nano Controller will be able to pair to Microsoftâs cloud servers over Wi-Fi using the Xbox mobile app. The feature is still in testing, so may not be available at launch.
The benefits of a direct connection is lower input latency, as normally your controller has to connect over Bluetooth to the device youâre playing on, and then that device sends your button presses to a server. With a direct connection to the cloud, the Xbox Nano Controller should make games played over Xbox Cloud Gaming feel more responsive.
The idea is similar to how Googleâs Stadia controller worked, and The Vergeâs Tom Warren believes this feature will also be present in the upcoming Xbox Elite 3 Wireless Controller, which has leaked several times ahead of an official announcement.
The Xbox Nano Controller costs $49.99, slightly less than the original Xbox Wireless Controller, but sacrifices the 3.5mm headphone jack and rumble support. However, its pocketable size and small design make it appealing for those who travel, or simply want a controller thatâs easier to hold in smaller hands.
Microsoft originally planned a direct-to-cloud controller that was codenamed Sebile and was part of the massive Xbox leak that took place a few years ago. It was meant to ship with a 2024 Xbox Series X refresh that was ultimately cancelled.
Microsoft recently changed how Xbox Cloud Gaming works, and is making the service accessible even if you donât have Xbox Game Pass. A pay to play model will be in place, and an ad-supported version is also available. Previously, you could play Xbox Cloud Gaming as much as you wanted, but Microsoft introduced time limits on monthly usage.
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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcutâs Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadarâs Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.