Abstract:
Microsoft is about to officially launch the new Xbox Nano mini controller, and on the eve of the product launch, a hidden feature of this compact device has been exposed. The latest news shows that the Xbox Nano is not only a portable game controller, but also can directly connect to the Xbox Cloud Gaming platform via Wi-Fi, thereby reducing game latency and improving the cloud gaming experience.
According to the disclosed information, Xbox Nano supports direct connection to Microsoft cloud servers, and the working method is quite similar to the Google Stadia controller back then. Traditional cloud gaming usually requires connecting the controller to a terminal device such as a TV, computer or mobile phone, and then the device communicates with the cloud server. The Xbox Nano can bypass this intermediate link and directly interact with the Microsoft cloud gaming platform, theoretically reducing input delays.
This feature has not yet been officially announced by Microsoft, but it has begun internal testing on the new Xbox Cloud Gaming website. In the future, users will need to complete the configuration through the Xbox mobile app, connect the Nano controller to the Wi-Fi network, and pair it with Microsoft's cloud gaming platform.
In fact, it has been reported many times in the industry that Microsoft is developing a new Xbox controller with Wi-Fi connectivity. Regulatory documents exposed earlier this year showed that Microsoft is building a new controller designed specifically for cloud gaming that supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi connections, as well as Bluetooth and USB-C interfaces. Now it seems that these early leaks have finally evolved into the officially released Xbox Nano product.
The report pointed out that Microsoft is expected to announce this "direct cloud connection" capability in the form of a preview function in the near future, and then gradually expand it to the web version of Xbox Cloud Gaming and smart TV platforms. Analysts believe that as Microsoft continues to expand its cloud gaming ecosystem, reducing network latency will become an important part of improving user experience, and controllers directly connected to the cloud are one of the key technologies to achieve this goal.
In addition, sources also revealed that the new generation of Xbox Elite 3 high-end controllers launched by Microsoft in the future are also expected to inherit similar functions. In fact, Microsoft had planned to add cloud direct connection technology to a new Xbox controller code-named "Sebile" and release it together with the Xbox Series X modified console originally scheduled to be launched in 2024. However, since the host upgrade plan was later canceled, the relevant functions have not been officially unveiled.
Xbox Nano itself is positioned in the portable and entry-level market. As the smallest Xbox controller product in Microsoft's history, it is only slightly more than 5 inches in length and sells for $49.99. It has a built-in rechargeable battery and supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth connections. It is compatible with Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, smartphones, tablets and some smart TV devices.
As cloud gaming gradually becomes an important part of Microsoft's Xbox strategy, Xbox Nano not only assumes the role of a portable controller, but may also become an important entrance for Microsoft to promote the next generation of cloud gaming experience. If the Wi-Fi direct cloud connection function is officially opened, players are expected to obtain an operation response speed closer to that of local games when playing Xbox cloud games on smart TVs or mobile devices in the future.
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