The resolution of the conventional optical microscope is limited to about half of the incident wavelength because of diffraction limit. Although the super-resolution imaging is realized in many microscopes, their widespread applications are limited due to their complicated design, limited applicable samples and stringent requirement on imaging conditions. Recent researches show that the resolving ability of conventional optical microscopes can be improved significantly when the transparent dielectric microspheres with diameters from several to decades of microns are added on the sample surface, and thus super-resolution imaging with white light illumination is realized. The microspheres can keep their resolving ability when coupled with other types of microscopes. The microsphere nanoscope offers a simple direct way to realize real-time super-resolution imaging for nano-structures and biological samples. We review the research progress in the microsphere nanoscope at home and abroad with our own achievements combined.