In the field of optical imaging, the conventional imaging resolution is about 200 nm due to the diffraction limit. The higher resolution is urgently needed for further developing scientific research. Therefore, how to break through this limitation to acquire high quality and high resolution image has become a hot research topic. The microspheres with the size of tens of micrometers exhibit the ability to improve the imaging resolution of the conventional optical microscope by locating them directly on the sample surface. Due to its simplicity, the microsphere optical nanoscope technology is widely studied. This paper introduces the research background of the optical microscope and the research progress of microsphere optical nanoscope technology. At the same time, approaches to adjusting the photonic nanojet generated by the microspheres by fabricating concentric ringing, central mask, and surface coating of microspheres are reviewed. The possible reasons for this improved resolution are discussed. The applications and development of the microsphere ultra-microscopic technology in the future are discussed.