The Gaming Brief:
- Xbox Nano Controller costs $49.99, ships in the US on November 4, and reaches 35 other countries the following month
- It measures just over five inches long and weighs 3.5 ounces, with all 18 standard Xbox inputs
- The built-in rechargeable battery needs a USB-C cable that is sold separately, and battery life hasn’t been disclosed
- Xbox Wireless covers consoles, while Bluetooth covers PCs, iOS, Android and select smart TVs
Xbox just shrank its controller to pocket size. Microsoft calls the Nano Controller the smallest in its lineup, keeping the standard Xbox layout in a body just over five inches long and weighing 3.5 ounces.
The Nano has a built-in rechargeable battery, though Microsoft hasn’t published how long it lasts between charges.
Pre-orders are open at $49.99, offering an affordable entry point compared to premium drops.
Eighteen Inputs and a Programmable Action Button
The Nano keeps all 18 standard gameplay inputs while costing $15 less than a regular wireless controller typically listed at $64.99, as Polygon notes.
Xbox says the Nano adds an action button that can be programmed through the Xbox Accessories app, for example, to capture screenshots or gameplay clips.
Microsoft’s store page says button mapping works on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows 10/11.
Microsoft pitches the controller at younger players and anyone with smaller hands, and Polygon notes it appears to launch only in white.
Xbox Wireless for Consoles, Bluetooth for PC, iOS, Android and Smart TVs
Per Microsoft’s listing, the Nano connects to Xbox Series X, Series S and Xbox One over Xbox Wireless.
It uses Bluetooth for Windows 10/11 PCs, tablets, Android, smart TVs, and iOS, which is reportedly getting its own controllers. Note that mobile and Bluetooth support varies by device and version.
The battery is internal and charges over USB-C, but the cable is sold separately. The Windows version of the Accessories app also needs a compatible USB-C cable.
Samsung TV Bundles and a Cloud Gaming Time Cap Shape the Use Case
Engadget reports Samsung will bundle the Nano and two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new subscribers with select US TV purchases this holiday season, and a similar Meta Quest offer is in the works.
The report also notes Xbox is adding time limits to cloud gaming from November, capping streaming on TVs, Quest, and similar devices at 15 hours with Game Pass Ultimate unless players buy time credits.
Metrics like battery life, trigger feel, and rumble support are still unconfirmed, so reviews after November 4 will settle the practical questions.
