Xbox unveils compact Nano Controller

Xbox has introduced a new gamepad it describes as the smallest in its current lineup. According to Engadget, the Xbox Nano Controller measures just over five inches in length and weighs 3.5 ounces, while retaining the standard Xbox button layout in a more compact form factor.

The controller is priced at $50 and pre-orders have opened, with shipping in the United States scheduled for November 4. Engadget reports that it will be available in 35 additional countries next month and in further markets later.

Xbox says the Nano Controller includes a rechargeable battery, which removes the need for disposable batteries but leaves runtime and charging details unstated in the source material. The pad also features a programmable action button that can be mapped through the Xbox Accessories app for functions such as capturing screenshots or gameplay video, a feature set common to Xbox's recent controllers.

Connectivity is broad. Bluetooth support means the controller works with Xbox consoles and PCs in addition to iOS and Android devices, along with certain smart TVs. That positions the Nano as a potential travel or mobile-gaming option rather than a strictly living-room accessory.

Xbox frames the smaller size as useful for younger players and people with smaller hands, a reasonable pitch given that standard controllers can be unwieldy for children. Whether the ergonomics hold up in longer sessions is unknown until hands-on testing, and the source article does not include impressions of build quality, button feel or analog stick performance. Engadget's reporter expressed curiosity about how the Nano's triggers feel, noting that triggers on comparable mobile controllers can be finicky, but did not verify the Nano's performance.

Bundling deals could raise the controller's profile. Samsung is including the Nano Controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate access for new subscribers with select TV purchases in the United States during the holiday season. A similar promotion is planned for Meta Quest headsets.

One caveat for buyers considering cloud play: Xbox is set to introduce time limits on cloud gaming beginning next month. Under Game Pass Ultimate, streaming on a TV, Quest or other device will be capped at 15 hours unless users purchase time credits.

Those terms matter because the Nano's Bluetooth compatibility makes it a candidate for cloud and mobile play, where session length and connectivity quirks can shape the experience. The controller competes with portable pads from other makers, including 8BitDo's compact models, though final judgment on size and feel will depend on direct comparison.

For now, the confirmed details are limited: design intent, dimensions, price, availability and partnerships. The controller's practical advantages over existing Xbox pads remain a matter for review rather than announcement.

Attribution: Original reporting by Engadget.