XBOX Nano Controller Announced: Microsoft’s Smallest, Cheapest Gamepad Yet Costs $49.99
Microsoft has introduced the XBOX Nano Controller, its smallest gamepad yet, designed to fit nearly every pocket and budget. At $49.99, the pad is about $15 cheaper than a standard XBOX Wireless Controller, and Microsoft is pitching it at younger players, people with smaller hands, and anyone who wants something portable for play on the go.
A Five Inch Controller With All 18 Inputs
At a little over 5 inches long and just 3.5 ounces, Microsoft says the XBOX Nano Controller is lighter and shorter than most modern smartphones, making it the company’s smallest controller to date. Despite the size cut, it keeps all 18 standard gameplay inputs, so the layout should still feel familiar to anyone who has used a regular XBOX pad.
The Nano swaps the usual AA batteries for a built in rechargeable battery and adds a programmable Action Button that can be set up for screenshots, gameplay capture, or other shortcuts players use often. It connects over both XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth, so it should pair easily with consoles, PCs, phones, and other compatible devices.
The XBOX Nano Controller next to a standard XBOX Wireless Controller, showing just how much smaller Microsoft’s new pad really is.
Price, Preorders, and Where It’s Launching
Preorders for the XBOX Nano Controller are open now at $49.99 USD, with availability beginning in November across more than 30 markets, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, and Canada, with additional countries to follow. Microsoft notes that pricing and availability will vary by country, so it’s worth checking a local Microsoft Store or authorized retailer for exact details.
Holiday Bundles With Samsung and Meta
To help new players get started, Microsoft is teaming up with Samsung on a US holiday offer that bundles an XBOX Nano Controller with two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members when buying select Samsung TVs. Samsung’s Gaming Hub already has the XBOX app built in, so players can use their monthly cloud playtime to jump into XBOX Game Pass titles just by connecting the controller.
A similar deal is coming with Meta in the US, pairing an XBOX Nano Controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate with the purchase of a Meta Quest, giving two more ways to get a free controller in time for the holidays.
“Lighter and shorter than most modern smartphones.”
James Hunter, General Manager, Xbox Accessories
Microsoft is clearly aiming the Nano at family and couch co-op play, pointing to games like Minecraft Dungeons II, where up to four heroes can team up locally or online, as an easy way for the whole family to jump in together. The pocketable design is also meant for travel, letting players bring games like Forza Horizon 6 beyond the living room without needing a full size pad in tow.
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Picture Source: Xbox
