The $50 Xbox Nano controller is five inches long and weighs 3.5 ounces.
Xbox has unveiled its latest gamepad, which it says is the smallest controller in its lineup. The Xbox Nano Controller is just over five inches long and weighs 3.5 ounces. It offers the standard Xbox controller layout in a more compact format.
Xbox says the controller, which has a rechargeable battery, could be useful for younger gamers and others with smaller hands. It has an action button that you can program via the Xbox Accessories app to take screenshots or gameplay videos, for example. There is Bluetooth support so, along with Xbox consoles and PCs, the nano controller is compatible with iOS and Android devices as well as various smart TVs.
Samsung is bundling the controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate access for new subscribers with select TV purchases in the US during the holiday season. A similar offer is in the works for Meta Quest headsets. It’s worth considering that Xbox will allow time limits for cloud gaming starting next month. You can only stream cloud games on a TV, Quest or other device for 15 hours with Game Pass Ultimate unless you buy time credits.
XboxThe Nano Controller reminds me of the more portable gamepads that 8BitDo makes, but it’s not quite as teeny as this brand’s Micro Controller. I’m interested in trying it out to find out how the nano triggers feel. I play games on my phone with the BackBone Pro and OhSnap’s MCON and while I like both big, I find the triggers on this controller fine.
Pre-orders for the Xbox Nano Controller are now open. The peripheral costs $50 and it will ship in the US on November 4. It will be available in 35 other countries next month and it will hit other markets down the line.