Xbox Nano Controller launches at $49.99 with a rechargeable battery
Microsoft's Xbox Nano Controller, which the company calls its smallest controller yet, launches on Wednesday, November 4, for $49.99 in the US. It keeps every standard button, adds a built-in rechargeable battery and works with Xbox consoles, Windows PCs and phones.
What the Nano Controller is
Microsoft announced the Nano Controller on Xbox Wire on October 14 and opened pre-orders the same day. James Hunter, general manager of Xbox Accessories, says it is aimed at younger players, smaller hands and people who want to play on the go.
The controller is just over 5 inches long and weighs 3.5 ounces. Microsoft says it is lighter and shorter than most modern smartphones. Despite the size, it keeps all 18 standard gameplay inputs in the usual Xbox layout.
- Battery: an internal rechargeable battery. Microsoft hasn't published a battery life figure.
- Charging: a USB-C cable is required and sold separately.
- Action Button: a programmable button for shortcuts such as screenshots and gameplay capture.
- Custom mapping: buttons can be remapped in the Xbox Accessories app.
What it works with
The Nano Controller connects to Xbox consoles over Xbox Wireless and to other devices over Bluetooth. Microsoft lists compatibility with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PCs, Android and iOS, plus compatible smart TVs. Microsoft says it can pair over Bluetooth with Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, tablets and phones.
Microsoft is pitching it alongside games such as Minecraft Dungeons II, which supports local or online co-op for up to four players, and Forza Horizon 6.
Price and availability
The US price is $49.99. Video Games Chronicle reports a UK price of £44.99, and Microsoft says pricing varies by country. The first wave covers 36 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, much of Europe, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Mexico, with more to follow.
Microsoft also has US holiday offers that bundle a Nano Controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members with select Samsung TVs and with a Meta Quest headset. Those offers can change, so check the terms before you buy.
What it means for you
If you want a spare controller for a child or a guest, or one to use with your phone, the Nano Controller keeps the full set of buttons in a smaller body. The built-in battery means you don't need AA batteries or a separate battery pack.
The trade-offs are the missing cable and the small size. If you don't already have a USB-C cable, budget for one. Adults with larger hands may find a full-size controller more comfortable for long sessions.
You also don't need a new console to use it. Because it supports the Xbox One as well as the Xbox Series X|S, owners of older consoles can use it too. On a desktop PC without built-in Bluetooth, check how you will connect it before you buy.