Highlights
- Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano Controller, a smaller, lighter and more affordable gamepad priced at $49.99.
- Measuring about 5 inches long and weighing 3.5 ounces, the controller is designed for gaming on the go.
- The device supports Xbox consoles and Bluetooth-compatible devices, including laptops, tablets and supported smart TVs.
Microsoft is making its Xbox controller smaller, lighter and cheaper with the new Xbox Nano Controller. Designed to fit easily into a pocket or bag, the compact gamepad offers another way to play games beyond a traditional console setup.
The Xbox Nano Controller costs $49.99, compared with the $69.99 Microsoft typically charges for a standard Xbox controller. Preorders are now open, with the new device scheduled to launch in November.
Microsoft’s Xbox Nano Controller puts portability first
Although Microsoft has not shared the controller’s exact measurements, the company says it is about 5 inches long and weighs 3.5 ounces. That makes it considerably smaller and lighter than a standard Xbox controller, giving players a more portable option for gaming away from home.
The Nano Controller retains the familiar Xbox controller design in a smaller form. Its compact size could make it easier to carry in a backpack or pocket without taking up much space.
While it will work with Xbox consoles, Microsoft is also positioning the controller for use with other devices, including laptops, tablets and compatible smart TVs. It supports both Xbox wireless connectivity and Bluetooth, allowing it to connect to a range of supported devices.
That means players could use it to play games on a compatible tablet, including Fortnite, rather than relying solely on a console.
Samsung and Meta partnerships could expand its reach
Microsoft is also working with Samsung to bring the Xbox Nano Controller to more living rooms. During the holiday season, the company plans to bundle the controller and two months of Game Pass with select Samsung TVs.
A separate partnership with Meta is also in the works. Microsoft is exploring a deal to include the Nano Controller and a Game Pass subscription with new Meta Quest owners. However, further details have not been confirmed, and the proposed bundle appears less certain than the Samsung promotion.
The partnerships reflect Microsoft's interest in making its games accessible across more devices, rather than limiting the experience to Xbox consoles.
Microsoft has not announced pricing or availability for the Xbox Nano Controller in the UAE or Saudi Arabia. The $49.99 price is the announced US price and should not be treated as regional pricing.
How the Xbox Nano Controller compares with other compact gamepads
Microsoft's new controller enters a market where smaller gamepads are already available. Brands such as CRKD and 8BitDo have offered compact controllers aimed at players who prioritize portability.
The Nano Controller's appeal will depend on how well its smaller design balances convenience with comfort and familiar Xbox controls. Its lower price also gives players an alternative to Microsoft's standard controller, particularly if they want a gamepad for multiple devices.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is reportedly working on another controller project. Leaks have suggested that the Xbox Elite Series 3 could be on the way, potentially addressing compatibility issues associated with its predecessor. Microsoft has not confirmed those details.
For now, the Xbox Nano Controller is scheduled to arrive in November, with preorders already available in the US.
