Xbox has announced the Nano Controller, a pocket-sized gamepad that undercuts the standard pad. In a post on Xbox Wire, James Hunter, General Manager of Xbox Accessories, said it’s “designed to fit nearly every pocket and budget.” It launches on November 4 for $49.99. Pre-orders are open now via Xbox.com.
A small body with the full button set
GameSpot reports the Nano is just over five inches long and weighs 3.5 ounces, making it Microsoft’s smallest controller. Its size doesn’t cost it any inputs; it includes all 18 standard gameplay inputs. Xbox pitches it to younger players, people with smaller hands, or anyone who wants something portable for on-the-go play.
Two changes set it apart from the regular pad. GameRant reports the Capture button is now a programmable Action Button, set up in the Xbox Accessories app. Xbox says it can handle screenshots, gameplay capture and other shortcuts. The Nano also swaps AA batteries for a rechargeable one, but GameRant notes it ships without a USB-C cable. You’ll need your own cable to charge it.
Connectivity covers most screens you own. Gematsu lists compatibility with Xbox consoles, PC, iOS, Android, and select smart TVs, which means Xbox players in select regions can use their monthly cloud playtime on Samsung TVs by connecting the controller. GameSpot adds that Microsoft will soon cap cloud streaming before you have to pay more.
Bundles and where it’s sold
Microsoft has partnered with Samsung on a holiday bundle of the controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new subscribers who buy a new Samsung TV. A separate US holiday offer with Meta pairs the Nano and two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members who buy a Meta Quest.
Availability is the catch for readers in the Gulf. Gematsu’s list of launch territories runs from Argentina to the United States and includes the UK, Japan, Australia and much of Europe, with more markets to follow. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt aren’t on it, and we found no regional pricing or release date for any of them. The $49.99 figure is the US price, so don’t read it as a UAE or Saudi price.
Does the Xbox Nano Controller work with iPhone and Android?
Yes. Gematsu lists iOS and Android among supported platforms, and Xbox says it connects over Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth.
Can I buy the Xbox Nano Controller in the UAE or Saudi Arabia?
Not at launch, based on the published list of markets. Xbox says more territories will follow, but no UAE, Saudi or Egypt date or price has been announced.
Does it come with a charging cable?
GameRant reports it doesn’t. The Nano has a built-in battery charged over USB-C, so you’ll need to supply a cable.
