Xbox Goes Nano: A $49.99 Controller Built for Smaller Hands and Bigger Travel Plans

Microsoft is shrinking the Xbox controller—but not its button count.

Announced October 14, the Xbox Nano Controller measures a little over five inches long and weighs just 3.5 ounces. Despite the smaller shell, Microsoft says it retains all 18 standard gameplay inputs. It also includes a rechargeable battery, Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, and a programmable Action Button that can handle shortcuts such as screenshots and gameplay capture.

The Nano will cost $49.99 in the United States. Preorders are open now, with availability planned for November across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, and numerous additional markets. Microsoft notes that local pricing and availability will vary.

This is more interesting than another color swap. A shorter, lighter controller could be genuinely useful for younger players, gamers with smaller hands, and anybody building a portable cloud-gaming kit. Throwing a 3.5-ounce controller into a creator’s travel bag sounds a lot easier than carrying a full-sized pad everywhere.

The big unanswered question is comfort. Keeping every familiar input is impressive, but compact controllers can feel cramped during longer sessions. Button spacing, stick placement, grip shape, battery life, and wireless latency will matter more than the “Nano” name. Microsoft’s announcement doesn’t provide a battery-life estimate, so that remains something to verify through independent testing.

 I like hardware that solves a specific problem instead of adding features nobody requested. The Nano’s size and price make sense for travel, family multiplayer, and cloud gaming—but I’d want hands-on time before calling it an everyday replacement.

Microsoft also plans promotional bundles with select Samsung TVs and Meta Quest purchases in the U.S., including two months of Game Pass Ultimate for eligible new members.

Could the Xbox Nano become your travel controller, or is this one piece of gaming gear you would rather keep full-sized?