Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano Controller, a smaller and cheaper controller designed to fit in a pocket. Microsoft announced it on its Xbox Wire blog on 14 October 2026.
Small and light
According to Microsoft, the controller is “a little over 5 inches in length and just 3.5 ounces” and is “our smallest controller, lighter and shorter than most modern smartphones.” Microsoft says it still has “all 18 standard gameplay inputs”.
It has a rechargeable battery and a programmable Action Button that can be set for things like screenshots and gameplay capture. It connects using Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth.
The Verge reported that an earlier leak showed a tiny screen on the controller, but that screen is not on the final model.
Price and availability
“Players can pre-order the XBOX Nano Controller beginning today for $49.99 USD. It will be available beginning in November,” Microsoft said. It added that pricing and availability vary by country.
In the US, Microsoft is offering the controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members with select Samsung TVs this holiday season, and has a similar offer with Meta Quest headsets.
What this means
- A cheaper way in. At $49.99, it is a lower-cost Xbox controller.
- Built for travel and kids. Microsoft aims it at younger players, smaller hands and play on the go.
- More than a console. It works with phones, tablets, PCs and Samsung TVs through cloud gaming.
Sources
- Xbox Wire, “XBOX Nano Controller”, 14 October 2026. https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/10/14/xbox-nano-controller/
- The Verge, Tom Warren, 14 October 2026. https://www.theverge.com/news/1011216/xbox-nano-controller-release-date-pricing
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