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I managed to get my hands on a sub-sized controller last week, as the Xbox Nano controller prepares for takeoff.
Microsoft revealed the Xbox Nano Controller not long ago, but it had already leaked quite a bit before via patents and regulatory filings. The pint-sized notebook is a unique offering from Team Green, and it actually gives us a glimpse into how their thinking is evolving for their gaming operations in general.
Look on it
The Xbox Nano Controller goes on sale on November 4, 2026 in the US, UK and other select markets, arriving just in time for Christmas. The Xbox Nano controller is priced at $49.99 (via Amazon US here), comes with all the standard Xbox inputs, but without vibration motors or removable batteries.
We’re still testing it before a full formal review, but first impressions are positive. There’s a feature here that isn’t even enabled yet… though. Let’s go.
Super cute, with great warnings
Yes, this controller is indeed Nano in name, and Nano in nature. It’s about the same width as a standard Xbox controller, but it has a much shorter profile, with ergonomic grips that fit well in the hand, even as an adult.
The controllers, buttons, triggers, and bumpers are all slimmed down, but are well positioned, making it easy to differentiate by feel alone. Actuating the triggers is easy because of the way they are rimmed and the bumpers are slightly raised rather than in line, making swiping your finger between them intuitive on the move.
As mentioned, there are no vibrating motors this time around, as they naturally can’t fit inside. The battery cell doesn’t have a lifespan listed on the page, so we’re still testing it, but I’ve abused it quite a bit over the last week and I still have 20% left, which is impressive. I’m still working on a more in-depth analysis.
Speaking of “work in progress”, for some reason Microsoft has strangely tried to hide the fact that this controller supports Wi-Fi direct functionality for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Indeed, as shared by The Verge and clarified by our own sources, Microsoft will soon reveal its Google Stadia-like capabilities for gamepad connections directly to your Wi-Fi, eliminating Bluetooth latency. By connecting directly to servers over the internet, you eliminate some of the extra hops your controller would otherwise have to make to access the game. I’m told that all future Xbox controllers will come with this technology as standard, including the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3, the reveal of which is also likely imminent.
Wi-Fi Direct capabilities will initially only be available in the United States, and only in testing, before going global in the coming weeks and months.
In any case, it’s a very nice addition to the Xbox controller range. It will be ideal for traveling due to its weight and size, and fits easily in a pocket. This might also be a better option for younger players with smaller hands. Microsoft has marketed it against Minecraft Dungeons 2, which gives some insight into how they plan to position it.
I’ll have a full review ready in the coming days, but first impressions are very strong!
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