Xbox Nano: Microsoft brings mini controller for console, PC and mobile

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents Xbox Nano: Microsoft brings mini controller for console, PC and mobile.

On November 4 it costs €49.99, weighs 99 grams and measures 12.7 centimeters in length: Microsoft is launching the Xbox Nano, its first official pocket controller, onto the market. The Spanish gaming site HobbyConsolas reports that the gamepad is already available for pre-order — and at the same price as the standard model, because the Nano is reportedly around ten euros cheaper than the conventional Xbox Wireless Controller.

With the Nano, Microsoft is taking a step into a format that has so far been served predominantly by third-party manufacturers. Existing Xbox controllers — from the standard model to the Elite Series 2 at €161.99 — are clearly aimed at the home screen. The Nano, by contrast, is meant to fit in any jacket or pants pocket, without giving up the familiar button layout.

Compact, but with all 18 buttons

The most striking detail first: Despite its mini dimensions, the Xbox Nano retains all 18 buttons that the full-size Xbox Controller offers. According to HobbyConsolas, at 12.7 cm in length it is about the size of a larger smartphone, half the height of the standard model (7 cm), and at 99 grams almost only a third as heavy as the conventional controller with batteries (280 grams).

With this, Microsoft is explicitly positioning the Nano not as a stripped-down variant, but as a full-featured controller in pocket format — aimed at everyone who games on the go on their phone or tablet and doesn't want to do without real buttons.

Rechargeable battery instead of disposables — but no charging cable in the box

On the topic of power supply, Microsoft is going with an internal lithium battery that can be recharged. Disposable batteries, as still used in the standard controller, are thus eliminated. However: no USB-C cable is included in the package — anyone who wants to charge the Nano has to buy their own cable. This is a detail that is conspicuously omitted from the official product page and can become annoying when traveling to foreign countries.

A programmable button for screenshots and recordings

One new feature compared to existing Xbox controllers is the freely assignable action button. Via the Xbox Accessories app, the button can be assigned functions like screenshots or gameplay recordings — and the button mapping can also be customized overall. For streamers and content creators, this is a convenience that hasn't previously existed in this form.

Xbox, PC, mobile, smart TV — one remote for everything

In terms of connectivity, the Nano combines Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth. According to HobbyConsolas, it is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PCs, Android and iOS devices, as well as compatible smart TVs. In practical terms, this means: once purchased, the controller can be used on virtually any screen within reach — including Xbox Cloud Gaming on the go via smartphone or on the hotel TV during vacation.

Launch bundles with Samsung TVs and Meta Quest

For the market launch on November 4, Microsoft is planning two bundle promotions. Anyone who buys certain Samsung TVs during the Christmas campaign gets the Nano along with two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new customers. A second promotion combines the controller with two months of Game Pass and a Meta Quest headset — Microsoft reportedly plans to provide further details later, according to HobbyConsolas.

You can reserve the Xbox Nano now via the official Microsoft page at a price of €49.99. However, Microsoft has not yet published an official press release or product page with all technical specifications at the time of this report — all information currently comes from HobbyConsolas' report.

Source: HobbyConsolas