James Ratcliff joined Game Rant in 2022 as a Gaming News Writer. In 2023, James was offered a chance to become an occasional feature writer for different games and then a Senior Author in 2025. He is a third-generation Texan who has written professionally for over a decade at local newspapers, addressing various topics for his readers. Since 2024, James has shifted his complete focus to covering gaming news.
Xbox has officially unveiled the Nano Controller, a pocket-sized gamepad with a compact design built for young gamers, users with smaller hands, and portable controller enthusiasts alike. The new Nano Controller for Xbox will be available in multiple countries, such as the US and Canada, starting in early November.
The New Xbox Nano Controller Offers a Portable, Familiar Option to Gamers
Gamers looking for a new controller to take on the go will soon have a new first-party option from Xbox. The Nano Controller will be available starting Tuesday, November 3, with an MSRP of $49.99. Pre-orders of the Nano Controller are now available on the Microsoft Store, with free standard shipping available across the US. Along with Xbox console and Windows PC compatibility, the Nano Controller will also work on Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth, making it a budget-friendly option for mobile gaming fans. The new controller includes all 18 standard gameplay inputs, though the Capture Button has been changed to a programmable Action Button that can be customized via the Xbox Accessories app. The Action Button can be used for functions such as capturing screenshots, recording gameplay clips, and other purposes. The Nano Controller has a built-in battery that can be recharged via a USB-C connection.
