I’m not exactly sure who the new Xbox Nano controller is for but it looks neat and won’t break the bank. It offers all of the inputs of a regular-sized Xbox controller at nearly half the size and $15 cheaper. It launches in early November.
“Its compact design offers a great option for younger players, smaller hands, or anyone seeking something portable for play on the go,” reads a description in the Xbox Wire blog post announcing the new accessory. It’s $50 and just over 5 inches in length, with a weight of just 3.5 ounces. Despite being Microsoft’s smallest controller yet—”lighter and shorter than most modern smartphones”—it’ll still have all 18 standard gameplay inputs.
While it’s being pitched as a great controller for kids playing Minecraft Dungeons 2 or people streaming games to their PCs or TVs, there doesn’t appear to be any special cloud gaming functionality built into the controller to limit latency. It does, however, look almost exactly like the Xbox cloud gaming controller that leaked earlier this year but was reportedly canceled.
Perhaps just as noteworthy as its size is that the Xbox Nano doesn’t use AA batteries. Instead, it comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, something I’ve wished all standard Xbox controllers came with for years. Microsoft is also, for a short time, packaging the Nano controller and a two-month Game Pass Ultimate subscription for new members with the purchase of a new Samsung TV or Oculus headset.
The Nano appears to only come in white at the moment. Given how the Xbox controller line-up excels at neat colors, it would be nice to get more options. Translucent green would be extra neat.