Xbox Nano Controller Costs $50 and Ships November 4 With Phone and TV Support

Microsoft has a new, much smaller gamepad on the way. The Xbox Nano Controller costs $49.99, fits in a palm, and is built for kids, people with smaller hands, and anyone who plays on a phone or TV more than a console. Preorders opened on October 14, and the first units ship in early November. Here is everything we know so far, including a couple of catches worth knowing before you order.

What is the Xbox Nano Controller?

Xbox calls the Nano the smallest controller in its lineup. It is just over five inches long and weighs about 3.5 ounces (roughly 99 grams), according to The Gadgeteer. Microsoft says it is "shorter and lighter than most modern smartphones," and Kotaku describes it as nearly half the size of a standard Xbox controller.

Despite the smaller body, it keeps the full Xbox layout. Kotaku and The Gadgeteer both report that it has all 18 standard gameplay inputs, so you still get two analog sticks, a D-pad, the four face buttons, triggers and shoulder buttons. You are not giving up controls to get the smaller size.

A few other details stand out:

• Rechargeable battery. Unlike the standard Xbox Wireless Controller, which still runs on AA batteries, the Nano has a built in rechargeable battery that charges over USB-C.
• Programmable Action Button. You can set it up in the Xbox Accessories app to take screenshots, record gameplay clips or run other shortcuts.
• One color for now. Kotaku reports that it launches in white only.

Xbox Nano Controller price and release date

The Nano costs $49.99 in the US. Kotaku points out that this is about $15 less than a standard Xbox controller, which makes it one of the cheaper official ways to get an Xbox pad.

Preorders are open now on Xbox's website. Engadget reports that US orders ship on November 4, and that the controller will reach 35 other countries next month, with more markets after that. Regional pricing and dates may vary.

Bundles with TVs and headsets

Microsoft is also using the Nano to push Game Pass. According to Engadget, Samsung will bundle the controller with two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new subscribers who buy select Samsung TVs in the US during the holiday season. Kotaku reports a similar deal for buyers of Meta's Quest headsets, while Engadget described that one as still in the works. Both offers are limited to new Game Pass members, and the usual device and region rules apply.

What it works with

This is not just an accessory for Xbox consoles. The Gadgeteer lists support for:

• Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, using Xbox Wireless.
• Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs over Bluetooth.
• iPhones, iPads and Android phones and tablets over Bluetooth.
• Select smart TVs, including cloud gaming through the Xbox app on compatible Samsung TVs.

That wide support is the real point of the Nano. Microsoft is leaning hard into cloud gaming and playing on whatever screen you have nearby, and a pocketable controller fits that plan. It is also a nice match for mobile games that support physical controllers, a category that keeps growing as phones get more powerful. If you are shopping for a phone with gaming in mind, our guide on how to choose a smartphone covers what to look for.

One caution: Bluetooth support does not mean every game will work. Some mobile games simply do not support controllers, so check before you buy for a specific title.

The catches

The Nano looks like good value, but there are a few things Microsoft has not spelled out yet.

No battery life figure

Neither Microsoft's announcement nor early coverage gives a battery life estimate. For a controller built around portable play, that is an important gap. We will know more once reviewers get units in November.

USB-C cable sold separately

The Gadgeteer reports that the charging cable is not included in the box. Most people have a spare USB-C cable lying around, but it is still an odd omission at this price.

Not a dedicated cloud controller

Kotaku notes that the Nano does not have special cloud gaming features to cut latency. It pairs with your device like any other Bluetooth controller. Kotaku also points out that its design closely resembles an Xbox cloud gaming controller that leaked earlier this year and was reportedly canceled. In other words, this may be what became of that project, minus the cloud specific hardware.

Kotaku's report also did not say whether the Nano has rumble or a headphone jack. Those are two things that are easy to lose in a smaller shell, so it is worth waiting for full specs or reviews if either matters to you.

Who should buy it

The Nano makes the most sense for a few groups:

• Families with young kids. A standard Xbox controller is big for small hands. Microsoft is pitching the Nano directly at younger players, and the $50 price makes a second controller for a sibling easier to justify.
• Mobile and TV players. If you stream games to a phone, tablet or Samsung TV, a small controller you can toss in a bag is more convenient than a full size pad.
• Travelers. It is light enough to carry around all day, and USB-C charging means one less type of cable to pack.

If you mostly play long sessions on a console, a full size controller will likely still feel better in adult hands. Bigger controllers spread the grip out, and that matters over a few hours of play.

Xbox is also tying the Nano to its holiday games. The Gadgeteer reports that Microsoft is highlighting Minecraft Dungeons II, which supports cooperative play for up to four people, and Forza Horizon 6. Those are exactly the kind of family friendly and couch friendly games where a cheap extra controller helps.

Why it matters

The Nano says a lot about where Xbox is heading. Microsoft has spent the last few years pushing Game Pass and cloud play onto as many devices as possible. A cheap controller that works with phones, PCs and TVs lowers the cost of trying that out.

It also lands during a busy stretch for gaming hardware. Handheld PCs have become popular with players who want console games on the go, a trend we explored in our handheld gaming PC guide. The Nano takes a different route: instead of a new device, it turns the screen you already own into a gaming machine. Meanwhile, interest in the next big releases remains high, as the recent GTA 6 leak showed.

What to watch next

The big questions are battery life, whether rumble made the cut, and how the smaller grip feels after an hour of play. Expect hands on reviews close to the November 4 ship date. We will also be watching whether Microsoft adds more colors, which it often does for its controllers over time.

For more launches like this, keep an eye on our gadgets coverage.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Xbox Nano Controller?

It costs $49.99 in the US, about $15 less than a standard Xbox Wireless Controller. Preorders are open on Xbox's website.

When does the Xbox Nano Controller come out?

Engadget reports that US orders ship on November 4, 2026. It reaches 35 more countries in November, with other markets to follow.

Does the Xbox Nano Controller work with iPhone and PC?

Yes. It connects over Bluetooth to Windows 10 and 11 PCs, iPhones, iPads, Android devices and select smart TVs, and uses Xbox Wireless with Xbox consoles.

Does it use AA batteries?

No. It has a built in rechargeable battery that charges over USB-C, though the cable is sold separately and Microsoft has not shared battery life.