Xbox Nano Controller is Microsoft's smallest pad, priced at $49.99

Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano Controller, a compact wireless gamepad that it calls its smallest Xbox controller so far. It costs $49.99, preorders opened on 14 October, and it is due to ship in November.

What the Nano Controller is

The Nano is built for portability. Microsoft says it is just over 5 inches long and weighs 3.5 ounces, which makes it shorter and lighter than most modern smartphones. For comparison, Video Games Chronicle (VGC) puts the standard Xbox Wireless Controller at about 6 inches and 10 ounces.

Size does not mean fewer controls. Microsoft says the pad has all 18 standard gameplay inputs, so the layout should feel familiar to anyone who has used an Xbox controller. On top of that sits one programmable Action Button, which can be set to a shortcut such as taking a screenshot or capturing gameplay.

The battery is rechargeable and built in. The standard Xbox controller runs on AA batteries unless you buy a rechargeable pack, according to VGC. Microsoft has not published a battery capacity or a battery life figure, so how long a charge lasts is not known yet.

Connectivity and where you can use it

The Nano connects over Xbox Wireless, the same link other Xbox controllers use, and over Bluetooth. Bluetooth is what lets it work with devices such as PCs, phones and smart TVs. Microsoft says it can pair with a range of compatible devices.

Microsoft pitches it at travel and visits to friends and family. It names local co-op in Minecraft Dungeons II for up to four players, and playing Forza Horizon 6 away from the living room. It also works with the Xbox app on Samsung TVs through the Gaming Hub in select regions, where it can be used to play Game Pass titles through the cloud.

Price, release date and availability

The price is $49.99 in the US. VGC lists it at 44.99 pounds in the UK, although Pure Xbox's own store listings appeared to show a slightly different UK figure, so check the Microsoft Store before you order. Pricing and availability vary by country.

Xbox Wire says only that the controller arrives in November. VGC and Pure Xbox both give 4 November as the release date. Microsoft's post lists a long set of launch markets, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Brazil, with more to follow.

There are also holiday offers in the US. Microsoft says a special Nano Controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members come with select Samsung TVs and with Meta Quest purchases.

What we do not know yet

Microsoft has not given a battery life figure. The sources also do not say whether the Nano leaves out any features found on the full-size pad, such as rumble, and the reports we read disagree or are silent on what comes in the box. Wait for hands-on reviews before judging comfort, since a controller this small may not suit everyone, and check current prices and reviews before buying.