Follow Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Last week I managed to get my average-sized hands on a below-average-sized controller, as the Xbox Nano Controller prepares to take off. Microsoft revealed the Xbox Nano Controller a short time ago, but it had been leaked quite a bit even earlier through patents and regulatory filings. The pint-sized tablet is a unique offering from the green team and indeed gives us an idea of how their thinking is evolving for their overall gaming operations. The Xbox Nano controller is CUTE and hides a secret: YouTube Watch on the Xbox Nano controller goes on sale on November 4, 2026 for the US, UK, and other select markets, arriving just in time for Christmas. The Xbox Nano Controller is priced at $49.99 (via Amazon US here) and comes with all the standard Xbox inputs, though without vibration motors or removable batteries. We’re still putting it through its paces before a full formal review, but initial impressions are positive. There’s a feature here that’s not even enabled yet… though. Let’s get into it. Super cute, with super warnings. He is a small boy. (Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden) Yes, this controller is Nano by name and Nano by nature. It’s about the same width as a standard Xbox controller, but has a much shorter profile, with ergonomic palm grips that feel good in the hand even as an adult. The joysticks, buttons, triggers, and guards are all thin, but well placed, making it easy to tell them apart by feel alone. Pulling the triggers is easy due to the way they are lipped and the bumpers are slightly raised rather than flush, making moving your finger between them intuitive on the move. However, as mentioned, there are no vibration motors this time, as they naturally don’t fit inside. The battery cell doesn’t have a lifespan listed on the page, so we’re still testing it, but I’ve been abusing it quite a bit over the past week and I still have 20% left, which is impressive. I’m still working on a deeper analysis there. Speaking of “a work in progress,” for some reason Microsoft has strangely tried to hide the fact that this controller supports Wi-Fi Direct capabilities for Xbox Cloud Gaming. It’s a lot of fun, but don’t dip it in your tea. (Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden) In fact, as shared by The Verge and clarified by our own sources, Microsoft will soon reveal its Google Stadia-like capabilities for gamepad connections directly to your Wi-Fi, eliminating Bluetooth latency. By connecting directly to the servers over the Internet, you eliminate some extra hops your controller would have to make to get to the game. I’m told that all future Xbox controllers will come with this technology as standard, including the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3, whose reveal is also likely imminent. Wi-Fi Direct capabilities will only be available initially in the United States, and only in testing, before going global in the coming weeks and months. In any case, this is a very nice addition to the Xbox controller line. It will be ideal for travel due to its weight and size, and will easily fit in your pocket. It might also be a better option for younger players with smaller hands. Microsoft has been marketing it in comparison to Minecraft Dungeons 2, which offers an idea of how they plan to position it. I’ll be putting together a full review in the next few days, but first impressions are very solid! Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your ideas and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
