Announcement · Gaming
Xbox Nano Controller: a small Xbox controller for €49.99 from 4 November
Microsoft’s smallest controller weighs about 99 g, has all 18 standard inputs and a built-in battery. No USB-C cable included. From 4 November for €49.99.
Microsoft unveiled the Xbox Nano Controller on 14 October 2026. According to Microsoft, it is the smallest Xbox controller yet, shorter and lighter than most current smartphones. It is aimed at younger players, smaller hands and gaming on the go, for example via cloud gaming on a TV or phone.
Small, but complete
The Nano is a little over 12.7 cm long and weighs about 99 g (3.5 ounces). Even so, it has all 18 standard inputs of an Xbox controller: D-pad, ABXY buttons, two sticks, two bumpers and two triggers. There is also a programmable Action Button, for example for screenshots or captures.
It connects to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One via Xbox Wireless, and to Windows PCs, tablets, iOS and Android devices and compatible TVs via Bluetooth.
Battery instead of AAs
Unlike the standard Xbox Wireless Controller, the Nano has a built-in rechargeable battery. It charges over USB-C, but according to the Microsoft Store no cable is included. Microsoft has not stated a battery life, nor what technology the sticks use.
Price and date
The Nano costs €49.99 (RRP) and is already available to pre-order. According to the Microsoft Store and PC Games Hardware, it goes on sale on 4 November 2026, initially in 36 countries including Germany, Austria and Switzerland. For comparison, the standard Xbox Wireless Controller has an RRP of €64.99 in the Microsoft Store.
Update 5 November 2026: on sale, Cloud connect as a US test
The Nano Controller has been on sale since 4 November. On the same day, Microsoft started two preview features for Xbox Cloud Gaming:
- Cloud connect: the Nano Controller connects directly to the cloud server over Wi-Fi instead of to the TV over Bluetooth. This is meant to reduce input lag. According to Microsoft it is an early test, for now only in the US, on supported smart TVs and in the browser, and not yet with every game.
- Phone as controller: on supported smart TVs, your phone can be used as a controller, with the controls opening in the phone’s browser. This works in all countries with Xbox Cloud Gaming. Turn it on under Settings, Account, Preview features in the smart TV app.