Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano Controller, a pocket-sized wireless gamepad that keeps the full Xbox button layout, adds a built-in rechargeable battery and costs $49.99. Pre-orders are open now, and the controller ships on November 4, 2026. It is Microsoft's smallest controller and a clear play for travel, smaller hands and cloud gaming on phones and TVs.

Here is everything confirmed so far about the Xbox Nano Controller: price, release date, compatibility, battery, launch markets and the limitations worth knowing before you pre-order.

Official image of the Xbox Nano Controller, Microsoft's pocket-sized wireless gamepad
The Xbox Nano Controller keeps the standard Xbox layout in a much smaller body. Image: Microsoft / Xbox

Xbox Nano Controller price and release date

The Xbox Nano Controller costs $49.99 in the US and £44.99 in the UK. According to the official Microsoft Store listing, pre-orders are live and the release is set for November 4, 2026. Your card is only charged when the order ships.

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Microsoft revealed the controller on Xbox Wire on October 14. The launch covers 36 markets, including the US, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Australia and most of Europe and Latin America, with more countries to follow. Regional prices outside the US and UK had not been widely published when we checked the official pages.

In the US, Microsoft is also using the Nano as a holiday sweetener: buying select Samsung TVs or a Meta Quest during the promotion includes the controller plus two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members.

Size, buttons, battery and the Action Button

The headline is the size. Xbox says the Nano is just over 5 inches long and weighs about 3.5 ounces, and describes it as smaller, lighter and shorter than most modern smartphones. For comparison, Video Games Chronicle notes that the standard Xbox Wireless Controller is about 6 inches long and roughly 10 ounces.

Despite the smaller shell, the Nano keeps all 18 standard gameplay inputs of an Xbox controller, so you are not giving up buttons or triggers to get the compact size. It also adds a programmable Action Button, which Microsoft says can be set to shortcuts such as taking a screenshot or recording a gameplay clip.

The other big change is power. The regular Xbox Wireless Controller still runs on AA batteries or a separately sold rechargeable kit, while the Nano has a built-in rechargeable battery. Microsoft has not published a battery life figure in hours; the store page only says that life varies with headsets, accessories and usage. Charging uses USB-C, but the cable is sold separately.

Official Microsoft image showing the Xbox Nano Controller
Microsoft pitches the Nano at younger players, smaller hands and travel. Image: Microsoft / Xbox

Xbox Nano Controller compatibility: consoles, PC, phones and TVs

The Nano connects to consoles through Xbox Wireless and to other devices through Bluetooth. The official compatibility list covers:

Consoles: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One, via Xbox Wireless.

Other devices: Windows 10 and 11 PCs, Android and iOS phones and tablets, and compatible smart TVs, via Bluetooth. Microsoft warns that some functionality is not supported on every device.

Button remapping works through the Xbox Accessories app on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows. On PC, that app requires a USB-C cable connection. TweakTown also notes that the Nano is an XInput controller, which is the standard most PC games expect.

One limitation to keep in mind: the Nano does not connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming over Wi-Fi. On TVs and phones, it pairs through Bluetooth like any other wireless pad. Windows Central also points out that it does not use Hall effect or TMR thumbsticks, which some players now expect at this price.

What the Xbox Nano Controller means for players

For most people with an Xbox Series X|S, the Nano is not a replacement for the standard controller. It works as a second pad for local co-op, a better fit for kids, or a travel controller for phone and TV streaming. Microsoft itself highlights couch co-op games such as Minecraft Dungeons II and Forza Horizon 6 in its pitch. If you are building a game night, our list of the best co-op games to play with friends is a good starting point.

The built-in battery is the most practical upgrade. Anyone tired of swapping AA batteries will appreciate it, as long as they already own a USB-C cable. At $49.99, it is also priced as an add-on for families rather than a premium upgrade.

Official Xbox Nano Controller promotional image from Microsoft
The Xbox Nano Controller supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth, so it works with consoles, PCs, phones and TVs. Image: Microsoft / Xbox

What comes next

The next date to watch is November 4, when the Nano ships. It is a busy day for Xbox players, since it is also the day WoW Forever launches: see our guide to WoW Forever launch times and requirements. Before release, keep an eye out for official battery life figures and regional pricing, both of which Microsoft has not detailed yet.

Game Pass subscribers have had a strong October so far, too. If you are deciding whether a Nano plus Game Pass is worth it, check how Battlefield 6 joined Game Pass this month.