By Zack Bishop
Publication Date: 2026-10-16 21:04:00
Microsoft just announced the Xbox Nano Controller, and the first thing to know is that “nano” isn’t marketing exaggeration. At a little over five inches long and 3.5 ounces, it’s the smallest controller Xbox has ever made, shorter and lighter than most modern smartphones. Microsoft’s pitch is that it’s designed to fit nearly every pocket and budget, aimed at younger players, smaller hands, and anyone who wants something portable for play on the go.
Despite the size, it isn’t a stripped-down toy. The Nano carries all 18 gameplay inputs you’d expect from a standard Xbox controller, so the layout should feel familiar, plus a reprogrammable Action button that you can set to something like a screenshot or a gameplay capture. Microsoft says it’s built around the idea that it’s an easier way to be ready for games the whole family can play together, and it name-checked Minecraft Dungeons II and its four-player local co-op as an example.
Connectivity is where this gets…
