If you could use a smaller Xbox controller for any reason, Microsoft has announced just the thing for you. It’s called the Xbox Nano Controller, and it’s a more compact, more rectangular take on the standard Xbox controller. All the regular Xbox buttons are accounted for, but the form factor is smaller and more portable. It’s a nice-looking device overall, and it’s available to preorder now from a number of retailers (see it at Amazon). It will release on November 4 for $49.99.
Xbox Nano Controller
Regular, full-sized Xbox controllers are nearly perfect, in my opinion. But I’m a grown man with large hands, and I almost never have to bring my Xbox controllers anywhere. If your hands are smaller, or if you travel with a controller on the regular, you might want something designed just for you. That’s the Nano controller.
It’s just over five inches long and weighs a mere 3.5 ounces. Microsoft says it supports “all 18 standard gameplay inputs,” which sounds like a lot. It also includes a rechargeable battery and a programmable Action Button (that little Tic—Tac-shaped button in the middle) that Microsoft says, “can be customized for features like screenshots, gameplay capture, and other frequently used shortcuts.” Pretty handy.
And thanks to its Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth capabilities, it works with all the same devices as a regular Xbox controller, including Xbox, PC, Mac, and mobile devices.
Where the standard Xbox controller has grips that fit larger hands comfortably, the Nano has grips that slide into your pocket comfortably. But the design looks comfortable, and I like the white-and-black color scheme, complete with colorful ABXY face buttons. The sticks look a little shorter than on the standard controller, but the disc-style D-pad looks the same. I'd like to try this thing.