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Ashely currently works as a news writer for Polygon. After getting her Translation degree, she was hired as a guide and news writer for GameRant and TheGamer. She enjoyed working as an author for these sites for six years, and in 2026, she started at Polygon, where she is able to continue to do what she loves: writing about video games.
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While console hardware prices keep going up, Xbox is offering a cheaper hardware alternative with the new Xbox Nano controller.
Xbox officially announced its newest controller model on Wednesday, revealing a pocket-sized controller alternative to the standard Xbox wireless controller (which starts at $64.99) and the high-end Xbox Elite Wireless Controller (which starts at $149.99). The $49.99 Nano controller, Microsoft says, is designed with "younger players, smaller hands, or anyone seeking something portable for play on the go" in mind.
The Xbox Nano Controller is 5 inches wide and weighs 3.5 ounces — small and light. Compare that to the Xbox Wireless and Elite controllers, both of which both measure 6 inches in width and weigh approximately 10 and 12 ounces, respectively. Despite its smaller size, the Nano Controller includes all 18 standard gameplay inputs. It's an Xbox controller, just smaller.
Xbox Nano Controller details and price
The Xbox Nano Controller has a rechargeable battery that charges via USB-C — a boon for gamers living in the year 2026. The Nano Controller can also connect with compatible PCs, mobile phones, and smart TVs via Bluetooth. (Officially, Microsoft promises support for Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox on PC, Windows, Android, and iOS.)
It comes in one color: white.
The Xbox Nano Controller will be released on Nov. 4 in select territories, and pre-orders are already available. Each account can purchase up to five controllers per order to keep scalpers at bay. Gamers in the United States should be on the lookout, as select Samsung TVs will be part of a holiday promotion that includes a special Nano Controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate.
The new Xbox controller comes amid a flurry of announcements from Microsoft, which includes Xbox XP and Xbox Labs.