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Xbox has announced the XBOX Nano Controller, a $49.99 pocket-size gamepad aimed at younger players, smaller hands, family sharing and travel. It measures a little over 5 inches long, weighs 3.5 ounces and includes 18 standard gameplay inputs. Preorders opened October 14, 2026, with the US Microsoft Store listing release for November 4 at 5:00 a.m. US time.
What the XBOX Nano Controller is
Xbox describes the Nano as its smallest controller and as an approachable way to play away from a full-size living-room setup. James Hunter, general manager of Xbox Accessories, introduced it as a controller designed to fit “nearly every pocket and budget.” The intended audience includes children, people with smaller hands, families sharing a controller and players who want a lighter option for travel or quick sessions.
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The launch announcement positions the Nano for games such as Minecraft Dungeons II, Forza Horizon 6, Grounded 2, Bluey’s Happy Snaps, Roblox and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. Those examples show Xbox’s family, cooperative and portable-play focus; they are not independent performance tests.
Size, weight and controls
| Specification | Published detail |
|---|---|
| Length | A little over 5 inches |
| Weight | 3.5 ounces |
| Gameplay inputs | 18 standard Xbox gameplay inputs |
| Battery | Internal rechargeable battery; capacity and expected battery life were not published |
| Extra control | Programmable Action Button |
The programmable Action Button can be assigned to shortcuts including screenshots and gameplay capture. Xbox has not published measurements for grip width, thumbstick travel, trigger resistance or button spacing, so the launch materials cannot establish how the Nano feels in different hand sizes or how closely its controls match a full-size Xbox pad.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
At 3.5 ounces, it is substantially focused on portability, and Xbox says it is shorter and lighter than most modern smartphones. The practical trade-off is that a smaller shell may be easier for children and smaller-handed players to hold, while adults who prefer a larger grip may find a full-size controller more comfortable for long sessions. No independent comfort or durability testing has been released.
Compatibility and connection options
Xbox consoles
Xbox Wireless connects the Nano to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles. The official compatibility list also includes Xbox on PC.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
PC, mobile and smart-TV play
Bluetooth support connects the controller to Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, Android and iOS devices, tablets and compatible smart TVs. Compatibility can still depend on the game, operating system and television model, so buyers should check a particular device before relying on it for cloud or remote play.
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Charging requirement
The battery is built in and rechargeable. A USB-C cable is required for charging and is sold separately. Xbox has not stated the cable length, battery capacity or a battery-life estimate, so the controller’s out-of-box charging setup and endurance cannot be judged from the announcement alone.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Price, preorder and release date
Xbox Wire announced a $49.99 US price and opened preorders on October 14, 2026. The US Microsoft Store listing gives November 4, 2026 at 5:00 a.m. as the release time and date. Country pricing, taxes, shipping and stock may differ.
Xbox says November availability will cover Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Czechia, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom and the United States, with additional markets to follow. The announcement does not provide a single worldwide release time.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What the $49.99 price includes
The published materials identify the controller and its internal rechargeable battery. They also explicitly state that the USB-C charging cable is sold separately, so buyers should budget for a compatible cable if they do not already have one.
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- Smaller-handed players: The shorter, lighter body is designed around a more compact reach, although personal fit can only be confirmed by trying it.
- Families: The lower entry price and programmable shortcut may make it a convenient second controller for shared play.
- Travelers: A little over 5 inches and 3.5 ounces makes it easier to pack than a conventional full-size pad.
- Players who use several devices: Xbox Wireless handles consoles, while Bluetooth extends use to Windows, mobile devices and compatible TVs.
A full-size Xbox controller remains the safer choice for buyers who prioritize a larger grip, established long-session ergonomics or specifications that have been independently tested. Xbox has not published latency measurements, stick accuracy, durability results or battery endurance for the Nano.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Holiday bundles and availability details
Xbox says select Samsung TVs in the United States during the holiday season will be offered with a special XBOX Nano Controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members. It also says it is working with Meta on a US holiday offer pairing a Nano Controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members with a Meta Quest purchase.
Xbox has not specified the qualifying television or headset models, exact promotion dates, redemption rules or which retailers will participate. Treat those offers as conditional promotions and verify the terms at checkout before assuming a bundle is included.
What is still unknown
- Battery capacity, rated battery life and charging time
- Latency and wireless range
- Stick travel, trigger specifications and button spacing
- Durability or drop-testing results
- Independent comfort testing for children and adults
- Final local pricing, taxes and stock outside the United States
Those omissions do not change the announced size, weight, controls, compatibility, price or release listing, but they prevent a performance verdict before hands-on testing and longer-term use.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
