Xbox introduced the Xbox Nano Controller on October 14, 2026. James Hunter, general manager of Xbox Accessories, published the announcement on Xbox Wire. The pre-order opened that day at $49.99 USD. Xbox says availability begins in November in the markets named below, with more markets afterward. Pricing and availability vary by country.
Hunter calls the pad “designed to fit nearly every pocket and budget.” Xbox says the compact design is a great option for younger players, smaller hands, or anyone seeking something portable for play on the go. The product page calls it an entry-level rechargeable controller. It also says the pad is “fit for virtually every pocket, budget, and whimsy,” and that line points to a compatibility footnote.
Size and controls
Xbox calls the Nano its smallest controller. The announcement puts the length at a little over 5 inches and the weight at 3.5 ounces. Xbox says it is lighter and shorter than most modern smartphones. However, the post does not name those phones. It also does not list a width, a height, or a battery life.
The controller includes all 18 standard gameplay inputs. Xbox says that keeps a familiar layout. However, the announcement does not name those 18 inputs one by one. The product page shows close views of the directional pad, the top buttons, and the ABXY buttons. A programmable Action Button can handle shortcuts such as screenshots and gameplay capture. In addition, players map buttons in the Xbox Accessories app. Xbox does not say how many shortcuts the Action Button can store.
The Nano has an internal rechargeable battery. However, a product-page footnote says charging needs a USB-C cable, sold separately. The same note says to use the pad with controller-compatible games. Xbox does not say whether a cable ships in the box. The announcement does not specify color options.
Where it connects
Xbox Wire says the controller supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth. It “connects across a range of compatible devices.” In addition, the product page lists Xbox consoles, Windows PC, iOS and Android, and select smart TVs. A specs table names Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, Windows, Android, and iOS. Xbox points buyers to its controller compatibility page for the limits. The announcement does not publish a full smart-TV list.
Xbox uses Minecraft Dungeons II as a family example. Up to four heroes can team up for local co-op in the living room or online. Forza Horizon 6 is the example for play beyond the living room. The product page says those games, and others, are sold separately. It also says the pad can explore games from four generations of Xbox. A separate note says some of that play requires an internet connection, and ISP fees apply. However, Xbox does not say whether online co-op requires Game Pass.
November markets
Pre-order pricing in the announcement is $49.99 USD. Xbox says other countries can differ, so the dollar figure is not a worldwide price. The product page links from that pre-order line. On October 15, 2026, the saved page showed Add to cart and Find a retailer. However, that saved text does not repeat $49.99, and it does not give a day in November.
Availability begins in November in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Czechia, Denmark, and the Dominican Republic. The same list includes Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, and Korea. It also includes Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, and Portugal. The remaining names are Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
That is 36 markets, and Xbox says additional markets will follow. Buyers are told to check a local Microsoft Store or authorized retailer. A product-page footnote adds that prices and availability may vary by retailer.
Holiday bundles
In the United States, Xbox is teaming with Samsung on a holiday offer for new Game Pass Ultimate members. The offer is an Xbox Nano Controller plus two months of Game Pass Ultimate with the purchase of select Samsung TVs. Xbox does not name the TV models, the redemption steps, or the last day of the season.
Xbox says the Xbox app is in the Gaming Hub on Samsung TVs. In select regions, players can use their monthly cloud playtime on hundreds of Xbox Game Pass games by connecting a controller. However, the announcement does not state how many hours that monthly playtime includes.
Xbox says it is also working with Meta on a US holiday offer. The offer Xbox describes includes a Nano Controller and a two-month Game Pass Ultimate subscription for new members who buy a Meta Quest. The post does not say that offer is on sale. It does not name Quest models.
