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Microsoft’s Xbox Nano Controller is a $49.99 US gamepad designed for younger players, smaller hands and portable gaming. At a little over 5 inches long and 3.5 ounces (99 grams), Xbox calls it the company’s smallest controller. Preorders opened October 14, 2026, and the US Microsoft Store lists November 4, 2026, as the release date.
What the Xbox Nano Controller is
The Nano is an entry-level Xbox controller that keeps the familiar control layout while reducing the overall size and weight. Xbox says its compact design is intended for children, people with smaller hands and anyone who wants a controller that is easier to carry.
Microsoft describes the controller as a little over 5 inches in length and 3.5 ounces (99 grams). That makes it shorter and lighter than most modern smartphones, according to James Hunter, general manager of Xbox Accessories. The figures are announced specifications; no independent testing has established how comfortable the shape is during long sessions.
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Controls and the programmable Action Button
The Nano retains all 18 standard gameplay inputs found on a conventional Xbox controller. That means its smaller body is not intended to remove the buttons, sticks or triggers needed by mainstream Xbox games.
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- 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.
It also adds a programmable Action Button. Xbox says the button can be assigned to shortcuts such as screenshots and gameplay capture, along with other supported actions. The exact shortcut options can depend on the connected platform and software.
Size and specifications at a glance
| Specification | Xbox Nano Controller |
|---|---|
| Length | A little over 5 inches |
| Weight | 3.5 ounces (99 grams) |
| Gameplay inputs | 18 standard inputs |
| Extra control | Programmable Action Button |
| Battery | Internal rechargeable battery |
| Charging connector | USB-C; cable sold separately |
| Wireless connections | Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth |
| US launch price | $49.99 |
| US release date | November 4, 2026, according to the Microsoft Store listing |
How it connects and what it works with
Xbox Wireless is the connection intended for Xbox consoles. Bluetooth expands the Nano’s reach to Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, tablets, iOS devices, Android devices and compatible smart TVs.
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- 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.
Official compatibility lists include Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PCs, Android, iOS and compatible smart TVs. Compatibility is not identical across every device: Bluetooth support, available controls and the games or apps that recognize a controller can vary by operating system, title and television model. Check the device and game requirements before buying for a specific setup.
Battery, charging and the USB-C requirement
The controller has an internal rechargeable battery rather than a user-replaceable pack. Charging uses USB-C, but Microsoft says the USB-C cable is sold separately. If you do not already own a suitable cable, include one in the purchase plan; the controller cannot be charged without it.
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- 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.
Microsoft’s product information does not provide a battery-runtime figure that can be used as an independent estimate. A Microsoft Store testing note refers to preproduction testing, so it should not be treated as a published runtime claim. Battery life, charging speed and long-term battery durability remain unverified until proper testing is available.
Price, preorder and regional availability
The US Microsoft Store lists the Nano at $49.99, with a November 4, 2026 release date. Preorders opened on October 14, 2026. The $49.99 figure is the US launch price and does not establish what the controller will cost in other countries.
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
Xbox announced November availability in 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 & Tobago, the United Kingdom and the United States. Additional markets are expected to follow, while local price and timing vary by country. Regional Microsoft Store listings are the appropriate place to confirm a buyer’s final date and price.
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Who should consider the Nano
Younger players and smaller hands
The reduced length and weight are the central reason to choose the Nano. It is aimed at players for whom a full-size controller feels physically large. Xbox has not published independent measurements of reach, grip comfort or fatigue, so those decisions should be based on the player’s hand size and, where possible, an in-person try.
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- 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.
Portable setups
At 99 grams and a little over 5 inches, the Nano is easier to place in a small bag than a full-size gamepad. Bluetooth support also makes it practical for compatible phones, tablets, PCs and smart TVs, provided those devices and games support controllers.
Families sharing an Xbox
The standard 18-input layout means the Nano is intended to remain usable with ordinary Xbox games rather than functioning as a simplified children’s remote. The programmable Action Button can also provide a convenient shortcut for capture functions.
What has not been established yet
- No independent comfort or ergonomic assessment is available.
- No measured input-latency result has been published.
- No durability testing is available.
- Microsoft has not supplied a consumer-facing battery-runtime figure suitable for comparison.
Those gaps matter if you are choosing between the Nano and a full-size controller for competitive play, long sessions or heavy travel. The announced specifications establish its size, controls, connections, power design and launch terms, but not how it performs under those conditions.
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Xbox says US holiday promotions will pair an Xbox Nano Controller with two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members with select Samsung TVs, and separately with a Meta Quest purchase. These are announced partner offers, not guaranteed permanent bundles. Confirm eligibility, dates and terms when the promotion is live.
Bottom line for buyers
The Xbox Nano Controller’s value proposition is straightforward: a substantially smaller, lighter rechargeable gamepad that preserves the standard Xbox control set and adds a programmable shortcut button. At the US launch price of $49.99, it is most relevant to younger players, smaller hands and portable Xbox or Bluetooth setups. Budget separately for the required USB-C cable, verify compatibility with the intended device and treat comfort and battery life as open questions until independent testing is available.
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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.
