Nano Xbox Controller Now Available for Pre-Order

Pre-orders are now open for Microsoft's new, very compact Nano Xbox controller.

If for whatever reason you can use a smaller Xbox controller, Microsoft has you covered. It's called the Xbox Nano controller, and it's a more compact and rectangular take on the standard Xbox controller. All the buttons are considered normal Xbox, but the form factor is smaller and more portable. The device looks great overall and is available for pre-order now from a number of retailers (check it out on Amazon). It will be released on November 4th for $49.99.

In my opinion, regular and full-sized Xbox controllers are pretty much perfect. But I'm a grown man with big hands and I almost never have to bring my Xbox controllers anywhere. If you have smaller hands, or if you regularly travel with a controller, you may want something designed just for you. This is the nano controller.

It is just over five inches long and weighs only 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 (the small tick-tock button in the middle) that Microsoft says "can be customized for features like screenshots, game recording, and other commonly used shortcuts." very nice

And thanks to Xbox's wireless and Bluetooth capabilities, it works with all devices that have a regular Xbox controller, including Xbox, PC, Mac, and mobile devices.

Where the standard Xbox controller has grips that fit comfortably in larger hands, the Nano has grips that fit comfortably in your pocket. But the design looks comfortable, and I like the white and black color scheme with the colorful ABXY face buttons. The sticks feel a little shorter than the standard controller, but the disc-style D-pad feels the same. I want to try this thing.

Chris Reid is IGN's senior business editor and deal expert. He also runs IGN's LEGO coverage and maintains articles on upcoming release dates for video games, LEGO sets, and 4K Blu-rays. You can follow him on Bluesky.