Honey, Xbox shrunk its controller
Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano, a pocket-sized controller priced at $49.99 and designed for smaller hands and portable gaming. It offers the usual Xbox buttons and connects wirelessly to Xbox consoles, phones, tablets and PCs, giving players a more compact option for gaming on the go.
At just over five inches long, it is Microsoft’s smallest controller. It has a rechargeable battery, a programmable Action Button for shortcuts such as screenshots and gameplay capture, and a USB-C port; unlike most Xbox controllers, it does not need AA batteries or a separate charging pack. Pre-orders are open, with shipping due to start in November, and the tiny screen shown in earlier leaks is absent from the final model.
- Microsoft’s Xbox Nano is just over five inches long.
- The controller costs $49.99 and is available to pre-order.
- Shipping is due to start in November.
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Xbox controllers let players give commands to games on Microsoft’s Xbox consoles. Many also connect to computers and mobile devices, so players can use them beyond the living room.
Microsoft makes several controller designs for different ways of playing. A smaller model may suit children or people who want a lighter option for travel, while wireless connections let it work with compatible devices without a cable.
The controller’s price and features may help players decide whether its size and rechargeable battery suit their needs. It also reflects the growing overlap between console gaming and playing on phones, tablets and PCs.