Remember when Xbox meant one thing: a giant slab of a console and, above all, giant controllers. That was the whole vibe of Microsoft's very first home console back in 2002, but things have changed since then. Pretty quickly, in fact, since the Xbox 1's fat controller was later redesigned for Japanese hands. Well, this time around the target is hands that are smaller still — kids, most likely — and that's the reason the Nano Controller exists, freshly unveiled by Xbox. It's a miniature model built to slip easily into a bag or even a pocket. Announced today, 14 October 2026, this new pad keeps the usual Xbox controls but in a shrunken format, and it'll work with consoles, PC, smartphones and even some smart TVs. It goes on sale on 4 November for £49.99.
Pocket controller
At a shade over 12.7 cm long and weighing around 99 grams, the Xbox Nano is all about its size, as you'll have gathered. It keeps the usual 18 buttons but adopts a more compact silhouette, one that recalls old-school pads more than the standard Xbox controller. The idea is simple: let players take it with them more easily when they're out and about. Xbox points out that the buttons can be remapped so everyone can tailor the controls to their liking. Personally, we think it's rather adorable, and despite that boxy form factor we reckon it'll feel good in the hand. One to try out, then.
The Xbox Nano Controller hits shops on 4 November 2026. Pre-orders are already open on the official Xbox site.
