Xbox has a brand new gamepad

Xbox has revealed its latest gamepad, which it says is the smallest controller in its lineup. The Xbox Nano controller measures just over five inches long and weighs 3.5 ounces. It offers the standard Xbox controller layout in a more compact form factor.

Xbox says the controller, which has a rechargeable battery, could be useful for younger gamers and people with smaller hands. It has an action button that you can program through the Xbox Accessories app to, for example, take screenshots or gameplay videos. There is Bluetooth support, so along with Xbox consoles and PCs, the Nano Controller is compatible with iOS and Android devices as well as some smart TVs.

Samsung is offering the controller and two months of access to Game Pass Ultimate for new subscribers who purchased select TVs in the United States during the holiday season. A similar offer is in the works for Meta Quest headsets. It’s worth keeping in mind that Xbox is allowing duration limits for cloud gaming starting next month. You will only be able to stream cloud games to a TV, Quest, or other device for 15 hours with Game Pass Ultimate unless you purchase time credits.

Xbox

The Nano Controller reminds me of the more portable gamepads made by 8BitDo, although it’s not as small as that brand’s Micro Controller. I’m interested in trying it out to find out what the Nano’s triggers feel like. I play games on my phone using OhSnap’s BackBone Pro and MCON and while I generally like both, I find the triggers on these controllers finicky.

Pre-orders for the Xbox Nano controller are now open. The device costs $50 and will ship in the United States on November 4. It will be available in 35 more countries next month and will hit other markets later.