Xbox's New Nano Controller Is Made For Gaming On The Go, But Who Needs It?

If you’ve ever wished for a controller while playing games on a small screen, like your phone, you probably aren’t alone. As a gamer myself, I’ve often wished I could experience my favourite titles with a controller, but it is not always possible to carry one around. This is exactly the problem that Xbox’s upcoming Nano Controller will likely solve.

The new controller, announced recently, is small enough to slip into a pocket. It also weighs less than 100 grams and works with everything from Xbox consoles to phones and compatible smart TVs. India availability has not been announced yet, but if it does make it here in the near or distant future, who actually needs it? Read on.

What Does The Xbox Nano Controller Offer?

Despite its smaller size, Microsoft says the Xbox Nano controller retains all 18 standard gameplay inputs. It measures around five inches and weighs just under 100 grams, making it much more compact than a conventional gamepad.

The controller has a bar-like design without the protruding grips found on most standard controllers. It also includes a rechargeable battery and a programmable Action Button that can be customised for functions such as taking screenshots and capturing gameplay.

Talking about connectivity, the controller works wirelessly with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles using Microsoft's proprietary wireless protocol. It also supports Bluetooth connections with Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, tablets, iOS and Android devices, and compatible smart TVs.

Furthermore, a USB Type-C port is available for charging. It is also worth noting that Microsoft does not include a charging cable in the box.

Who Should Buy The Xbox Nano Controller?

The Xbox Nano Controller is scheduled to launch on November 4 in the US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, China and select other markets, with pre-orders already open in supported regions. Microsoft says it will reach additional markets later. Now that we have that clear, let's talk about who should actually go ahead and buy this product.

The Xbox Nano controller seems to be a great fit for three groups of users. Let me explain.

The first is younger players who may find a standard controller uncomfortable to hold for long periods. Its smaller, lighter design could make it easier for them to reach the buttons and use the controls. However, comfort will ultimately depend on hand size and personal preference.

The second group is people who regularly play games on their phones or tablets. While touchscreen controls work well for some games, they can be awkward for titles that require precise movement and multiple button inputs. A physical controller can make those games easier to play, and the Nano's compact design could make it more convenient to carry in a bag or pocket.

The third group is gamers who use Xbox Cloud Gaming on compatible smart TVs. Microsoft has partnered with Samsung to offer the controller alongside two months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with select Samsung smart TV purchases in the US during the holiday season. This could make it easier for users to start playing supported games through the Xbox app without needing to keep a full-sized controller nearby.

The Price Factor

The Xbox Nano controller costs $49.99 (around Rs 4,750) in the US, while the standard Xbox wireless controller is listed at $64.99. So, the Nano costs almost as much as a full-sized Xbox controller when the latter is on sale. Now the question is: Is a smaller gamepad worth buying, or is this one of those accessories that sounds more useful than it actually is?

If you mostly play on an Xbox console and are comfortable using a regular controller, the standard controller may offer better value. Its larger design may also be more comfortable for people with bigger hands.

However, if you specifically want a smaller controller for travel, mobile gaming or playing on a compatible smart TV, the Nano controller makes more sense. Its programmable Action Button could also be useful for those who frequently capture gameplay.