Xbox reveals unexpected new hardware that's probably 2026's most reasonable bit of kit

Microsoft has revealed a new piece of Xbox hardware, and unlike a lot of other tech at the moment, is actually reasonably priced.

This week, Xbox unveiled the Nano Controller, a new bite-sized controller that works on Xbox consoles, PC, and iOS/Android devices. It also works with “select” Smart TVs.

“Today, we’re introducing the XBOX Nano Controller, designed to fit nearly every pocket and budget. Its compact design offers a great option for younger players, smaller hands, or anyone seeking something portable for play on the go,” reads the announcement from Xbox.

The Xbox Nano Controller weighs 3.5 ounces and is only around 5 inches in length, making it the smallest Xbox controller created to date, and much smaller than most modern mobile phones.

It features all of the buttons and keys that you’d expect from a controller; the ABXY face buttons, triggers, bumpers, and thumbsticks, and should still sit comfortably in your hands.

Other features include a rechargeable battery and one programmable button that you can assign to different functions, such as taking a screenshot, gameplay capture, or using for another shortcut or button combo.

It’s priced at $49.99 / £44.99, making it rather affordable as a controller alternative compared to other controllers on the market right now.

Microsoft

How does the Xbox Nano Controller compare to other controllers?

A standard Xbox controller that is compatible with console and PC will typically run you somewhere between $64.99 and $69.99 depending on the colour you choose.

On PS5, a standard DualSense controller goes for $74.99, a little more expensive due to some of the additional features the hardware has like adaptive triggers and gyro support.

Similarly, the Steam Controller that was released earlier this year is priced at $99, one of the most expensive options from a major company at the moment. Again, this is a controller that has many more options and features available to you than its competitors, justifying a higher price.

Obviously, the Xbox Nano Controller being half of that price makes it a much more attractive option for those who just want to game on it, though it does come without all the bells and whistles of the more expensive controllers.

Pre-orders for the controller begin today, with shipping happening in November, just in time for the release of Grand Theft Auto VI if you want to play it on the go. Here are all the countries the controller is shipping to:

• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Canada
• China
• Colombia
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Dominican Republic
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Guatemala
• Hong Kong SAR
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Korea
• Mexico
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Panama
• Peru
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Trinidad & Tobago
• United Kingdom
• United States

The announcement of the Xbox Nano Controller coincides with other Xbox-related hardware news. For starters, reports indicate that Xbox is considering moving some of its bigger franchises like Minecraft and The Elder Scrolls as Xbox console exclusives, keeping the games off platforms such as PlayStation and Nintendo. Meanwhile, the ROG Xbox Ally X20 launches today, which is a new upgrade over last year's ROG Xbox Ally X handheld PC.