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# Xbox Nano Controller is out today: $49.99, pocket-size, but 5-hour battery and no rumble
- URL: https://www.skimwire.com/xbox-nano-controller-launch-price-battery-life/
- Published: 2026-11-04T13:45:03.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-04T13:45:03.000Z
- Description: Microsoft's smallest Xbox controller keeps all 18 inputs and Bluetooth, but drops vibration, rates 5 hours a charge and needs your own USB-C cable.
- Author: Skimwire Staff
- Tags: Gadgets

## The skim

- Microsoft's Xbox Nano Controller goes on sale Nov. 4 in the U.S. for $49.99\. At just over 5 inches long and 3.5 ounces, it's the smallest Xbox controller Microsoft has made.
- You still get all 18 standard inputs, Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth, and a programmable Action Button. There's no rumble, and the USB-C charging cable is sold separately.
- Microsoft rates it at up to 5 hours per charge, far below the 30 hours The Verge says you get from the regular controller's rechargeable pack. It's built for kids, small hands and travel.

## What happened

Microsoft [announced the Xbox Nano Controller on Oct. 14](https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/10/14/xbox-nano-controller/?ref=skimwire.com) and opened pre-orders at $49.99\. The U.S. launch is today, Nov. 4, with the UK and dozens of other markets also on Microsoft's list. Xbox accessories chief James Hunter called it "our smallest controller, lighter and shorter than most modern smartphones," aimed at "younger players, smaller hands, or anyone seeking something portable."

## What you get, and what you don't

- **Size:** 133 x 66.5 x 36.6mm and 101 grams, per the [Microsoft Store listing](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/xbox-nano-controller/8wg5vqp0x4g3?ref=skimwire.com).
- **Controls:** the full Xbox layout, with analog triggers and a programmable Action Button for screenshots, capture or other shortcuts.
- **Works with:** Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PCs, Android, iOS and compatible smart TVs, over Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth or USB.
- **Battery:** built-in and rechargeable, rated at up to 5 hours. Microsoft notes that you need a USB-C cable to charge it, sold separately.
- **Missing:** vibration. Both [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1025097/xbox-nano-controller-hands-on?ref=skimwire.com) and [Windows Central](https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/the-xbox-nano-controller-is-here-and-its-incredibly-cute-and-hides-a-surprise?ref=skimwire.com) confirm there are no rumble motors.

## Early impressions

The Verge's Tom Warren found it "surprisingly comfortable" thanks to real grips, though the triggers are noticeably smaller and click when you press them all the way. In his testing the battery dropped about 10% every 30 to 40 minutes, which roughly matches Microsoft's 5-hour rating. It recharged fast, going from 30% to 60% in under 10 minutes. Windows Central's Jez Corden also called early impressions "very solid." He reports that Microsoft is preparing Wi-Fi direct-to-cloud connections for future controllers, starting with a U.S.-only test. Microsoft hasn't announced that yet.

## Why it matters

At $49.99, it lands right before the holidays, and Microsoft is pairing it with Game Pass offers, including on Samsung TVs, where the Xbox app lets you stream games without a console. If you're buying for a young kid or want a pad for cloud gaming on the go, the size is the selling point. If you play long sessions, the 5-hour battery and the lack of rumble are real tradeoffs compared with the standard controller. You can [find the Xbox Nano Controller on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HHPXNZC9?tag=techtalkwithj-20&ref=skimwire.com).

*As an Amazon Associate, Skimwire earns from qualifying purchases.*

## Holiday bundles

Microsoft says new Game Pass Ultimate members get a Nano Controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate with select Samsung TVs this holiday season, and a similar offer comes with a Meta Quest purchase. Both offers are U.S.-only. Hunting for more gaming gifts? Skimwire's [Black Friday hub](https://www.skimwire.com/tag/black-friday/) is tracking the deals.

*Sources:* [*Xbox Wire*](https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/10/14/xbox-nano-controller/?ref=skimwire.com)*,* [*Microsoft Store*](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/xbox-nano-controller/8wg5vqp0x4g3?ref=skimwire.com)*,* [*The Verge*](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1025097/xbox-nano-controller-hands-on?ref=skimwire.com) *and* [*Windows Central*](https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/the-xbox-nano-controller-is-here-and-its-incredibly-cute-and-hides-a-surprise?ref=skimwire.com)*.*