The Xbox Nano Controller redefines portability with its compact design and integrated features. Measuring over 5 inches in length and weighing just 3.5 ounces (99 grams), it offers the Xbox gaming experience in a smaller package. While it retains all 18 standard inputs, the controller replaces the traditional AA battery bay with a rechargeable battery.
Priced at $49.99, the Nano is $15 less than the standard Xbox controller. It provides native Xbox Wireless connectivity and features a programmable Action Button for capturing screenshots and video clips. Under the leadership of CEO Asha Sharma, Xbox has focused on player feedback, resulting in innovations like the Nano Controller. It’s set to ship on November 4 in the US and 35 other markets.
A Compact Design with Familiar Features of the Nano Controller
The Nano resembles the standard Xbox Controller with some noticeable alterations: a compact slab design with stubby grips and the familiar Xbox layout. It sports an inset faceplate with visible seams and is showcased in Microsoft‘s signature Robot White. The controller retains the traditional staggered stick layout, faceted hybrid D-pad, textured stick caps, and colorful ABXY buttons. Although currently only available in white, a black version might be in the pipeline.
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The top edge of the controller hosts a single pad on each side labeled LB over LT or RB over RT, combining the bumper and trigger in one sleek design. Between them lies the USB-C port and pairing button. The matte back includes a recessed label panel with unexplained round recesses. The design takes cues from long-standing aesthetics in gaming controllers, further refined by Microsoft.
Connectivity and Functionality
The Nano includes all 18 standard inputs and introduces a programmable Action Button suitable for screenshots and capturing gameplay via the Xbox Accessories app. The app also manages button remapping. Connectivity is handled through Xbox Wireless for consoles and Bluetooth for other devices, while charging is facilitated by a separate USB-C cable. Although details about battery life and additional features like a headphone jack remain undisclosed, these components will determine its competitive edge against budget alternatives.
This cloud-focused controller fits into broader Xbox strategies, including compatibility with Samsung’s Gaming Hub and various smart devices. The $49.99 price places it between less expensive alternatives and the full-fledged standard controller. Despite its unknown internal components, it promises features like Xbox Wireless and a built-in battery, setting it apart.
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A Step Forward in Accessible Gaming
The Nano Controller is part of Xbox’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, akin to the 2018 Xbox Adaptive Controller. Tailored for smaller hands, it reflects a strategic shift towards more affordable and easily portable gaming options, resonating with current trends under Sharma’s leadership. The controller’s ultimate test will be its performance during extended gaming sessions. Once again, Xbox blends innovation with accessibility, expanding its reach to include gamers of all types.
Source: yankodesign.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of the Xbox Nano Controller?
Priced at $49.99, the Nano is $15 less than the standard Xbox controller.
When will the Xbox Nano Controller be available?
It’s set to ship on November 4 in the US and 35 other markets.
Does the Xbox Nano Controller have a rechargeable battery?
The controller replaces the traditional AA battery bay with a rechargeable battery.