Image: uKER / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
In short: On 14 October 2026, Microsoft announced the Xbox Nano Controller. At a little over 5 inches long and 3.5 ounces, it is the smallest Xbox controller yet. It has all 18 standard inputs, a rechargeable battery and a programmable Action Button. It costs $49.99 in the US, pre-orders are open and it ships from November, including in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Game Pass added Battlefield 6 and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade in October.
The Nano Controller
Microsoft says it is designed for younger players, smaller hands and anyone who wants a portable pad. It is shorter and lighter than most smartphones, yet keeps the familiar layout. It supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth, so it works with phones, tablets, PCs and TVs. The Action Button can be mapped to screenshots, capture and other shortcuts. No euro price has been announced; pricing varies by country. In the US, Microsoft is bundling it with select Samsung TVs and Meta Quest headsets, each with two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members, which shows how much it is betting on cloud gaming.
Is it worth it?
The standard Xbox Wireless Controller is built for adult hands, so the Nano fills a real gap for kids, guests and travellers. Because it keeps all 18 inputs, every Xbox game is fully playable. During long sessions, larger hands may still prefer the full-size pad. At $49.99 it is cheaper than many gamepads, which makes it a sensible second controller. Battery life and build quality have not been tested yet because it only ships in November, so waiting for the first reviews is reasonable.
Game Pass in October
| Date | Game |
|---|---|
| 8 Oct | Forever Ago |
| 13 Oct | Battlefield 6 (Ultimate, PC via EA Play), Valor Mortis |
| 21 Oct | Sandustry |
| 22 Oct | Dodo Duckie |
| 27 Oct | The Séance of Blake Manor |
| 29 Oct | FF VII Remake Intergrade, Mouthwashing, PvZ Replanted, Terrible Lizards |
Echo Weaver and Neon Abyss 2 also joined in wave 1. Which games you get depends on your tier: Game Pass Ultimate, Premium or PC Game Pass.
More Xbox news
The ID@Xbox x IGN Showcase took place on 20 October, where smaller studios showed upcoming Xbox and PC games, many launching in Game Pass. GTA VI arrives on Xbox Series X|S on 19 November; see our gaming autumn overview. PC players can check our gaming PC guide. More in the Xbox section.
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