Introduction to the Xbox Nano
Even though Microsoft’s new Xbox Nano controller is tiny, it still manages to surprise right out of the box. The compact controller is small enough to slip into a pocket unnoticed, and it has been designed specifically for younger people, or for anyone with smaller hands.
Xbox’s smallest-ever controller is surprisingly comfortable
The Nano controller is designed for young people, anyone with smaller hands, and gaming on the go.
Design and Ergonomics
Reviewers with smaller hands have been surprised at how comfortable the Nano is during gaming sessions. At just over 5 inches long, almost everything on this controller has been shrunk down somehow. The ABXY buttons are ever so slightly smaller than a regular Xbox controller, and the thumbsticks feel like miniature versions. Microsoft hasn’t changed the D-pad, though, or the size of the glowing Xbox button at the center of the controller.
The big difference noticed with the Nano over a regular Xbox controller is the size of the triggers. While they are fully analog and pressure sensitive, they have more of a click when you bottom them out compared with the thud on a bigger Xbox controller. They’re noticeably smaller, as you’d expect, and the bumper buttons above the triggers feel less clicky than the regular ones.
The Nano controller manages to avoid feeling awkward after hours of gaming because the grips really help with comfort levels. A lot of smaller controllers sacrifice grips to keep the profile thin and lightweight. It does mean the Nano doesn’t sit flush on a table, but at 101 grams (0.22 pounds) it remains remarkably lightweight.
1/10
The Nano controller is ideal for young people.
Target Audience and Battery Life
While users with larger hands will likely find the Nano ill-suited to their needs, the size makes it ideal for young children and travelers seeking maximum portability.
Battery life is more modest compared to the standard Xbox wireless controller, draining roughly 10 percent in 30 to 40 minutes, falling short of the standard 30-hour rechargeable pack. Thankfully, the Nano charges quickly, going from 30 percent to 60 percent charge in less than 10 minutes via USB-C, and it supports play-and-charge functionality.
The only notable omission on the Nano controller is vibration support. The feature appears to have been left out to preserve battery life, leaving the miniature gamepad without rumble feedback.
