Xbox Officially Unveils Game-Changing New Hardware

Published Oct 15, 2026, 6:49 AM EDT

Bruno Yonezawa is a Gaming Senior Writer for Screen Rant. He's been practicing professional journalism for over 10 years, and is also a communications specialist. He's played games all his life and turned that passionate hobby into a passionate career, in an industry where he's worked as a writer, editor, analyst, and more.

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A brand-new piece of hardware for Xbox has just been officially revealed, and it’s already a game-changer for many different players. There’s a lot going on with the big players in the gaming industry this year, and while the end of physical media for PlayStation may be the biggest change, there’s also a lot going on with Microsoft’s gaming section. New hardware compatible with the Series X/S consoles and PC has been announced as part of the brand’s 25th anniversary celebrations. However, even outside the celebrations, there are new releases on the horizon.

As announced via an official post on Xbox Wire, Microsoft is working on the release of a new piece of hardware that will change how certain fans play games on the Xbox ecosystem. Called the Xbox Nano Controller, this new controller is “a little over 5 inches in length and just 3.5 ounces,” making it the brand’s smallest controller ever. Despite its size, the Xbox Nano Controller includes all 18 standard gameplay inputs you’d expect from the regular Xbox controller, applied to an adorable, pocket-sized controller.

According to the official announcement, the official new hardware for Xbox is a great option for younger players, anyone with smaller hands who deems the standard Xbox controller a bit too large, or fans who want to own a portable controller. With its wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, the Xbox Nano Controller is compatible with Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC, iOS and Android devices, and even select Smart TVs.

Considering Xbox’s Cloud Gaming initiative, it may be the perfect controller to take with you in case you plan on playing some of the free Xbox Game Pass titles on your phone. The Xbox Nano Controller has an internal rechargeable battery, meaning you don’t have to worry about carrying batteries. It also features a programmable Action Button, which can be customized for several other shortcut features with Xbox.

The new controller option for Xbox is now available for pre-order in the United States for $49.99. The Nano Controller will become available in several regions around the world, as seen in the official announcement post, with more markets to follow. Of course, prices and the controller’s availability vary depending on your region.

The Xbox Nano Controller is but one of the many hardware announcements made by Microsoft’s gaming division this year, but it’s likely the cutest one so far. The smaller-sized controller is a great fit for players who feel the standard controller is too big, and its portability makes it even more enticing for players who enjoy playing Xbox on the go.

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