It connects over Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth, so it works with Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, iOS and Android devices, and select smart TVs. A built-in rechargeable battery means no AA batteries or separate charging pack, and a programmable Action Button can be set for screenshots, gameplay capture and other Xbox shortcuts. Microsoft has not shared battery life, colour options, or whether the controller has rumble or impulse triggers.

Launch markets include the US, UK, Japan and much of Europe, 36 territories in all, with more to follow. Xbox is also lining up US holiday bundles: TechPowerUp reports that select Samsung TVs and Meta Quest headsets will come with a Nano Controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members.

At $49.99 the Nano costs noticeably more than rival compact controllers such as CRKD's Atom+ at $29.99 and 8BitDo's Lite 2 at $34.99, though native Xbox Wireless support may account for some of that premium. A pocket controller for TVs and headsets suits cloud gaming, but the timing is awkward: from November, Xbox Cloud Gaming introduces monthly time limits, capping Ultimate subscribers at 15 hours, Premium at 10 and Essential at 5, with extra hours costing more.

The Nano originally leaked earlier this year with what looked like a tiny screen showing cloud or console connectivity. That screen is not part of the final shipping model, though the rest matches the leaks, including a USB-C port at the rear and a pairing button.