Microsoft’s Xbox Nano Controller went on sale November 4 for £44.99 / $49.99, and early reviews describe it as a compact option for gaming on the go and for players with smaller hands. The Verge has also reported a previously undisclosed feature: the controller can connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming over Wi-Fi, potentially reducing latency during cloud play.
The feature appears to still be in internal testing. The Verge expects Microsoft to announce it as a preview for the Nano, with broader support for Xbox Cloud Gaming on the web and smart TVs to follow. Windows Central has suggested the technology could reach future Xbox controllers, while the original report also raises the possibility of it appearing in the Xbox Elite Series 3.
Reviews have focused on the controller’s small size and portability. The Independent rated it four out of five, calling it easy to set up and a strong fit for its intended purpose, while noting that it does not add much beyond its compact form. The Verge’s early assessment was positive, highlighting comfort for a reviewer with small hands and the scaled-down controls.
CNET was mostly positive, recommending the Nano for travel, gaming on the go, or players with smaller hands, but preferring full-size controllers at home. Windows Central’s first impressions similarly described it as a useful addition to the Xbox lineup, particularly for travel and younger players.
Sources: Pure Xbox.