Even though I knew Microsoft’s new Xbox Nano controller was tiny, I still gasped when I unboxed it a few days ago. The compact controller is small enough to slip into a pocket unnoticed and it was designed specifically for young people or anyone with smaller hands.
I’m not young, but I have small hands and I was surprised how comfortable the Nano felt during gaming sessions. At just over 5 inches long, almost everything on this controller has been scaled down in some way. The ABXY buttons are slightly smaller than a regular Xbox controller, and the thumbsticks feel like miniature versions. However, Microsoft hasn’t changed the D-pad or the size of the illuminated Xbox button in the center of the controller.
The big difference I noticed with the Nano compared to a regular Xbox controller was the size of the triggers. Although they’re fully analog and pressure-sensitive, they make more of a click when you touch them to the bottom than the thud of a larger Xbox controller. They’re noticeably smaller, as you’d expect, and the bumper buttons above the triggers feel less clicky than normal buttons.
I thought the Nano controller would be awkward after a few hours of gaming, but the grips really help with the comfort level – many smaller controllers sacrifice grips to keep the controller thin and light. This means the Nano doesn’t sit on a table, but at 101 grams (0.22 pounds) it’s still very light.
I can’t speak for those with larger hands, but I would expect that the Nano controller won’t be suitable for everyone. Its size makes it ideal for young children. I tried to get my 1 year old son to try the Nano, and he responded with a smile, so I guess he likes it.
I haven’t had enough time yet to get a full idea of battery life, but it seems to drain about 10% in about 30-40 minutes. This suggests much lower battery life than the 30 hours you’d get with a rechargeable pack for the larger Xbox Wireless Controller. Fortunately, the Nano charges quickly and I found I could get a 30-60% charge in less than 10 minutes. You can plug in a USB-C charger to recharge the battery and continue gaming while you charge.
The only thing the Nano controller is missing that I would have loved is vibration support. I suspect this is not the case due to an impact on battery life, as even the smallest Nintendo Joy-Con controllers support rumble.
Gn tech
