The Xbox Nano Controller began as a personal project created on a home 3D printer before Microsoft officially approved its development. Ryan Whitaker, the controller’s lead designer, shared the story behind the compact gamepad in Xbox’s 25th anniversary magazine, revealing that he had already been working on the idea before the company requested such a device.
Whitaker initially designed and printed early prototypes at home, believing that the standard Xbox controller wasn’t suitable for everyone. While the existing design works for most players, he felt that some people might find it too large, intimidating, or difficult to carry around.
His personal project eventually became an official Xbox product when his team was asked to develop a controller that could appeal to new audiences.
The Xbox Nano Controller is an entirely new first-party design rather than a smaller version of an existing gamepad. Despite its compact size, it retains every input found on a standard Xbox controller. Microsoft developed a dedicated processor for the accessory and included analog triggers and lower-profile thumbsticks.
The controller is available now for $49.99 and weighs just 101g. It features an internal rechargeable battery and supports Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Its Cloud Connect feature is designed to reduce input latency during Xbox Cloud Gaming sessions across consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
Microsoft isn’t positioning the Nano as a replacement for its traditional controllers. It is a more affordable alternative that deliberately leaves out certain features to accommodate its smaller design and intended audience.
“We’re not trying to have someone win a Call of Duty tournament with this thing,” Whitaker said, explaining that competitive gaming performance wasn’t the primary goal.
Instead, the controller is intended for players who prefer smaller hardware, including younger users and those with smaller hands. Its portable design also makes it easier to carry around compared to a conventional gamepad.
Whitaker also shared an unusual observation from testing the prototypes. He said people who pick up the Nano often instinctively pull it toward their chest and squeeze it, something he sees as a positive response to the design.
He hopes the controller will make local multiplayer more accessible, particularly for couch co-op sessions where having an extra gamepad available can make a difference. Whitaker also wants the Nano to become something people carry as a small personal expression of their interest in gaming.
