Xbox Nano Controller is a $49.99 pocket-size pad shipping in November

Microsoft has revealed a smaller, cheaper Xbox pad. In a post on Xbox Wire, the company introduced the XBOX Nano Controller, which it calls its smallest controller yet and pitches at younger players, people with smaller hands and anyone who wants something to carry around.

Size, price and features

• Size: a little over 5 inches long and 3.5 ounces. Microsoft says that makes it shorter and lighter than most current smartphones.
• Inputs: the full set of 18 standard gameplay inputs, so the button layout matches a regular Xbox controller.
• Price: $49.99 USD, with pre-orders open since October 14.
• Hardware: a built-in battery you recharge, plus an Action Button you can program for shortcuts such as screenshots or gameplay capture.
• Connectivity: XBOX Wireless plus Bluetooth for use with a range of compatible devices.

Where and when

Xbox Wire says the controller goes on sale starting in November in 36 markets, among them the US, the UK, Canada, Japan, Korea, China, Brazil, Australia and much of Europe, with more markets coming later. Microsoft notes that pricing and availability differ by country and points buyers to their local Microsoft Store or retailers. The full country list is in the Xbox Wire post.

Holiday offers with Samsung and Meta

Two US promotions are planned for the holiday season. Buyers of select Samsung TVs can get a special bundle with the Nano Controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members; Microsoft adds that Samsung’s built-in Gaming Hub lets players in some regions use their monthly cloud playtime on Game Pass titles with just a controller. A second deal, worked out with Meta, bundles the controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate (again for new members) when you buy a Meta Quest headset.

What we don’t know yet

Xbox Wire gives the launch window only as November and does not list a day, and prices outside the US are not stated in the post.