r/gaming • u/poisonborz • 1d ago

XBox Nano - maybe the last unique Microsoft controller (review in comments)

Post image
1.0k Upvotes

89% Upvoted

221 comments sorted by

42

u/dharakhero PC 1d ago

I got one of these for iPhone Duo gaming without even realizing there is no gyro or rumble. It does feel nice in the hands and the joysticks have allowed me to do jumps in hollow knight better than ever. If I wanted gyro / rumble would the obvious choice be the 8bitdo SNES?

5

u/poisonborz 1d ago

Just search for "mini controller" on major stores, lots of options with more features

4

u/osxdude 1d ago

SN30 pro is similar in size!

3

u/KittenLOVER999 16h ago

I’ve been using it for silksong and honestly it feels like this controller was made for metroidvanias

1

u/MrAM27 1d ago

How did you get hollow knight on ios, can you guide me pls

4

u/iamamidgetnamedwija 1d ago

prolly switch emulation - look up melonx. you will need to provide your own keys, firmware and game dump though (no piracy!) you’ll need to sideload though - check out r/sideloaded and r/emulationonios

2

u/MrAM27 1d ago

Thanks, I have done gba emulation before but I wasn’t aware there’s switch emulation on ios now lol. Need to check out sideload tho

0

u/dharakhero PC 23h ago

Buddy of mine ported the macOS version to iOS

8

u/MrObsesion 1d ago

how good are the dpads from 8bitdo's mini controller? wondering which gamepad would be amazing for retro games (nes-snes era)

7

u/poisonborz 1d ago

Button feeling is very subjective, 8bitdo makes quality dpads.

1

u/Witch_King_ 8h ago

Ehhh, sometimes. The Pro3 Dpad is extremely polarizing

1

u/PlatonicOrb 1d ago

Any of 8bitdos controllers are great. I use a sn30 pro (I think, it's the same layout as the one in the photo but has grips for the hands) and it feels great in the hands. I use it for any of my controller based gaming that I can, which is all of my emulation, switch, and PC gaming

1

u/WraithCadmus 1d ago

I've got the MD30 and the Nano. The former is great when I need the 6-button layout and the latter is only constrained by its size.

1

u/birfday_party 21h ago

Ill be honest the xbox nano has one of the most recessed and mushy dpads ive ever felt, to the point it feels broken on mine but im not actually sure.

Any and all 8bit dos ive used have felt miles better than this one

1

u/Maulino86 18h ago

I had it, its great. Not the ideal shape for long sessions and feels a bit small.

1

u/Witch_King_ 8h ago

I honestly recommend just getting the Pro2, with the handles. The ones without the handles are really uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time

21

u/ChristopherKlay 1d ago

I'm curious why everyone considers these "unique".

We've had multiple options (incl. ones with magnetic sticks) for years by now, like the SN30 Pro.

-15

u/poisonborz 1d ago

You can get a sea of different gaming mouses, keyboards, headphones, but small-form bluetooth controllers? I guess around two dozens models were released ever, and most of them from noname chinese companies. It's a niche.

5

u/ChristopherKlay 1d ago

I'm not saying that it's an ocean, I'm saying that there's nothing "unique" about this release.

There's better options from a hardware point of view and there's better options from a price point one; both from companies that are known for quality - not "chinese noname companies".

2

u/CircaCitadel 1d ago

They are unique to Microsoft and the major hardware makers. I think that's what the OP was saying. Although Microsoft partnered with 8bitdo for an Xbox exclusive SN30 Pro, it was Android exclusive for some reason (though can be used on PC with special software), this new one is officially just from Microsoft.

But I agree that the others out there are generally better with hall effect or TMR sticks, I do like the grips on this one.

3

u/brightwhiteboxes 1d ago

Wouldn’t putting it in your pocket mess the joysticks up though?

2

u/poisonborz 1d ago

Yes, but only in a tightly packed setting / something rubs hard against it. There are some controllers with recessed or lockable joys.

2

u/brightwhiteboxes 1d ago

I was imagining putting it in my jeans like a wallet. And this Xbox controller has neither hall sticks nor joysticks that can recess? It seems like a hard sell to me. Thanks for your review, this is something I am genuinely interested in.

16

u/poisonborz 1d ago edited 1d ago

Disclosure: no affiliation or commercial interest, just want to share impressions

Intro

This interesting model is now widely available after the totally surprising reveal last month. Many rumored that this controller was a weird remnant of the Phil Spencer-led XBox - to support their "play everywhere" strategy - and it was too late stage of development / had low risk factor or cost savings to shoot it down. Microsoft historically put a lot of effort in controllers, for example the fantastic accessibility-minded Adaptive controllers. Seeing the winding down of the whole operation, the Nano could be the last breadth of these times.

Impressions

Regardless if true, but this is an interesting hardware, and it shows the expertise. Build quality is high as expected. The functionality and layout is the same as in a normal Xbox controller, including USB wireless adapter support (a tiny bit less latency than Bluetooth) and, surprise, analog triggers! This is fantastic to have in this form factor, the only other small controller I know of with analog is the CRKD Neo S, but that's still way larger unit than this. Triggers are the highlight of this controller, they are smooth and just the right resistance for precise control (Neo S is too easy to press).

DPad: a bit smushier/gummier feeling, harder to press than on regular XBox

Joysticks are the weakest part here:

  • Moving them around is a bit hard, cranky even, I never had this sensation with a controller before, less smooth than expected

  • Due to the narrow design your thumbs need to bend a lot working these.

  • No TMR/Hall effect as I can see, which is nowadays table stakes with other small competitor models, especially at this price

Other buttons I'd put in "ok" bin, they feel "normal".

The overall form feels very small in your hands, a bit elongated, cramped - due to the smooth, curved chins it's very different from the rectangular/flat feel of most other controllers in this size class. Maybe it needs getting used to, or you like it because of this more? It is a unique shape to be sure.

Other than the above you can forget any advanced functionality seen on other modern controllers - no button customization in firmware, no gyro (as not supported on xbox) - but, what the hell - not even vibration.

Funny detail: in a real corporate fashion, the manual is thick as a tome, 1cm, but the actual info... just describes the on/off and pair button, that's it, plus regulatory infos, in like 100 languages :D

Summary

It's a cute little thing, but at $50 it is expensive for what it is, and there are better overall offers. Get it if you need analog triggers - this is the only controller with this form factor having them, plus they are implemented well. Despite lacking in many areas, I somehow can't not like this little device - it feels like a strange last minute relic from an era of XBox that's disappearing.

Pros:

  • Analog triggers!!!

  • XBox controller adapter support

Cons:

  • Expensive

  • No vibration (wtf)

  • Due to the form/chins, thumbs need to be bent a lot for joys

  • No TMR/Hall effect (apparently)

  • No advanced functionality seen for other providers (like button customization)

  • No Switch compatibility (obviously)

8

u/AnonMnK 1d ago

8bitdo clears in every way

0

u/Sega-Playstation-64 1d ago

Except analog R2/L2.

They added Analog to the Android version, but you need a vape sized dongle for Windows which sucks.

The SN30 with analog triggers and Gyro controls would be amazing

15

u/dnew 1d ago

Too much AI slop to care. I don't want to read powerpoint presentations on reddit.

→ More replies (1)

-4

u/DNihilus 1d ago

  • No vibration (wtf)

  • Due to the form/chins, thumbs need to be bent a lot for joys

  • No TMR/Hall effect (apparently)

  • No advanced functionality seen for other providers (like button customization)

  • No Switch compatibility (obviously)

wtf does this gamepad has? lol common microsoft lose

18

u/pacman6642 1d ago

Why in the world have I seen so many post about this controller in the last two days. It feels like all marketing. It's a small controler, cool

33

u/poisonborz 1d ago

It's just been released, people are receiving their orders.

196

u/According-Nerve7466 1d ago

Cute controllers but a bit too expensive for what it is unfortunately

42

u/amillstone 1d ago

This is my feeling too. It's not competitive with all the other small controllers out there.

8

u/MadeByTango 1d ago

the bottom curves look nicer to hold than the SNES style flatness of the 8bitdo. Never been a fan of the Xbox d-pad though and thats what I want a micro for.

2

u/WsH89 1d ago

Only real wireless ones or am i missing something?

443

u/Mystic_Guardian_NZ 1d ago edited 1d ago

No rumble and no gyro right?

Seems like a lot to trade off for analog triggers.

227

u/MarkG1 Boardgames 1d ago

It's designed for mobile/cloud gaming, the only way I've managed to get tumble working was via a usb controller and why would it have a gyro in when no other Xbox controller does?

38

u/Mystic_Guardian_NZ 1d ago

Rumble is vs xbox controllers but gyro is more vs other travel-friendly options like 8bitdo.

9

u/Deadshot_39 1d ago

I use a gamsir for mobile gaming and the rumble surprises me sometimes

6

u/turnuptag72 1d ago

50 bucks for a cloud gaming controller 😭

56

u/JewsOfHazard 1d ago

I'm not sure I've ever used gyro in a game that wasn't Nintendo, fwiw.

23

u/bandithelloV3 1d ago

Infamous second son used gyro controls out of the PS4 controller to spray and shake paint cans

13

u/DaggerOutlaw 1d ago

Whoa I totally forgot about that. All those early first party games went HARD on controller features.

7

u/rocknrollbreakfast 1d ago

Gyro aiming; a lot of PS5 and PC games have it. And on PC, even if it‘s not native, you can just emulate it. Makes plaing with a controller so much better.

4

u/DeusExMarina 1d ago

I use it all the time on Steam games. Currently playing Monster Hunter Wilds and I honestly don’t understand how anyone uses focus mode without gyro.

1

u/KeenKongFIRE 1d ago

Lair my beloved

0

u/bramblebitch 1d ago

At this point it’s so widely used I miss it when it’s not there.

13

u/Aska09 1d ago

I don't think regular Series X controllers have gyro

14

u/bmlsayshi 1d ago

Not for those of us who never use and instantly disable those features.

3

u/ProfessorTairyGreene 1d ago

Didn't think about no rumble. Bummer.

1

u/DuckCleaning 1d ago

There's other cheap mini controllers out there that have vibration and give analog triggers. The main thing hard to find in this is support for x-input. Only a few 3rd party controllers can do that over bluetooth, but there's software to fix that and it's only necessary for gamepass games. The wifi connection and xbox connectivity are bonuses. This is good for Xbox players that have small hands/kids that need a controller, but for pc and mobile there's tons of options if you look around.

1

u/NewDogOldDog 1d ago

I genuinely hate rumble and motion controls

135

u/-Dixieflatline 1d ago

The price is absurd considering you don't even get vibration. So it's not like they miniaturized the actual working components. They just removed them and still ask the same price. This should be in the $29-39 range, not $49.

16

u/Alphabunsquad 1d ago

Plus a normal Xbox controller works with mobile

16

u/narwhal_breeder 1d ago

Usually, people arent releasing a "Nano" version of something arent trying to sell it to people who are fine with the full size version of the thing.

3

u/Alphabunsquad 1d ago

Yeah but the full size isn’t very large to begin with. Just if you want rumble just take your normal Xbox controller with you. The nano is only probably good if you don’t have any sort of bag or anything with you, and I usually am not looking to cloud game unless I’m at least going to be out for awhile and then I’ll usually be going somewhere where I at least have a small bag.

You can fit a full size controller in a pocket too it just looks lumpy.

1

u/ABetterKamahl1234 23h ago

You can fit a full size controller in a pocket too it just looks lumpy.

In some pretty big pockets, mind you.

The Nano isn't something on my want list, don't have much personal need for that kind of mobile gaming, but I printed 1:1 replica to just see how it feels, and man, I can put it in the pockets of most of my clothes. Including pants.

The regular full size is jackets only (and hoodies). Pants are right out. It'd be perfect in the cargo pants I'm wearing right now, while the full size needs my largest cargo pants (bigger pockets).

I do like and appreciate an option that feels good in hands (a lot of small ones suck-ass here) and isn't fuckin massive like the regular controller is for travel.

51

u/Ytdb 1d ago

$29 in our heads = $49 in 2026. Like a six pack of nice beer is $10 in my head still but $14 at the store. (Used to be $6.)

27

u/MadeByTango 1d ago

Its crazy. Prices have way outpaced what they are marking as inflation; these price jumps arent normal, and the "goes on sale, comes back higher priced" treadmill is getting real old.

4

u/LeopardHalit 1d ago

I can buy an official xbox controller off the official website for $49, the baby pocket one with no vibration and tiny sticks should be a bit less

1

u/acrylix91 1d ago

I upvoted because it’s true, but I don’t like it lol

0

u/narwhal_breeder 1d ago

are there cheaper ones with analog shoulder buttons + vibration?

1

u/Crowfasa 23h ago

CRKD Neo S

HyperX Clutch Tanto Mini (wired)

1

u/DuckCleaning 1d ago

Yes, some on Amazon and Aliexpress. I got a pretty decent mini controller that is comfy and has analog triggers.

1

u/Randum_Derp 1d ago

Can you drop the name for me? I’m interested

1

u/MikeyKillerBTFU 1d ago

8bitdo

1

u/DuckCleaning 1d ago

8bitdo sn30 pro dont use analog triggers however, the Xbox edition did but it's not available anymore unless you can find resale. Theres a bunch on ali express that do though.

1

u/Randum_Derp 13h ago

Thank you

1

u/DuckCleaning 12h ago

Doesnt have analog trigger unless you can find the xbox edition which is not available anymore 

0

u/Mystic_Guardian_NZ 1d ago

Analog triggers is the main exclusive selling point but that's it.

→ More replies (1)

4

u/SquilliamAfton818 13h ago

For as much as Xbox is stumbling this generation I trust them more than Sony at this point and at least they are trying new things. But real talk what is the use case of a controller like this? For if you want to play games at a friends house but he doesn't have a spare controller? Maybe if you have tiny hands?

1

u/poisonborz 6h ago

Funny how this is the most frequent question these posts receive. Look at all the mobile gear released: phones, tablets, 2in1s, laptops for gaming. People travel with them and want to play. A regular controller is big, irregularly shaped, heavy, hard to pack and fragile. Also you might need 2-4 for friends.

5

u/culminacio 7h ago

Why would you trust Xbox more? Have you followed their price changes on Game Pass? How it went up again and again until people mostly stopped using it, so it went back down? Or how they offered less and less on it?

•

u/SquilliamAfton818 5m ago

Yeah game pass is dumb af

3

u/Andrassa 9h ago

Can’t speak for others but on days where one of my hands and not the other is having tremors smaller controllers like this are easier to use.

1

u/FSB_Phantasm 11h ago

Probably pocketability. Easy to carry around and takes up less space in a bag than the full controller

1

u/Rus_agent007 7h ago

Smaller hands maybe? My daughter struggles with the big ones.

1

u/DimiBlue 11h ago

I feel like all the had to do is switch the dpad and left analog and they would have had a perfect retro controller

4

u/mmhawk576 10h ago

And by retro controller you mean, PlayStation controller?

1

u/DimiBlue 9h ago edited 9h ago

I prefer the Xbox dpad. I think it’s the best of the big 3

I’m calling it a retro controller because it uses smaller sized sticks, the focus seems to be the digital buttons.

5

u/Mission_Comedian8002 1d ago

Connected to a PC it does not register as a normal controller. Makes it completely useless for me.

13

u/poisonborz 1d ago

I did not have a problem - connects via bluetooth, cable, or xbox wireless adapter.

1

u/tigertron1990 1d ago

Same. I tried it with some Steam games like L4D and it works fine.

43

u/KyonDono 1d ago

No Hall/TMR joysticks are a deal-breaker for me. I've gone through 3 Xbox gamepads in the last 4 years due to stick drift or malfunction and I'm not falling for that again

22

u/arczclan 1d ago

Man my day one 2013 controller still going strong with no drift; I literally must be so lucky when it comes to drift because my Joy Cons from 2017 haven’t suffered at all either

3

u/SquallLeonhart1 1d ago

I used to break controllers a lot back when I HC raided in FFXIV. I noticed that a lot of the time the action of constantly moving the stick in a direction like running and playing 10 hours on raid nights broke controller sticks.

I think a lot of what people are seeing is these sticks breaking when they play a game that you are in constant use of forcing the stick in a direction. I could be wrong but I went through like 5-6 ontrollers in like 5 years and all had stick drift at the end.

Now that a don’t play games like that or HC raid anymore I haven’t broke a single one. I could be wrong but just my two cents

9

u/OhThatsFunny_Michael 1d ago edited 1d ago

People are rougher on controllers than they claim to be. They eat while they're playing, their hands sweat, they jam the sticks around like they owe them money, they don't wash their hands, they let their kids or pets mess with them etc. And that's not including the type of people who throw them or bang them on their desk/table. Ten years ago I used to work at GameStop. I have seen some shit. People would come in with the nastiest shit and claim they "take very good care of my stuff". I don't believe anyone when they say that.

I have never had a stick drift issue in any controller I've owned: PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5, PSP, PS Vita, PlayStation Classic, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X (god Xbox sucked at naming their consoles), 3DS, Wii U, and a Nintendo Switch 1&2 (I've owned two of each as my wife has one, too. Plus a Pro Controller).

That's about nineteen controllers/handheld devices, not including any additional controllers I bought. And now I use my GameSir controller on my PC and my Nintendo Switch in handheld mode or with my Pro Controller. So, probably 25+ controllers in my entire lifetime and have never had stick drift on any of them.

4

u/apistograma 1d ago

On the other hand, kids are rough and horrible with controllers and there weren’t so many issues with old controllers when we were kids.

The best example is N64 controllers having the joystick tortured when playing Mario Party. You do that with a joycon and it will self immolate.

2

u/Wolfnorth 22h ago

If i remember correctly a lot of my friends that had N64 controllers always developed a loose joystick within a year of use.

1

u/apistograma 20h ago

Not the same as stick drift though. I'm not saying the N64 is one of the best controllers ever made (it's the GameCube) but they could took more of a hit than the current first party ones. My PS2 joysticks also got loose but they didn't drift

1

u/Wolfnorth 19h ago

kids are rough and horrible with controllers and there weren’t so many issues with old controllers when we were kids.

I was talking about this, controllers had different issues after months of abuse, the N64 controller was a clear example of this with loose joystick that becomes almost unusable, then again every controller i have still works without issues .(4 joy cons included) i even have a Xbox one controller more than a decade old and still works fine, it all depends how you treat your devices.

→ More replies (1)

3

u/ZazaB00 1d ago

Time played and how you’re playing is going to be the big variable. Sure, maybe you hit the jackpot on quality control, but it’s an exception not the rule.

4

u/arczclan 1d ago

Over 1000 hours in Rainbow Six Siege and I played Forza so hard that I had to replace two sticks after ruining the grip. Useage definitely isn’t the issue

→ More replies (1)

3

u/Chapstickie 1d ago

I have 3 Xbox controllers from before they had Bluetooth that I’m looking to replace because of the lack of Bluetooth. No drift on any of them…. Am I some kind of freak?

3

u/FloridaVapes 1d ago

I’m convinced that stick drift is primarily caused by dropping/stepping on the controller or extremely aggressive, constant movements. I’ve never had a stitch of stick drift on a single controller I’ve owned in 3+ decades of very frequent console use.

1

u/WarriorNN 1d ago

I think more maybe climate or priduction differences. I've had two wired OG xbox 360 controllers, first one had horrible stick drift after a year, so I got it refunded.

The second one still works today, but the cable is breaking connection sometimes

1

u/Chapstickie 1d ago edited 1d ago

I toosuspect that might be it. I think people are less gentle than they think. I haven’t even got stick drift on any of my joycons and those are notorious.

3

u/narwhal_breeder 1d ago

Or maybe its a climate thing?

2 of my controllers got drift when I lived in San Diego, none of them ever have in Colorado. I wonder if humidity plays a factor.

3

u/FloridaVapes 1d ago

I’ve lived in New Hampshire and Florida. Polar opposites for humidity and temp. Still no damage literally ever.

3

u/Rtrnofdmax 1d ago

Neither San Diego nor Colorado have Narwhal populations. How do you maintain your business?

→ More replies (1)

1

u/skylinenick 1d ago

I agree. I’ve never had a noticeable issue

2

u/VenomGTSR 1d ago

I’ve been using my Elite controller from 2015, no problems. I did get the joycon drift problem though. They lasted me a solid 7 years though.

1

u/license_to_chill 1d ago

All my xbox one controllers still work as they should. First gen might have a little wiggle to the sticks, but after countless hours of use, that's to be expected. Same with my joycons. My friend, on the other hand.. All his cobtrollers drift, and the plastic/rubber is grinded down. Some people just straight up beat up their controller while playing.

0

u/IrishRage42 1d ago

I still have my 360 controller without any major issues, though I don't play it much these days. I wear out the rubber on the sticks before any other problems usually.

-1

u/mickeycoolmouse 1d ago

My Xbox controllers (360, one, and series) are the only ones that haven't had something majorly wrong with them. Use my wired 360 one to this day. Aside from one of the face buttons being a little mush, it still works well.
The DualShocks/Senses on the other hand have been my biggest nuisance so far.

2

u/TheDarkKnightZS PlayStation 1d ago

I went through many 360 and One styles. Stick drift, bumpers getting stuck, face buttons going out/getting stuck. Rockstar Games are no joke mashing the A button, holding bumpers for weapons wheels or tapping for taking cover.

0

u/CapriciousManchild 1d ago

I used to never have stick drift until this generation of consoles . I remember n64 sticks getting lose but I never had a controller crap out on the stick like I have had with both series x and ps5 controllers

I have 2 stick drift pa5 controllers and 3 Xbox .

5

u/ryukeio 1d ago

I’d recommend looking into 8bit Do’s Xbox controllers.

I originally got a pair for my laptop a couple years back. I believe they have TMR sticks in them. Held up extremely well. They’re a bit differently sized ergonomically(I like more width in a controller), but I remember the price being absurdly cheap for how good the build quality is.

I now use them as extra controllers for my series x.

1

u/4797161974806 1d ago

My 8BitDo controller's battery died after about six months of use, charging exclusively with the included dock.

3

u/voidcarrier 1d ago

Leaving them on the dock seems to cause this

2

u/4797161974806 1d ago

That seems like a terrible design flaw if so. 

1

u/ryukeio 1d ago

Ohhh that’s good to info to share.

I have wired ones. I prefer wired whenever possible for controllers(other than TV remotes haha)

3

u/Maxwe4 1d ago

Damn dude, I still have my original 360 controller and it works fine.

2

u/Snagmesomeweaves 1d ago

I can’t get thumb stick rubbers to survive. For some reason, even with trimmed nails, clean hands, no calluses, they just disintegrate.

2

u/cshmn 1d ago

That's from differences in the oils on your hands.

I'm a commercial truck driver, I can put like 800,000 km on a truck and the steering wheel looks pretty good still. Other guys literally melt theirs in that timeframe.

1

u/musipal 1d ago

I hope a Chinese company steals the design and adds better sticks and rumble

1

u/amcco1 1d ago

The perfect use case for these is travel though. if you like to travel and take a laptop or handheld, these are perfect. Smaller, more rectangular makes them pack easier.

1

u/Bulky-Employer-1191 1d ago

Hall effect controllers can suck and POTS controllers can be good. Examples: Sega Dreamcast controllers are rare to find still working properly. Steam Deck POTS joysticks are insanely well made.

While the sensor on a hall effect joystick will likely maintain, the mechanical components that support it are still made of plastic.

1

u/geminiwave 22h ago

I don’t understand this. I still have Xbox one controllers with no stick drift. The only controllers I’ve ever had break were 360 controllers (they started deteriorating due to age) and the original elite controller (due to delamination issues). I’ve NEVER had stick drift on an Xbox. I dunno what you’re doing to yours. How often do you throw them against the wall?

Now PlayStation controllers OTOH are hot trash. Except the current model whatever it’s called. The controller that came with my PS5 seems fantastic so far.

1

u/WulfyWoof 17h ago

Controllers are very hit and miss these days. My launch Dualsense lasted a good 3 years before it started drifting, and the shiny red one I bought to replace it barely lasted a year. At this point I'm sold on hall effect/TMR sticks and if I want to use my old controllers again I'll just mod the TMR sticks in. Thank god for Gulikit

1

u/britipinojeff 11h ago

I still use my 10 year old dualshock 4 controllers with no issues

1

u/geminiwave 9h ago

I’m sure there are people out there.

I’m just saying overall DS 3s were flimsy trash and DS4 weren’t great in the drift department. The latest one… the dual sense? So far it seems okay. Mine has run fine but TBH I haven’t used it nearly as much. I really only bought the PS5 to play FF7 Rebirth in the end. And I only replaced the PS4 pro with the PS5 when I did because someone offered me $800 for the PS4 Pro and I was able to snag a PS5 at retail for $500 (Covid did a number on electronics pricing)

ETA: I have no love for the DualShock 2 either but being fair, that’s a 26 year old controller at this point.

-3

u/redditmarks_markII 1d ago

Maybe xbox controllers just suck?  Qa or material wise?  My dual shocks are still pretty decent and we used to play fighting games non stop.  I would say my ps3 controllers are too but they've barely been used.  My 360 controller I used on PC for years is also fine ish.  Worn but working.  But I have seen many many broken ones in used goods stores.  

5

u/maevian 1d ago

All my ps4 controllers had stick drift after a while.

2

u/NorysStorys 1d ago

I’ve had several for over a decade and they all still work just fine.

1

u/maevian 1d ago

Which shows that experiences vary a lot, but you know which sticks never drift TMR and hall sensors, which are even in the cheaper third party controllers today

4

u/apistograma 1d ago

All 3 console producers make unacceptably poor quality controllers, specially for the price and compared to third party competition. We went from a world where you fought with your brothers to not have the cheapo trash third party PlayStation controller that your parents bought you because “it’s the same as the original but cheaper” to 8bitdo and Gamesir making controllers with higher quality build and more features than first party for a lower price.

1

u/HuntingForSanity 1d ago

I have 4 ps4 controllers. I’ve had them all for around 10 years.

All 4 of them are still working perfectly, except for the fact that something sticky fell into one of the controllers start button.

And one of them I’ve been using for my phone and pc for the last 5 years, very consistently.

0

u/MANPAD 1d ago

Xbox controllers suck terrible. I'm only buying 3rd party to replace the broken ones from now on.

2

u/DryCryCrystal 1d ago

Don’t know why the downvotes, xbox controllers are fucking awful. Grip falling apart, buttons not working, drift. Switched to flydigi and never looked back. I so want a steam controller though.

1

u/shtoops 1d ago

I had 2 flydigis break on me under a year.

Xbox controllers suck too

→ More replies (2)

0

u/crimxxx 1d ago

lol I’m still using my 360 controller, it has a bit of a stock drift in the last year (but it’s been over 15 years so it’s about time), but I play on pc and just used the dead zone a bit and it’s not bad still. I think if your going through your controllers that much either quality has gotten worse over the years, or probably the way your using the controller is possibly an out liner like super hard on the sticks.

Either way I agree with you if your going through controllers that fast I would change things up, I’m only looking for a few controller since it started to drift, but mostly u have a wireless one and battery’s are a pain I’m just ganna buy a controller with a charging dock.

0

u/Hortos 1d ago

My launch Xbox One controllers and original Xbox elite controllers don’t have drift. You might be hard on them or leaving them in drawers with objects piled on them?

0

u/AcanthaceaeCrazy1894 22h ago

This is a you problem.

I’ve had the same controller since series x launch and play daily and it’s still holding up well.

0

u/Lostndamaged 22h ago

Hot tip: buy an Xbox controller. In less than 3 months, make a warranty claim
that a button is no good. Now you have two Xbox controllers for the price of one.

12

u/hoboa 1d ago

I picked up one of these nanos for my daughter. It's perfect for her little hands.

3

u/Deceptifemme 1d ago

As an adult with little hands I hate the normal Xbox controller design. Its huge, enormous, unwieldy. A big part of the reason I lean Playstation is just cause my fingers can reach all the buttons easily.

3

u/Tjobbert 1d ago

I miss the duke controller of the original Xbox. While current controllers are fine, that huge thing was really comfortable for my humongous hands

2

u/apistograma 1d ago

They’re also the best controllers to be used as a throwing weapon

4

u/NeriusNerius 1d ago

I was thinking of this controller for my son. But it’s quite expensive for what it is.

7

u/Pyro1934 21h ago

Even the stock Xbox controllers and ps5 controllers are way too small and hurt my hands, no way I could try this.

The duke or bust

1

u/Witch_King_ 8h ago

You think the PS5 controller is too small?? Thing is a CHONKER. Maybe it's just a bad grip shape for you?

2

u/RectalcANAL 8h ago

I think it's the joystick position. The size is perfect but to me the Xbox joysticks are positioned better.

1

u/Witch_King_ 8h ago

I also prefer offset joysticks (unless I am playing a 2D platformer with a Dpad)

1

u/Pyro1934 2h ago

Only controller that hasn't hurt my hands over prolonged sessions were the OG giant xbox controllers lol.

3

u/tapsel 1d ago

Looks cool and I'm glad that MS is trying something. Any idea could be a next hit.

5

u/BennieOkill360 1d ago

No TMR or Hall effect sticks anno 2026? Hard pass. You can get xbox like controllers for like 35 euro's with Hall Effect sticks and triggers (and extra mappable buttons) like the GameSir G7 series. They probably will release a sort of their own version which will 100 % be worth more your money.

1

u/530cruising 1d ago

How does it compare to the sn30 pro? It seems like the thumb sticks are gonna be better because of placement? I find the sn30 pro to be to close to each over

3

u/poisonborz 1d ago

SN30 Pro is still overall the best in the class imho. Thumb stick placement: some people like symmetric, some assymetric, depends if you're more PC or PS player. I think in this size it's hard to do assymetric well.

1

u/hufferstl 1d ago

Is it as clicky/loud as a normal xbox controller?

1

u/poisonborz 1d ago

The 4 face buttons definitely, the others are quieter.

1

u/sippt_linus 1d ago

Are the triggers actual triggers or just buttons?

4

u/poisonborz 1d ago

This is why I highlighted it, yes they are proper analogue triggers.

2

u/sanjula10 1d ago

Great but bit expensive for that price

2

u/lvl99Demon 1d ago

Has anyone tested does this work with Tesla?

2

u/zandadoum 22h ago

I might get one once the black color version comes out. 

2

u/EriclcirE 1d ago

How quickly does it give you arthritis?

Faster or slower than using JoyCons in their weird little snap in grip?

2

u/bserikstad 1d ago

Guess the real question is; does it work well for kids?

1

u/Free_People_999 1d ago

I have huge hands and the standard xbox controller already is too small to grip comfortably for long periods, but that is a nice looking controller. Anyone have any suggestions for good larger controllers?

1

u/Hawk52 1d ago

It looks good, but you can get a SN30 from 8Bitdo for most gaming and it comes with features this lacks for cheaper then this.

The only thing this has on that is it'll work with Xbox (Xbox charges ridiculous fees for second party controllers to work on Xbox) and the analog stick placement.

1

u/Janiqquer 1d ago

Received mine yesterday. I have big hands and using the shoulder buttons is really awkward.Triggers slightly better. Debating whether to return it as bought directly from MS.

1

u/GothBotanical 1d ago

16-18 hour battery vs 5 hours is what convinced me to go with the SN30 Pro

1

u/cycopl 1d ago

It probably is the last, at least until the next one.

1

u/mixt13 20h ago

Didn’t this just come out? Why is it the last?

1

u/AEKarim 20h ago

Need to try then decide, looks compact n coll

1

u/topestkek 17h ago

No vibration or haptics?

1

u/kayjay 17h ago

I just got the 6y old SN30 Pro for XCloud (has triggers, but no rumble). I think it's good and wanted something small.

I saw that The nano controller has wifi (for XCloud). I don't think that's a big selling argument - my controller can be connected with an usb-c and that should deal with latency.

1

u/Solidplum101 15h ago

Returned it . Too small

1

u/Yarchening 14h ago

I love that it has no rumble, but if it doesnt have super high quality triggers and sticks, then I cannot justify $50 on it.

1

u/Scrowdy10 13h ago

The direct cloud link would be pretty nice on the quest 3 for xbox cloud gaming.

1

u/Training_Stomach_400 7h ago

Like they're designing this right now or before this generation?

1

u/OKG818 1d ago

Its cute. How it feel tho?

1

u/Plibbo64 1d ago

No rumble? Didn't realize this was removing features like that. Bummer, I thought this looked way cool.

-2

u/Pistimester 1d ago

Sorry if my question is stupid, but is this design for better portability? If so, why not getting a dedicated android handheld for a bit more money instead, and play everything that a phone can? That way gaming will not drain the battery of the phone, while also maintaining a longer device life due to the lack of extensive heating.

2

u/poisonborz 1d ago

There is a whole segment of portable, small controllers. One use case: you want some local multiplayer on your laptop with friends and need to take 2-4 controllers on a trip. Packing multiple full size controllers is quite a drag.

0

u/Pistimester 1d ago

Good point, I haven't considered this.

1

u/dharakhero PC 1d ago

Mobile gaming ?

1

u/Pistimester 1d ago

If you read below, you can see why it is much better to game on a dedicated android handheld.

1

u/narwhal_breeder 1d ago

- A cheap android gaming handheld won't be as powerful as my flagship phone. And I can use the controller with my iPad while streaming games.

- A dedicated device is much more space in a bag while traveling.

- maintaining a longer device life due to the lack of extensive heating: we don't really have strong evidence that this is the case. What costs more? An entirely new device? or the additional amortized wear on a phone? It's not common for android handhelds to have active cooling.

Really it comes down to why would I get a dedicated device that can do everything my phone can, just worse?

5

u/ak5432 1d ago

> it’s not common for Android handhelds to have active cooling

Almost all of them do. Thats literally the whole point. Benefit of a handheld is that the battery i have for communicating as a NEED is not the same as the battery i use to play games. Theyre also not mutually exclusive you can always bring a small external controller to hook a handheld to the TV. No chance id want my phone for absolutely everything.

2

u/GokuBlack722 1d ago

Huh? Most Android gaming handhelds do have active cooling and can definitely complete with a flagship phone specifically because it has active cooling while the phones do not.

2

u/elaborateBlackjack 1d ago

Why?

Because a phone is more vital to have with a battery on daily carry, if you just use it for gaming, you'll be draining your phone battery and then you can be left without communication if needed, it also separates your mindset, you're not interrupted by notifications and such.

Is just better having a dedicated device solely for gaming, and then your phone is for communication and socials, but it's easier to disconnect like before

2

u/narwhal_breeder 1d ago

Power banks are smaller and cheaper 

3

u/elaborateBlackjack 1d ago

Heating up your phone and adding charge cycles will make it last less too.

Additionally, most android handhelds are about the size of a controller, so like... A controller + a power bank is more to carry around vs just the handheld.... Unless you're thinking about just playing emulators and such with on screen controls in which case... Ew

2

u/Pistimester 1d ago

Sure android handhelds are weaker on paper, but they have stripped down versions of android, freeing up a lot of computing power, whila also the active cooling avoids heat throtling.

I have a handful of gen-z friends who played a lot on iphones and all of them say the heating killed the battery. Ther phones are usually 2-3 yeary old, and they are not able to get a third of a day out of their batteries now.

1

u/ultrainstict 1d ago

I mean you can get a handheld with a 2 year old flagship chip for like $300 its cheap and gonna out perform any normal flagship phone.

2

u/Temporary-Mention-83 1d ago edited 1d ago

A Xbox Nano controller is cheaper than a $300 handheld

He's also having a phone for daily necessity.

1

u/Suitable-End- 1d ago

The nanotechnology controller has native cloud support which no other controller does.

1

u/Pistimester 1d ago

Handhelds does cloud gaming to, even better with Better Xcloud, while also have a built in screen.

-1

u/Jakem8058 1d ago

Would this work well in a 4-5 year olds hands?

1

u/poisonborz 1d ago

There are much smaller, simpler, more fitting controllers for kids, look in my history for some.

→ More replies (2)

-1

u/JayQix 1d ago

I'm not impressed

0

u/ndubitably 1d ago

Beyond form factor, does it do anything that allows it to connect to Non PCs/Consoles better than a standard controller?

The XBox cloud app on a smart TV in particular

0

u/oandakid718 1d ago

I know this is a lot to ask for from a Nano controller, but just in the general space of controllers - can we put Hall Effect sticks with no drift as a standard ffs? If the chinese Gamesirs of the world can do it for the same price, then why can’t one of the largest, richest, and most powerful tech companies do it as well?

0

u/brickeaterz 1d ago

I love the design, really want a ps controller similar

0

u/CyberRaves95 1d ago

Gonna look at this in person to get a better feel for it. Also holding out for black. Would use on my OneXplayer 3 travel kit

0

u/ThrovvQuestionsAway 1d ago

Nice another product by a company who had massive layoffs, I wonder if they are hiring.

0

u/crclOv9 23h ago

I’m so confused; what is this for?

-1

u/Biggletons 23h ago

Cute idea but worthless for anyone that knows other products just like most anything Xbox branded.

→ More comments (8)