Gaming, by its very nature, is a hobby for everyone to enjoy. One hindrance to this is the size of first-party controllers. While the current Xbox Series X/S pad is a far cry smaller than “The Duke” that launched with the original Xbox back in 2001, it can still pose a barrier to entry for players with smaller hand sizes. Once again, third-party options are available to save the day!
PowerA’s Nano Enhanced Wired Controller tackles the problem head-on with a controller that comes in significantly smaller than first-party offerings. It also maintains the excellent performance of its full-sized counterpart with fewer drawbacks. Though wired, this is an excellent controller for players with smaller hands!
PowerA Nano Enhanced Wired Controller For Xbox
The PowerA Nano Enhanced Controller for Xbox takes a solid third-party controller and makes it smaller! Offering all the same features as its full-sized counterpart the Nano makes an excellent controller option for players with smaller hands. Two rear programmable buttons can further enhance gameplay.
- Great For Players With Smaller Hands
- Easier To Travel With
- Solid Performance In All Games
- Remappable Rear Buttons
- USB Cable Can Come Unseated During Play
Aesthetics And Build Quality
The Nano Enhanced Controller is quite a sight when you remove it from its packaging. It is noticeably smaller along every axis yet retains nearly full-sized buttons, and D-pad, with full-sized thumb sticks. The placements of each are close together but never give the impression that they are cramped. Every input is present giving the Nano full compatibility with the Xbox library.
Face buttons stand slightly higher than normal but look great with their glossy finish. The same finish is likewise employed on the D-pad and shoulder buttons, giving the Nano a more premium look. A textured grip is present on both handles to keep the Nano secure during play. Two additional programmable back buttons also reside in the handles, giving the pad further customization options during play.
To further differentiate itself from standard Microsoft pads, PowerA has given the Nano antifriction rings along both thumb sticks. The recessed USB port along the top of the pad keeps the cord in place well as you play and does require a directed effort to remove it. Unfortunately, on the console side, there is no breakaway section to help prevent any cord-related mishaps in high-traffic gaming spaces.
With its more compact size, the Nano feels extremely sturdy in the hands. Surprisingly, it even manages to have a similar weight to a full-sized Xbox Series X/S pad with AA batteries though it is lighter overall. All the daily bumps and tumbles don’t stop the controller from performing its gaming duties. Even directed efforts to damage the Nano have done nothing to stop it.
Gameplay
Diving into gameplay further highlights the Nano’s capabilities. From shooters to platformers, all games tested have been a pleasure to play. Face buttons register promptly with each press and even repeated mashing has gone off without a hitch. PowerA’s bumpers are always a pleasing highlight with their flattened design and micro switches, making them feel better than most Xbox controllers out there. Thanks to the USB connection in use by the Nano it registers these inputs quicker than wireless options, further elevating the controller for more competitive players.
With full-sized thumb sticks, the Nano offers performance on par with first-party Xbox controllers. Swapping out a standard Series X/S controller for the Nano to play Apex Legends was a surprise, with the smaller third-party option performing like-for-like in aim tests and ranked matches. Resistance is nearly identical, and the thumb cap grip allows for great control during play. The included antifriction rings further help overall performance with smooth rotations. This is especially nice when playing a round of Vampire Survivors!
Tying into the competitive advantage are the Nano’s duo of programmable rear buttons. Despite their smaller size they line up well with the grip of the controller and are easy to press in the heat of combat. The programming button found on the back of the pad makes remapping a breeze. With no additional software required, experimenting with perfect combinations to take on the competition never takes you out of the game.
The smaller D-pad was initially a concern when diving into more D-pad-focused titles like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, or the Mega Man X Legacy Collection. It has however proven to be a capable piece of the controller with each game registering each direction well and diagonal inputs proving little problem. Playing a few rounds of Street Fighter showed that the D-pad had good rollability and could pull off any combo asked of it. Best yet there were no instances of a misread.
Triggers are once again serviceable, but like the rest of PowerA’s Xbox line-up, they have less resistance than Microsoft’s Xbox controllers. For some genres, like shooters, this is a benefit. For others, like flight sims and racers, that require more precise placements it requires a bit of relearning. They do get the job done which is all that can really be asked for in the end, and thankfully they are not plagued by loud clacks at the end of each pull like the full-sized PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller.
It is pleasing that the Xbox version of the Nano includes rumble motors, unlike its Nintendo Switch counterpart. The strength is superb and feels the hands with each hit. For fans of impulse triggers, do be aware that they are not present on the Nano. With the included screenshot button, capturing highlights of any play session remains a breeze.
What It Could Have Done Better
While the PowerA Nano Enhanced Wired Controller has proven to be an extremely capable input device, it has given one cause for concern. During one play session of Apex Legends, the pad would drop connection despite the light on the face remaining lit. Tallied up, it lost connection 6 times during a three-hour session. Reseating the USB cable always proved a quick fix but the randomness of it was unexpected, considering it only happened one night. Perhaps it was an Apex-specific problem, or perhaps it wasn’t; either way, it is worth being aware of the possibility before diving in.
Conclusion
The PowerA Nano Enhanced Wired Controller stands as one of the best input options for players looking to have a smaller Xbox controller. Thanks to its solid build and performance it can handle anything thrown its way. With extra features like rear programmable buttons and antifriction rings, even the most competitive games are well within its capabilities. Unfortunately, there is the possibility it could lose input in certain titles, but it is undetermined if the game or controller is at fault. Regardless, the time spent with the Nano has been a joy, and it is great that PowerA brings these options to market!
PowerA Nano Enhanced Wired Controller For Xbox
The PowerA Nano Enhanced Controller for Xbox takes a solid third-party controller and makes it smaller! Offering all the same features as its full-sized counterpart the Nano makes an excellent controller option for players with smaller hands. Two rear programmable buttons can further enhance gameplay.
- Great For Players With Smaller Hands
- Easier To Travel With
- Solid Performance In All Games
- Remappable Rear Buttons
- USB Cable Can Come Unseated During Play
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Hyperkin X91 | |
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The PowerA Nano Enhanced Wired Controller is available now.
FAQ
Q: Does the PowerA Nano have rumble?
The PowerA Enhanced Controller for Xbox does feature dual rumble motors for supported titles.
Q: Does the PowerA Nano use USB-C or Micro USB for its cord?
The PowerA Nano Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox uses a USB-C cord to connect to supported platforms.
Q: What platforms are compatible with the PowerA Nano controller?
The PowerA Nano Enhanced Wired Controller is compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Q: Is The PowerA Nano good for kids?
The PowerA Nano Enhanced Wired Controller is an excellent option for younger children due to its smaller size. Just make sure the cord doesn't get pulled on during use.