New Delhi, Oct. 15 -- Microsoft's new Xbox Nano Controller puts the familiar Xbox controls into a pad weighing about 99 grams, aimed at younger players, smaller hands and people who want something easier to carry. The $49.99 accessory is available to preorder, with sales beginning in November across an initial group of markets including the United States and United Kingdom.

The important change is the physical fit, not a stripped-down set of gameplay commands. Xbox accessories general manager James Hunter said in the October 14 announcement that Nano retains all 18 standard gameplay inputs. It is a little over five inches long and weighs 3.5 ounces, making it the company's smallest controller.

That gives Xbox another way to reach player...