In recent years, the growing demand for efficient and sustainable energy management has led to the development of innovative solutions for embedded systems. One such solution is the integration of hybrid nanogrid energy management systems into various applications. There are currently many energy management systems in different domains, such as buildings, electric vehicles, or even naval transport. However, an embedded nanogrid management system is subject to several constraints that are not sufficiently studied in the literature. Indeed, such a system often has a limited energy reserve and is isolated from any energy supply for a long time. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research, advancements, and challenges in the field of hybrid nanogrid energy management systems. Furthermore, it offers a comparative analysis between hybrid nanogrids and microgrids and the implications of their integration in embedded systems. This paper also discusses the key components, operation principles, optimization strategies, real-world implementations, challenges, and future prospects of hybrid nanogrid energy management systems. Moreover, it highlights the significance of such systems in enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and ensuring reliable power supply.