If there's any console manufacturer that truly champions customization and a vibrant array of controller colors, it's Xbox. For over a decade, Xbox has consistently introduced a wide variety of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. And if the official offerings don't quite meet your expectations, Xbox Design Lab empowers you to craft your own controller from the ground up, letting your creativity run wild.
The Xbox Wireless Controller has seen only minor design tweaks since its introduction with the Xbox One, remaining largely unchanged even with the launch of the Xbox Series X|S in 2020. A fantastic aspect of these controllers is their universal compatibility; Xbox One controllers work seamlessly with Xbox Series X|S, and vice versa. If you're curious about the extensive range of official controllers released since the onset of the Series X|S generation, we've compiled a comprehensive list below. Explore every Xbox controller color by release date, from standard to special edition to limited edition designs.
For those interested in alternatives, be sure to check out our guide to the best Xbox controllers available on the market.
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released alongside the Xbox Series X in 2020, the slightly redesigned Xbox Wireless Controller featured a new Share button, a hybrid D-pad, and textured grips and triggers.
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Release Date: November 10, 2020
The Robot White controller, released alongside the Xbox Series S in 2020, mirrors the functionality of its Series X counterpart but stands out with its striking white color.
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Release Date: November 10, 2020
Completing the trio of initial controller colors launched with the Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller was the only vibrant color option available during the first few months of the new generation.
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Release Date: February 9, 2021
The Pulse Red Xbox controller, launched just before Valentine's Day 2021, is a perfect way to express your affection with its bold red hue.
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Release Date: April 27, 2021
The next addition to the Xbox controller lineup was the eye-catching Electric Volt, a color that blends the vibrancy of Mountain Dew with the intensity of a highlighter.
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Release Date: May 17, 2022
The sole standard controller released in 2022, the Deep Pink Xbox controller boasts a vivid pink color with matching buttons, adding a splash of color to your gaming setup.
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Release Date: March 7, 2023
Announced and released on the same day in 2023, the Velocity Green controller marks the first time Xbox has offered a solid all-green controller since the transparent Xbox Controller S nearly two decades ago.
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Release Date: October 3, 2023
The latest standard edition controller, released nearly two years ago, features a rich, deep purple color reminiscent of the console-exclusive Fortnite Xbox One controller, but without the gradient effect.
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In addition to the standard colors, Xbox has introduced a variety of "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some of these can be replicated today using Xbox Design Lab, if you're after a retail version, your choices may be limited to third-party resellers or refurbished models.
Release Date: May 4, 2021
The first camo-themed controller for the Xbox Series X|S generation, released in 2021, featured a striking red camo pattern with deep red matching buttons.
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Release Date: August 31, 2021
As the inaugural offering in the "Shift series," the Aqua Shift controller boasts a shimmering blue color and is the first special edition controller to feature dual-color swirls on the textured grips.
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Release Date: September 28, 2022
The fourth camo-themed Xbox controller (and the second during the Xbox Series X|S generation), Mineral Camo, released in 2022, showcased a unique color palette of blues, purples, and teals.
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Release Date: October 11, 2022
Inspired by the "awe-inspiring aura of the moon," the Lunar Shift controller, released in 2022, features a color shift from gold to silver.
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Release Date: February 7, 2023
The final addition to the Shift series, Stellar Shift, released in 2023, exhibits a mesmerizing blue-purple color evoking "deep space vibes" and comes with a special dynamic background for your Xbox console when paired.
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Release Date: May 2023
Interestingly, the Arctic Camo controller was a re-release of an earlier Xbox One version, updated with modern Xbox Series X|S-era features. It was quietly launched in the US in 2023 and made available globally in 2024.
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Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first of the "Vapor series," the Stormcloud Vapor controller, released in 2023, features a blue-and-black swirled design, matching grips, and a dynamic background for your console.
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Release Date: October 17, 2023
The Gold Shadow special edition controller, the first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017, features a gradient from gold to black with a matching gold D-pad.
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Release Date: February 6, 2024
The second in the "Vapor series," the Dream Vapor controller, released in 2024, boasts a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips and unlocks a dynamic background on your Xbox when paired. Xbox also added the Vapor series to Xbox Design Lab around this time for enhanced customization.
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Release Date: April 9, 2024
The final entry in the "Vapor series," the Nocturnal Vapor controller, released in 2024, features swirling earthy tones but, curiously, does not include a matching dynamic background.
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Release Date: August 13, 2024
A fan-favorite return to transparent controllers reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s, the Sky Cipher, released in late 2024, showcases a stunning see-through blue design with matching grips.
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Release Date: October 8, 2024
The second transparent color in the "Cipher series," the Ghost Cipher special edition controller, released in 2024, features a clear see-through design with a striking gold D-pad. Alongside its announcement, Xbox revealed that transparent shells are also available for Elite controllers in Xbox Design Lab.
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Release Date: February 4, 2025
The final Cipher color and the most recently released special edition Xbox controller as of this writing, the Pulse Cipher controller, features a deep red transparent hue with matching buttons and grips.
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Release Date: November 4, 2019
Released about a year before the Xbox Series X|S, the second edition of the Xbox Elite controller introduced numerous upgrades, including better grips, more customization options, and a redesigned D-pad that inspired future Xbox Wireless Controller updates.
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Release Date: September 21, 2022
Launched in 2022 as a cost-effective alternative to the standard Elite Series 2 controller, the Elite Core controller features the same design but includes only the thumbstick adjustment tool. You can purchase a Complete Component Pack from Microsoft for $60 if you're interested in the full customization experience.
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Release Date: March 28, 2023
Released in 2023, this version of the Elite Core controller features a red faceplate, red buttons, and black grips, adding a bold splash of color to your setup.
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Release Date: March 28, 2023
Accompanying its red counterpart, the Blue Elite Core controller, also released in 2023, features a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grips, offering a cool contrast to the red version.
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Out April 30
If standard and special edition controllers don't quite meet your needs, Xbox offers a variety of limited edition controllers as well. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, there have been numerous limited edition designs tied to popular Xbox games like Forza Horizon 5, Starfield, a Halo Infinite-themed Elite Controller, and most recently, a special edition for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The latest addition is the Doom: The Dark Ages controller, announced recently.
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Xbox has also ventured into some unconventional limited edition designs, such as a sweepstakes for furry Sonic-themed controllers to promote Sonic 2 in 2022, and cheeky designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal asses on the back of the controller.
Other notable limited edition releases include an environmentally-conscious controller made from recycled plastics and ground-up Xbox One controller parts, a transparent black controller celebrating Xbox's 20th anniversary, and another entry in the "Vapor series" that drew criticism for its poorly-timed tagline.
Arguably the most significant announcement during the Series X|S generation has been the revival of Xbox Design Lab in 2021. This service not only allows you to customize your perfect controller but also to create exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
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