If there's any console manufacturer that truly embraces customization and color variety in its controllers, it's Xbox. For more than a decade, Xbox has consistently released a vibrant array of colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. And, if the official options don't meet your style, Xbox Design Lab lets you unleash your creativity by designing your own controller from scratch.
Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S in 2020, the Xbox Wireless Controller has seen only minor design tweaks from its Xbox One counterpart. The best part? You can seamlessly use your Xbox One controllers on Xbox Series X|S and vice versa. Curious about the variety of official controllers Xbox has released since the Series X|S generation began? We've compiled a comprehensive list below, featuring every Xbox controller color by release date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition options.
For those seeking alternatives, don't miss 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 the new Share button, 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, offers identical functionality to its Series X counterpart but boasts a striking white color.
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Release Date: November 10, 2020
Completing the trio of original controller colors debuting with the Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller was the only actual color available for the new generation during its initial months.
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Release Date: February 9, 2021
Just before Valentine's Day 2021, the Pulse Red Xbox controller hit the market, offering a perfect gift to show your love with its vibrant red hue.
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Release Date: April 27, 2021
The Electric Volt controller, released in 2021, boasts a shocking color somewhere between Mountain Dew and a highlighter, making it a bold statement piece.
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Release Date: May 17, 2022
The only standard controller color released in 2022, the Deep Pink Xbox controller, features a vibrant pink color with matching buttons.
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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 plain all-green controller since the transparent Xbox Controller S nearly 20 years ago.
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Release Date: October 3, 2023
The most recent standard edition controller, released nearly two years ago, features a rich purple color reminiscent of the console-exclusive Fortnite Xbox One controller, albeit without the gradient effect.
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In addition to the standard colors listed above, Xbox has released numerous "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some can be recreated through Xbox Design Lab, retail versions may be limited to third-party resellers or refurbished models.
Release Date: May 4, 2021
The first camo controller option for the Xbox Series X|S generation, released in 2021, features a red camo pattern with deep red matching buttons.
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Release Date: August 31, 2021
The debut of the "Shift series" special edition controllers, the Aqua Shift controller boasts a shimmering blue color and is the first 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 second during the Xbox Series X|S generation, the Mineral Camo features a unique color scheme including 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 showcases a unique color shift from gold to silver.
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Release Date: February 7, 2023
The final member of the Shift series, the Stellar Shift controller features a mesmerizing blue-purple color that evokes "deep space vibes" and includes a special dynamic background for your Xbox console when paired.
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Release Date: May 2023
A re-release of an earlier Xbox One version with updated features for the Xbox Series X|S-era, the Arctic Camo controller was quietly released in the US in 2023 and expanded globally in 2024.
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Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first of the "Vapor series" special edition controllers, the Stormcloud Vapor 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 first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017, the Gold Shadow controller 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 boasts a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips and a dynamic background unlocked on your Xbox when paired. Xbox also added the Vapor series to Xbox Design Lab around the same time, offering even more 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, unlike its predecessors, does not include a matching dynamic background.
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Release Date: August 13, 2024
A fan-favorite reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s, the Sky Cipher controller released in late 2024 features 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 features a clear see-through design and a striking gold D-pad. Alongside its announcement, Xbox revealed that transparent shells were 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, the Pulse Cipher 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 featured numerous upgrades including better grips, more customization, and a redesigned D-pad that inspired the future Xbox Wireless Controller update.
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Release Date: September 21, 2022
Released in 2022 as a lower-cost alternative to the standard Elite Series 2 controller, the Elite Core controller shares the same design but includes only the thumbstick adjustment tool. Additional customizable parts can be purchased via the Complete Component Pack from Microsoft for $60.
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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.
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Release Date: March 28, 2023
Released alongside its red counterpart, the Blue Elite Core controller features a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grips.
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Out April 30
If standard and special edition controllers don't meet your expectations, Xbox offers a range of limited edition controllers. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, limited edition options have included controllers for 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, just announced.
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Xbox has also ventured into some unique and quirky designs. In 2022, a sweepstakes offered furry Sonic-themed controllers to promote Sonic 2, and cheeky designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal butts on the back of the controller were released. Other notable 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 "Vapor series" entry that drew criticism for its poorly-timed tagline.
Arguably the most significant announcement during the Series X|S generation was the return of Xbox Design Lab in 2021. This service not only allows you to customize your perfect controller but also offers exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.