If there's one console manufacturer that truly champions customization and a wide array of colors in its controllers, it's Xbox. Over the past decade, Xbox has consistently delighted gamers with a plethora of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for both the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. And for those who crave even more personalization, Xbox Design Lab offers the freedom to create a bespoke controller design from the ground up.
Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S in 2020, the Xbox Wireless Controller has seen only minor design tweaks but remains largely unchanged from the Xbox One era. A significant advantage is the backward compatibility, allowing Xbox One controllers to be used with Xbox Series X|S and vice versa. Curious about the variety of official controllers released during the Series X|S generation? We've compiled a comprehensive list below, showcasing every Xbox controller color by release date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition models.
If you're in the market for alternatives, don't miss our guide to the best Xbox controllers available.
All Xbox Controller Colors by Release Date
Carbon Black Xbox Controller
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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Robot White Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
The Robot White controller debuted alongside the Xbox Series S in 2020, boasting identical functionality to its Series X counterpart but with a striking white color.
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Shock Blue Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Completing the initial trio of controller colors launched with the Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller was the only actual color option available for the new generation's first few months.
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Pulse Red Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 9, 2021
The Pulse Red Xbox controller hit the market just before Valentine's Day 2021, offering a vibrant way to express your affection with its bright red hue.
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Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Xbox's next release was the striking Electric Volt color, a bold choice that sits somewhere between Mountain Dew and a highlighter, ensuring it turns heads.
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Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
The only standard controller released in 2022, the Deep Pink Xbox controller, features a vibrant pink color with matching buttons.
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Velocity Green Xbox Controller
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 plain all-green controller since the transparent Xbox Controller S nearly 20 years ago.
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Astral Purple Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 3, 2023
The most recent standard edition controller released nearly two years ago boasts a rich, purple color, closely resembling the console-exclusive Fortnite Xbox One controller but without the gradient effect.
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Every Special Edition Color
In addition to the standard colors listed above, Xbox has introduced numerous "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some of these can be recreated today through Xbox Design Lab, retail versions may be limited to third-party resellers or refurbished models.
Daystrike Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 4, 2021
The first camo controller option for the Xbox Series X|S generation, released in 2021, featured a red camo pattern with deep red matching buttons.
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Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 31, 2021
As the inaugural option for the three "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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Mineral Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: September 28, 2022
The fourth camo-themed Xbox controller (second during the Xbox Series X|S generation) released featured a unique color scheme that included blues, purples, and teals.
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Lunar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Released in 2022, the Lunar Shift controller was inspired by the "awe-inspiring aura of the moon," featuring a unique color shift from gold to silver.
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Stellar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 7, 2023
The final member of the Shift series, Stellar Shift, features a mesmerizing blue-purple color that evokes "deep space vibes" and comes with a special dynamic background for your Xbox console when paired.
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Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 2023
Interestingly, the Arctic Camo controller was a re-release of an earlier Xbox One version but updated with modern Xbox Series X|S-era features. It was quietly released in the US in 2023 and later made available globally in 2024.
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Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first of three "Vapor series" special edition controllers, Stormcloud Vapor features a blue-and-black swirled design, matching grips, and a dynamic background for your console.
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Gold Shadow Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 17, 2023
The Gold Shadow special edition controller was the first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017, featuring a gradient gold to black design with a matching gold D-pad.
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Dream Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 6, 2024
The second in the "Vapor series," the Dream Vapor controller features a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips and a dynamic background unlocked on your Xbox when paired. Around the same time, Xbox added the Vapor series to Xbox Design Lab for further customization.
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Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 9, 2024
The final entry in the "Vapor series," Nocturnal Vapor, released in 2024 and features swirling, earthy tones, though it did not include a matching dynamic background.
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Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 13, 2024
A nod to the fan-favorite transparent controllers of the 90s and early 2000s, Sky Cipher released in late 2024, featuring a stunning see-through blue design with matching grips.
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Ghost Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
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 with 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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Pulse Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
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, as well as matching buttons and grips.
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Every Elite Controller Color
Black Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2)
Release Date: November 4, 2019
Released about a year before the Xbox Series X|S, the second edition of the Xbox Elite controller featured several upgrades, including better grips, more customization options, and a redesigned D-pad that inspired future updates to the Xbox Wireless Controller.
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White Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: September 21, 2022
Released in 2022 as a more affordable alternative to the standard Elite Series 2 controller, the Elite Core controller shares the same design but includes only the thumbstick adjustment tool. The rest of the customizable parts can be purchased separately via the Complete Component Pack from Microsoft for $60.
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Red Xbox Elite Core Controller
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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Blue Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Accompanying its red counterpart, the Blue Elite Core controller, released in 2023, features a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grips.
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Limited Edition Xbox Controllers
Out April 30
If standard and special edition controllers don't meet your needs, Xbox also offers limited edition controllers. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, there have been numerous limited edition 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, which was recently 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 there were even controllers featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal buttocks on the back. Other notable releases include an environmentally-friendly 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 stirred controversy due to its poorly-timed tagline.
Arguably the most significant development during the Series X|S generation was the reintroduction of Xbox Design Lab in 2021. This service allows you to customize your perfect controller and even create exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
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