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If there's any console manufacturer that truly embraces customization and color variety in its controllers, it's Xbox. For over a decade, Xbox has been delighting gamers with a diverse array of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. If the official offerings don't quite meet your style, Xbox Design Lab empowers you to create your own custom controller from scratch, giving you endless possibilities to match your gaming setup.
Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S in 2020, the Xbox Wireless Controller has remained largely unchanged from its Xbox One counterpart, aside from minor design tweaks. A key advantage is the seamless compatibility between Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers. Curious about the variety of official controllers released since the Series X|S generation began? We've compiled a comprehensive list below, detailing every Xbox controller color by release date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition options.
For those seeking alternatives, you can also explore our guide to the best Xbox controllers on the market.
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 a new Share button, a 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, released alongside the Xbox Series S in 2020, boasts identical functionality to its Series X counterpart but stands out with its sleek white design.
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Shock Blue Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Completing the initial trio of colors for the Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller was the sole vibrant color option available in the first few months of the new generation.
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Pulse Red Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 9, 2021
The Pulse Red Xbox controller hit the shelves just before Valentine's Day 2021, offering a bold red color that's perfect for showing your gaming passion or as a gift to your gaming partner.
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Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Next up was the Electric Volt color, a striking shade that captures the essence of energy drinks and highlighters, making it a real eye-catcher in any gaming setup.
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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, adding a splash of color to your gaming experience.
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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 is the first plain all-green controller from Xbox since the transparent Xbox Controller S nearly two decades 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, features a rich, purple hue reminiscent of the console-exclusive Fortnite Xbox One controller, albeit without the gradient effect.
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Every Special Edition Color
In addition to the standard colors, Xbox has released an impressive array of "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some of these can be recreated in Xbox Design Lab, if you're after a retail version, you might need to look at 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 debut option for the "Shift series," the Aqua Shift controller boasts a shimmering blue color and was the first special edition controller 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 and the second during the Xbox Series X|S generation, Mineral Camo, released in 2022, featured a unique color scheme including blues, purples, and teals.
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Lunar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Inspired by the "awe-inspiring aura of the moon," the Lunar Shift controller released in 2022 featured a color shift from gold to silver.
4 See it at Verizon
Stellar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 7, 2023
The final member of the Shift series, Stellar Shift, released in 2023, featured a mesmerizing blue-purple color that evoked "deep space vibes" and included a special dynamic background for your Xbox console when paired.
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Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 2023
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 expanded globally in 2024.
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Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first of the "Vapor series" special edition controllers, Stormcloud Vapor, released in 2023, featured 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, the first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017, featured 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 released in 2024 and featured a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips, along with 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, featured swirling, earthy tones but did not include a matching dynamic background.
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Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Returning to the fan-favorite transparent controllers reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s, Sky Cipher, released in late 2024, featured 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, released in 2024, featured 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 along with 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 better grips, more customization, and a redesigned D-pad that inspired the future Xbox Wireless Controller update.
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White Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: September 21, 2022
Released in 2022 as a lower-cost alternative to the standard Elite Series 2 controller, the Elite Core controller features the same design but only includes the thumbstick adjustment tool. For additional customization, you can purchase a 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 the Red version, the Blue Elite Core controller, released in 2023, features a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grip.
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Limited Edition Xbox Controllers
Out April 30
If standard and special edition controllers don't quite meet your expectations, Xbox also offers a variety of 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 the latest for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The most recent addition is the Doom: The Dark Ages controller.
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Xbox has also ventured into some unique and quirky designs, such as the furry Sonic-themed controllers from a 2022 sweepstakes to promote Sonic 2, and controllers featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal asses on the back. 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 stirred controversy due to its poorly-timed tagline.
One of the most significant developments during the Series X|S generation was the return of Xbox Design Lab in 2021. This service allows gamers to customize their controllers to their heart's content, including exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
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