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 delighted 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 satisfy your creative itch, Xbox Design Lab lets you unleash your imagination and design 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 but remains largely unchanged from the Xbox One era. A key benefit is the cross-compatibility between Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers. Curious about the full spectrum of official controllers released during the Series X|S generation? 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, 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
Launched alongside the Xbox Series X in 2020, the slightly redesigned Xbox Wireless Controller introduced a new Share button, a hybrid D-pad, and textured grips and triggers.
Robot White Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
The Robot White controller was released alongside the Xbox Series S in 2020, offering the same functionality as its Series X counterpart but with a striking white finish.
Shock Blue Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Completing the initial trio of colors available at the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller offered the only vibrant color option for the first few months of the new generation.
Pulse Red Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 9, 2021
Just in time for Valentine's Day 2021, the Pulse Red Xbox controller hit the market, offering a bold way to express your affection with its bright red hue.
Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
The Electric Volt controller, released in April 2021, boasts a striking neon green color that's sure to turn heads, reminiscent of Mountain Dew or a highlighter.
Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
The only standard controller color released in 2022, the Deep Pink Xbox controller features a vibrant pink hue with matching buttons.
Velocity Green Xbox Controller
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Announced and released on the same day in 2023, the Velocity Green controller marked the first all-green controller from Xbox since the transparent Xbox Controller S nearly two decades ago.
Astral Purple Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 3, 2023
The most recent standard edition controller, released in October 2023, features a rich purple color reminiscent of the console-exclusive Fortnite Xbox One controller, albeit without the gradient effect.
Every Special Edition Color
In addition to standard colors, Xbox has released a range of "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some of these can be recreated using Xbox Design Lab, retail versions might be limited to third-party resellers or refurbished models.
Daystrike Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 4, 2021
The first camo controller for the Xbox Series X|S generation, released in 2021, features a distinctive red camo pattern with deep red buttons.
Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 31, 2021
The inaugural controller in the "Shift series," the Aqua Shift features a shimmering blue color and dual-color swirls on the textured grips.
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, the Mineral Camo features a unique color scheme of blues, purples, and teals.
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, shifts from gold to silver.
Stellar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 7, 2023
The final member of the Shift series, the Stellar Shift controller, released in 2023, features a mesmerizing blue-purple color that evokes "deep space vibes" and includes a special dynamic background for your Xbox console.
Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 2023
The Arctic Camo controller, a re-release of an earlier Xbox One version with updated features, was quietly launched in the US in 2023 and later expanded globally in 2024.
Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first of three "Vapor series" controllers, the Stormcloud Vapor, released in 2023, features a blue-and-black swirled design with matching grips and a dynamic console background.
Gold Shadow Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 17, 2023
The first new "Shadow series" controller since 2017, the Gold Shadow, released in 2023, features a gradient gold-to-black design with a gold D-pad.
Dream Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 6, 2024
The second "Vapor series" controller, the Dream Vapor, released in 2024, features a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips and a dynamic console background. Concurrently, Xbox added the Vapor series to Xbox Design Lab for further customization.
Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 9, 2024
The final "Vapor series" controller, the Nocturnal Vapor, released in 2024, features swirling earthy tones, though it does not include a matching dynamic background.
Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 13, 2024
The return of fan-favorite transparent controllers, the Sky Cipher, released in late 2024, features a stunning see-through blue design with matching grips.
Ghost Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 8, 2024
The second transparent color in the "Cipher series," the Ghost Cipher controller, released in 2024, features a clear see-through design with a striking gold D-pad. Alongside its announcement, Xbox revealed that transparent shells were available for Elite controllers in Xbox Design Lab.
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 with matching buttons and grips.
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 enhanced grips, more customization options, and a redesigned D-pad, which influenced the future Xbox Wireless Controller updates.
White Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: September 21, 2022
Released in 2022 as a cost-effective alternative to the standard Elite Series 2, the Elite Core controller offers the same design but only includes the thumbstick adjustment tool. Additional parts can be purchased separately with a Complete Component Pack from Microsoft for $60.
Red Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
This 2023 release of the Elite Core controller features a red faceplate, red buttons, and black grips.
Blue Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Released alongside its red counterpart, the Blue Elite Core controller features a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grips.
Limited Edition Xbox Controllers
Out April 30
If standard and special edition controllers don't meet your expectations, Xbox also offers a variety of limited edition controllers. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, these have included designs 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, recently announced.
Xbox has also ventured into some unique and quirky limited edition controllers. In 2022, they held a sweepstakes for Sonic-themed furry controllers to promote Sonic 2, along with cheeky designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal asses on the controller's back.
Other notable limited edition controllers include an environmentally-conscious model 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 with its poorly-timed tagline.
Arguably the most significant controller announcement during the Series X|S generation was the return of Xbox Design Lab in 2021. This platform allows you to customize your perfect controller and create exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
