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 consistently released an array of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. And if the official offerings don't meet your needs, Xbox Design Lab allows you to unleash your creativity 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. The best part? You can seamlessly use Xbox One controllers on Xbox Series X|S and vice versa. Curious about the range of official controllers released during the Series X|S era? We've compiled a comprehensive list of every Xbox controller color by release date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition options.
For those seeking alternatives, our guide to the best Xbox controllers offers more options to consider.
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released alongside the Xbox Series X in 2020, the slightly redesigned Xbox Wireless Controller featured a 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, is identical in functionality to its Series X counterpart, distinguished only by its stark 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 in its first few months.
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Release Date: February 9, 2021
The Pulse Red Xbox controller was released just before Valentine's Day 2021, offering a vibrant red option perfect for showing your love for gaming.
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Release Date: April 27, 2021
Xbox's next release was the striking Electric Volt color, a bold choice that blends the vibrancy of Mountain Dew with the intensity of a highlighter.
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Release Date: May 17, 2022
The only standard controller option released in 2022, the Deep Pink Xbox controller boasts 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 from Xbox 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, but without the gradient effect.
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In addition to the standard colors, Xbox has released numerous "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some can be recreated in Xbox Design Lab, retail versions may be limited to third-party resellers or refurbished models.
Release Date: May 4, 2021
The first camo controller for the Xbox Series X|S generation, released in 2021, featured a red camo pattern with deep red matching buttons.
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Release Date: August 31, 2021
The debut of the "Shift series," the Aqua Shift controller features a shimmering blue color and is the first special edition controller with dual-color swirls on the textured grips.
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Release Date: September 28, 2022
The fourth camo-themed Xbox controller (second during the Xbox Series X|S generation) featured 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 features a color shift from gold to silver.
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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 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, the Arctic Camo controller was updated with modern Xbox Series X|S-era features and quietly released in the US in 2023, reaching the rest of the world in 2024.
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Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first of the "Vapor series," 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 gold to black design 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 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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Release Date: April 9, 2024
The final entry in the "Vapor series," Nocturnal Vapor, released in 2024, features swirling earthy tones but 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 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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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 featured 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 features the same design but only includes the thumbstick adjustment tool. Additional customizable parts can be purchased separately 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 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 option is the Doom: The Dark Ages controller, recently announced.
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Xbox has also released some unique limited edition controllers, including a sweepstakes for furry Sonic-themed controllers to promote Sonic 2, and cheeky designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal asses on the back of the controller. 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, allowing users to customize their perfect controller and create exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
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