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 wide 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 quite meet your expectations, Xbox Design Lab offers you the freedom to craft your own personalized controller from scratch.
Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S in 2020, the Xbox Wireless Controller has seen only minor design tweaks, remaining largely unchanged from the Xbox One era. A great perk for gamers is the compatibility between Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers, allowing you to use them interchangeably. Curious about the variety 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 interested in exploring alternatives, our guide to the best Xbox controllers is an excellent resource.
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, 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, matches its Series X counterpart in functionality, distinguished only by its striking white color.
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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 first color option available in the new generation for several months.
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Pulse Red Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 9, 2021
The Pulse Red Xbox controller debuted just before Valentine's Day 2021, offering a vibrant way to express your affection—or your gaming passion.
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Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Xbox's next offering, the Electric Volt controller, boasts a striking color that blends the vibrancy of Mountain Dew with the intensity of a highlighter, making it a bold choice for any gamer.
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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 lively pink hue complete 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 solid green color 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 launched various "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some designs can be replicated using Xbox Design Lab, finding retail versions may require exploring third-party resellers or opting for refurbished models.
Daystrike Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 4, 2021
The first camo-themed controller for the Xbox Series X|S generation, released in 2021, showcased a striking red camo pattern with deep red buttons.
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Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 31, 2021
As the inaugural entry in the "Shift series," the Aqua Shift controller dazzles with its shimmering blue color and 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 controller and the second for the Xbox Series X|S generation, the Mineral Camo controller introduced a unique palette of blues, purples, and teals.
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Lunar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Inspired by the moon's "awe-inspiring aura," the Lunar Shift controller shifts colors from gold to silver, making it a standout release of 2022.
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Stellar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 7, 2023
The final addition to the "Shift series," the Stellar Shift controller boasts a mesmerizing blue-purple color evoking "deep space vibes," complete with a dynamic background for your Xbox console when paired.
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Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 2023
A re-release of an earlier Xbox One design, the Arctic Camo controller was updated with modern Xbox Series X|S features and quietly launched in the US in 2023, expanding globally in 2024.
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Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first of the "Vapor series," the Stormcloud Vapor controller features a captivating blue-and-black swirled design and comes with a dynamic console background.
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Gold Shadow Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 17, 2023
The Gold Shadow controller marked the first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017, featuring a gradient from gold to black and a matching gold D-pad.
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Dream Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 6, 2024
The second "Vapor series" release, the Dream Vapor controller, showcases a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips and unlocks a dynamic background on your Xbox when paired. Around the same time, Xbox also introduced 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 "Vapor series" entry, the Nocturnal Vapor controller, features swirling earthy tones but, interestingly, does not include a matching dynamic background.
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Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Bringing back the nostalgia of the 90s and early 2000s, the Sky Cipher controller features 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 in the "Cipher series," the Ghost Cipher controller boasts a transparent design and a striking gold D-pad. Alongside its announcement, Xbox revealed that transparent shells are now available for Elite controllers in Xbox Design Lab.
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Pulse Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 4, 2025
The latest addition to the "Cipher series," the Pulse Cipher controller, features a deep red transparent hue 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 a year before the Xbox Series X|S, the second edition of the Xbox Elite controller introduced numerous upgrades, including better grips, enhanced customization, and a redesigned D-pad that influenced the future Xbox Wireless Controller.
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White Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: September 21, 2022
Launched in 2022 as a more affordable alternative to the standard Elite Series 2, the Elite Core controller retains the same design but comes with only the thumbstick adjustment tool. Additional parts can be purchased separately with 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 and buttons, paired with 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 was released simultaneously, featuring a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grips.
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Limited Edition Xbox Controllers
Out April 30
If the standard and special edition controllers don't meet your unique tastes, Xbox also offers limited edition controllers. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, there have been several limited edition controllers tied to popular 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 offering is the Doom: The Dark Ages controller, just announced.
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Xbox has also ventured into more unusual territory, such as 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-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 is the return of Xbox Design Lab in 2021, allowing players to design their ideal controller and create exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
