If there's any console manufacturer that truly champions customization and a vibrant array of colors for its controllers, it's Xbox. For over a decade, Xbox has delighted fans with a diverse selection of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. Moreover, if the official selections don't meet your style, Xbox Design Lab offers the ultimate freedom to craft your own personalized 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 its Xbox One counterpart. A fantastic perk is that Xbox One controllers are compatible with Xbox Series X|S and vice versa. Curious about the variety of official controllers Xbox has released since the Series X|S generation began? We've compiled a comprehensive list below, detailing every Xbox controller color by release date, encompassing standard, special edition, and limited edition models.
For those seeking alternative options, our guide to the best Xbox controllers can provide additional recommendations.
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 boasts a new Share button, hybrid D-pad, and textured grips and triggers.
Robot White Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
The Robot White controller, launched with the Xbox Series S in 2020, mirrors its Series X counterpart in functionality but stands out with its crisp white color.
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 only vibrant color option available for the first few months of the new generation.
Pulse Red Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 9, 2021
The Pulse Red Xbox controller, released just before Valentine's Day 2021, offers a bold way to express your affection with its bright red hue.
Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
The striking Electric Volt color, reminiscent of Mountain Dew or a highlighter, turned heads when it was released in 2021.
Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
In 2022, the Deep Pink Xbox controller was the sole standard color release, featuring a vibrant pink color 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 plain all-green controller 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 2023, showcases a rich purple color, closely resembling the console-exclusive Fortnite Xbox One controller but without the gradient effect.
Every Special Edition Color
In addition to standard colors, Xbox has released numerous "special edition" colors and patterns. While some can be recreated using 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 for the Xbox Series X|S generation, released in 2021, featured a striking red camo pattern with matching deep red buttons.
Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 31, 2021
The debut of the "Shift series," the Aqua Shift controller, dazzled with its shimmering blue color and was the first special edition to feature dual-color swirls on the textured grips.
Mineral Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: September 28, 2022
The Mineral Camo controller, the fourth in its theme (second during the Xbox Series X|S generation), released with a unique blend of blues, purples, and teals.
Lunar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Inspired by the moon's aura, the Lunar Shift controller, released in 2022, shifted elegantly from gold to silver.
Stellar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 7, 2023
The final "Shift series" controller, Stellar Shift, captivated with its deep space-inspired blue-purple hue and came with a special dynamic background for your Xbox console when paired.
Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 2023
The Arctic Camo controller, a re-release of an Xbox One version with updated features, quietly debuted in the US in 2023 before reaching the rest of the world in 2024.
Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first in the "Vapor series," Stormcloud Vapor, showcased a mesmerizing blue-and-black swirled design and included a dynamic background for your console.
Gold Shadow Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 17, 2023
The Gold Shadow controller, the first new "Shadow series" entry since 2017, featured a stunning gradient from gold to black with a matching gold D-pad.
Dream Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 6, 2024
The second "Vapor series" controller, Dream Vapor, enchanted with its dreamy pink-and-purple swirls and included 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.
Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 9, 2024
The final "Vapor series" entry, Nocturnal Vapor, released in 2024 with swirling, earthy tones, though it did not include a matching dynamic background.
Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 13, 2024
The fan-favorite transparent controllers made a comeback with the Sky Cipher, released in late 2024, featuring a stunning see-through blue design and matching grips.
Ghost Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 8, 2024
The second "Cipher series" transparent controller, Ghost Cipher, offered a clear see-through design with a striking gold D-pad. Alongside its announcement, Xbox revealed transparent shells for Elite controllers in Xbox Design Lab.
Pulse Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 4, 2025
The final "Cipher series" color, the Pulse Cipher controller, released with a deep red transparent hue, 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 introduced upgrades like better grips, more customization, and a redesigned D-pad, inspiring the future Xbox Wireless Controller update.
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 shares the same design but includes only the thumbstick adjustment tool. Additional parts are available via a Complete Component Pack from Microsoft for $60.
Red Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Released in 2023, this Elite Core controller features a red faceplate, red buttons, and black grips.
Blue Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Accompanying the Red version, the Blue Elite Core controller was released with a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grip.
Limited Edition Xbox Controllers
Out April 30
If standard and special edition controllers don't suit your taste, Xbox also offers limited edition controllers. Since the Xbox Series X|S launch, there have been numerous limited editions tied to 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, just announced.
Xbox has also ventured into some unique territory with limited editions, such as a sweepstakes for furry Sonic-themed controllers to promote Sonic 2, and cheekily designed controllers featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal buttocks on the back.
Other notable releases include an eco-friendly controller crafted 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.
The most significant announcement during the Series X|S generation was the return of Xbox Design Lab in 2021, allowing users to customize their controllers with exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
