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 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 meet your expectations, Xbox Design Lab offers the freedom to create your own custom controller design from scratch.
Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S in 2020, the Xbox Wireless Controller has seen only minor design tweaks, maintaining its core functionality from the Xbox One era. A key advantage is the compatibility between Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers, allowing seamless use across both generations. Curious about the variety of official controllers released since the Series X|S launch? 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, our guide to the best Xbox controllers offers additional options to consider.
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, 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 with the Xbox Series S in 2020, matches the functionality of its Series X counterpart but stands out with 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 only vibrant color option available in the early months of the new generation.
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Pulse Red Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 9, 2021
The Pulse Red Xbox controller, released just before Valentine's Day 2021, offers a bold red color perfect for showing your love for gaming.
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Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
The Electric Volt controller, released in 2021, boasts a striking color that blends the vibrancy of Mountain Dew with the intensity of a highlighter, making it a standout choice.
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Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
The Deep Pink Xbox controller, the only standard color released in 2022, features a vibrant pink hue with matching buttons, adding a splash of color to your gaming setup.
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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 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 in 2023, features a rich purple color reminiscent of the console-exclusive Fortnite Xbox One controller, but without the gradient effect.
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Every Special Edition Color
In addition to standard colors, Xbox has introduced numerous "special edition" colors and patterns. While some can be replicated through 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, features a red camo pattern with deep red matching buttons.
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Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 31, 2021
The debut of the "Shift series," the Aqua Shift controller, released in 2021, showcases a shimmering blue color with dual-color swirls on the textured grips.
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Mineral Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: September 28, 2022
The Mineral Camo controller, released in 2022, features a unique color scheme of blues, purples, and teals, marking the fourth camo-themed Xbox controller.
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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, shifts from gold to silver, offering a unique aesthetic.
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Stellar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 7, 2023
The final "Shift series" controller, Stellar Shift, released in 2023, features a mesmerizing blue-purple color that evokes "deep space vibes" and includes a special dynamic background for your Xbox console.
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Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 2023
A re-release of an earlier Xbox One version, the Arctic Camo controller, updated for the Xbox Series X|S, was quietly released in the US in 2023 and later 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, released in 2023, features a blue-and-black swirled design with 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 controller, the first new "Shadow series" entry since 2017, features 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 "Vapor series" controller, Dream Vapor, released in 2024, features a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips and a dynamic background unlocked on your Xbox when paired. Xbox also 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 "Vapor series" controller, Nocturnal Vapor, released in 2024, features swirling earthy tones but does not include a matching dynamic background.
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Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 13, 2024
The Sky Cipher controller, released in late 2024, brings back the fan-favorite transparent design with a stunning see-through blue color and matching grips.
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Ghost Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 8, 2024
The second transparent "Cipher series" controller, Ghost Cipher, released in 2024, features a clear see-through design with a striking gold D-pad. Xbox also introduced transparent shells 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 series" controller, Pulse Cipher, released in 2025, 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 upgrades like better grips, more customization, and a redesigned D-pad that inspired future Xbox Wireless Controller updates.
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White Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: September 21, 2022
The Elite Core controller, released in 2022, offers a lower-cost alternative to the standard Elite Series 2, featuring the same design but only including the thumbstick adjustment tool. Additional customizable parts can be purchased separately.
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Red Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Released in 2023, the Red Elite Core controller features a red faceplate, red buttons, and black grips, adding a bold touch to your gaming setup.
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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 grips.
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Limited Edition Xbox Controllers
Out April 30
Xbox Wireless Controller - Doom: The Dark Ages Limited Edition
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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, limited edition options 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 more unique designs, such as the Sonic-themed controllers for Sonic 2 in 2022, and the playful Deadpool & Wolverine designs featuring their literal asses on the back of the controller. Other notable releases include an environmentally-conscious controller made from recycled plastics and 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.
The most significant development during the Series X|S generation has been the return of Xbox Design Lab in 2021, allowing gamers to customize their controllers with exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
