If there's one console manufacturer that truly champions customization and a vibrant array of controller colors, it's Xbox. For over a decade, Xbox has been delighting gamers with a continuous release of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. But if the official lineup doesn't quite meet your expectations, Xbox Design Lab is your playground to craft a personalized controller from the ground up.
Since the launch of Xbox Series X|S in 2020, the Xbox Wireless Controller has seen minimal design changes from its Xbox One counterpart. The best part? You can seamlessly use your Xbox One controllers on Xbox Series X|S, and vice versa. Curious about the spectrum of official controllers released during the Series X|S generation? We've got you covered with a comprehensive list below, detailing every Xbox controller color by release date, from standard to special and limited editions.
For those interested in exploring beyond official options, check out our guide on the best Xbox controllers for more alternatives.
All Xbox Controller Colors by Release Date
Carbon Black Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released November 10, 2020
3See it at AmazonLaunched alongside the Xbox Series X, this slightly revamped 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
Released November 10, 2020
2See it at AmazonAccompanying the Xbox Series S, the Robot White controller mirrors its Series X counterpart in functionality but stands out with its striking white hue.
Shock Blue Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released November 10, 2020
4See it at AmazonCompleting the initial trio of colors for the Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller was the sole color option available in the early months of the new generation.
Pulse Red Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 9, 2021
Released February 9, 2021
8See it at AmazonJust before Valentine's Day 2021, the Pulse Red Xbox controller hit the market, offering a vibrant way to express your affection.
Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Released April 27, 2021
2See it at AmazonXbox's Electric Volt controller, with its bold, eye-catching hue reminiscent of Mountain Dew or a highlighter, made its debut in 2021.
Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
Released May 17, 2022
1See it at AmazonThe Deep Pink Xbox controller, launched in 2022, features a vivid pink color scheme with matching buttons.
Velocity Green Xbox Controller
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Released March 7, 2023
4See it at AmazonAnnounced and released on the same day in 2023, the Velocity Green controller marked the first solid green option from Xbox since the transparent Xbox Controller S nearly two decades ago.
Astral Purple Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Released October 3, 2023
6See it at AmazonThe latest standard edition controller, released in late 2023, boasts 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 the standard colors listed above, Xbox has released numerous "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some can be recreated through Xbox Design Lab, availability of retail versions might be limited to third-party resellers or refurbished models.
Daystrike Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 4, 2021
Released May 4, 2021
7See it at WalmartThe first camo-themed 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
Released August 31, 2021
4See it at WalmartIntroducing the "Shift series," the Aqua Shift controller dazzled with its shimmering blue color and dual-color swirls on the textured grips.
Mineral Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: September 28, 2022
Released September 28, 2022
1See it at WalmartThe Mineral Camo controller, the fourth in its line and second during the Xbox Series X|S era, showcased a unique color palette of blues, purples, and teals.
Lunar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Released October 11, 2022
4See it at VerizonInspired by the moon's aura, the Lunar Shift controller, released in 2022, boasts a color shift from gold to silver.
Stellar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 7, 2023
Released February 7, 2023
4See it at GameStopCompleting the Shift series, the Stellar Shift controller, with its mesmerizing blue-purple hue, evokes deep space vibes and includes a special dynamic background for your Xbox console.
Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 2023
Released May 2023
3See it at WalmartThe Arctic Camo controller, a re-release from the Xbox One era with modern updates, quietly debuted in the US in 2023 and expanded globally in 2024.
Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 8, 2023
Released August 8, 2023
4See it at GameStopKicking off the "Vapor series," the Stormcloud Vapor controller featured a captivating blue-and-black swirl design, matching grips, and a dynamic console background.
Gold Shadow Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 17, 2023
Released October 17, 2023
2See it at GameStopThe first new "Shadow series" entry since 2017, the Gold Shadow controller features a gradient from gold to black with a matching gold D-pad.
Dream Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 6, 2024
Released February 6, 2024
4See it at GameStopThe Dream Vapor controller, the second in the Vapor series, showcases a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips and unlocks a dynamic background on your Xbox. Xbox also introduced the Vapor series to Xbox Design Lab around this time for further customization.
Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 9, 2024
Released April 9, 2024
3See it at GameStopConcluding the Vapor series, the Nocturnal Vapor controller, released in 2024, boasts earthy tones but curiously lacks a matching dynamic background.
Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Released August 13, 2024
3See it at AmazonReviving the nostalgia of the 90s and early 2000s, the Sky Cipher controller features a stunning see-through blue design with matching grips.
Ghost Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 8, 2024
Released October 8, 2024
3See it at AmazonThe Ghost Cipher controller, the second transparent color in the "Cipher series," offers a clear see-through design with a striking gold D-pad. Alongside its announcement, transparent shells for Elite controllers were made available in Xbox Design Lab.
Pulse Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Released February 4, 2025
4See it at AmazonThe final Cipher color and the most recent special edition Xbox controller, the Pulse Cipher, 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 November 4, 2019
2See it at AmazonLaunched before the Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 featured enhanced grips, more customization options, and a redesigned D-pad, setting the stage for future Xbox Wireless Controller updates.
White Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: September 21, 2022
Released September 21, 2022
2See it at TargetIntroduced 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 customization parts are available via a $60 Complete Component Pack from Microsoft.
Red Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Released March 28, 2023
1See it at WalmartLaunched in 2023, the Red Elite Core controller features a red faceplate, red buttons, and black grips.
Blue Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Released March 28, 2023
2See it at WalmartAccompanying the Red version, the Blue Elite Core controller, released in 2023, features a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grips.
Limited Edition Xbox Controllers
Out April 30
5See it at AmazonBeyond standard and special editions, Xbox offers limited edition controllers tied to specific 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 released some unique and quirky limited editions, such as the Sonic-themed controllers for Sonic 2, and amusing designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's buttocks on the controller's back. Other notable releases include an eco-friendly controller made from recycled materials, a transparent black controller celebrating Xbox's 20th anniversary, and a controversial "Vapor series" entry due to its timing and tagline.
The most significant development in the Series X|S era is the return of Xbox Design Lab in 2021, allowing gamers to create their perfect controller and even feature designs from popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
