Xbox has long been celebrated for its extensive range of controller colors and customization options, offering gamers a variety of choices since the Xbox One era and continuing into the Xbox Series X|S generation. Whether you're looking for standard, special edition, or limited edition controllers, Xbox provides an array of options to suit every taste. If the official colors aren't quite what you're after, Xbox Design Lab allows you to craft your own unique controller from scratch.
The Xbox Wireless Controller has seen only minor design updates since its introduction with the Xbox One, maintaining compatibility across Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. Curious about the variety of official controllers released since the launch of the Series X|S? We've compiled a comprehensive list of every Xbox controller color by release date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition models.
For those interested in alternatives, our guide to the best Xbox controllers is a valuable 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, 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 was released alongside the Xbox Series S in 2020, offering identical functionality to its Series X counterpart but with a striking white color.
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Shock Blue Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Completing the trio of original colors launched with 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.
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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, making it a perfect gift to show your love with its bold red hue.
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Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Xbox's next offering was the striking Electric Volt color, a vibrant shade that's sure to catch the eye, blending the hues of Mountain Dew and a highlighter.
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Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
The only standard controller color released in 2022, the Deep Pink Xbox controller boasts a vivid pink color 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 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 nearly two years ago, features a rich, purple color reminiscent of the console-exclusive Fortnite Xbox One controller, sans 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 recreated through Xbox Design Lab, retail versions may only be available through 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.
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Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 31, 2021
The debut of the "Shift series" special edition controllers, the Aqua Shift controller features 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 fourth camo-themed Xbox controller and the second for the Xbox Series X|S generation, the Mineral Camo features a unique blend of blues, purples, and teals.
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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 features a color shift from gold to silver.
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Stellar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 7, 2023
The final member of the Shift series, the Stellar Shift controller boasts a mesmerizing blue-purple color evoking "deep space vibes" and includes a special 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 version with updated features for the modern Xbox Series X|S era, the Arctic Camo controller was quietly released in the US in 2023 and later made available worldwide in 2024.
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Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first of three "Vapor series" controllers, the Stormcloud Vapor features a blue-and-black swirled design, 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 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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Dream Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 6, 2024
The second in the "Vapor series," the Dream Vapor controller showcases a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips and unlocks a dynamic background on your Xbox when paired. The Vapor series was also added to Xbox Design Lab for further customization around this time.
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Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 9, 2024
The final entry in the "Vapor series," the Nocturnal Vapor controller 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
Reviving the fan-favorite transparent controllers from 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 transparent color in the "Cipher series," the Ghost Cipher controller boasts a clear see-through design with a striking gold D-pad. Alongside its announcement, Xbox revealed that transparent shells are also available 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 color and the most recent 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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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 featured upgrades including 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
Introduced in 2022 as a more affordable alternative to the standard Elite Series 2 controller, the Elite Core controller retains the same design but comes with only the thumbstick adjustment tool. Additional customizable parts can be purchased separately through a 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, red buttons, and black grips.
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Blue Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Accompanying its red counterpart, 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
If standard and special edition controllers aren't your style, Xbox also offers limited edition controllers. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, these have included controllers themed around 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.
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Xbox has also ventured into more unique territory with limited edition releases. In 2022, they held a sweepstakes for furry Sonic-themed controllers to promote Sonic 2, alongside some playful designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal buttocks on the controller's back.
Other notable releases include an environmentally-friendly controller made from recycled plastics and parts of old Xbox One controllers, a transparent black controller celebrating Xbox's 20th anniversary, and another entry in the "Vapor series" that drew criticism for its poorly-timed tagline.
Arguably the most significant development during the Series X|S generation has been the return of Xbox Design Lab in 2021. This service not only allows you to customize your perfect controller but also create exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
