If there's one console manufacturer that truly champions customization and a wide array of colors in its controllers, it's Xbox. Over the past decade, Xbox has consistently delighted fans with a diverse range of colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for both the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. And for those who crave even more personalization, Xbox Design Lab offers the freedom to create a controller tailored to your unique style from the ground up.
The Xbox Wireless Controller has seen minimal changes since its introduction during the Xbox One era, with only slight modifications when the Xbox Series X|S launched in 2020. A significant 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 Xbox Series X|S era began? We've compiled a comprehensive list below, showcasing every Xbox controller color released by date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition options.
For those interested in alternatives, you might also want to explore our guide to some of the best Xbox controllers available on the market.
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 with the Xbox Series S in 2020, mirrors its Series X counterpart in functionality 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 splash of color available during the console's early months.
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Pulse Red Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 9, 2021
Just before Valentine's Day 2021, the Pulse Red Xbox controller hit the market, offering a vibrant option to express your affection.
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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 boldness of a highlighter, making it a true eye-catcher.
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Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
The Deep Pink Xbox controller, the sole standard color released in 2022, offers a vibrant 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 20 years 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, though without the gradient effect.
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Every Special Edition Color
In addition to the standard colors listed above, Xbox has introduced numerous "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some of these can be replicated through Xbox Design Lab, finding retail versions may require looking at 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 deep red matching buttons.
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Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 31, 2021
As the debut of the "Shift series" special editions, the Aqua Shift controller boasts a shimmering blue color and is the first to feature 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, the fourth in the camo-themed series and the second during the Xbox Series X|S generation, was released with 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 released in 2022 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 showcases a mesmerizing blue-purple color, evoking "deep space vibes," and comes with a special dynamic background for your Xbox console when paired.
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Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 2023
The Arctic Camo controller, a re-release of an earlier Xbox One version but updated with modern features, was quietly launched in the US in 2023 and expanded globally in 2024.
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Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first in the "Vapor series," the Stormcloud Vapor controller 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 Gold Shadow special edition, the first new entry in the "Shadow series" 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 in the "Vapor series," the Dream Vapor controller boasts a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips and unlocks a dynamic background on your Xbox when paired. Concurrently, Xbox 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 entry in the "Vapor series," the Nocturnal Vapor controller, 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
Bringing back the nostalgia of the 90s and early 2000s, the Sky Cipher controller, released in late 2024, 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 special edition controller, features a clear see-through design with a striking gold D-pad. Alongside its announcement, Xbox revealed that transparent shells were 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 recently released 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 includes better grips, more customization, and a redesigned D-pad that inspired future updates to the Xbox Wireless Controller.
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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, the Elite Core controller features the same design but comes with only the thumbstick adjustment tool. Additional customizable parts can be purchased separately through Microsoft's Complete Component Pack 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 the standard and special edition controllers don't meet your expectations, Xbox also offers limited edition options. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, there have been numerous limited edition controllers themed around games like Forza Horizon 5, Starfield, and Halo Infinite, as well as 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 some unique limited edition designs, including a sweepstakes for Sonic-themed furry controllers in 2022 to promote Sonic 2, and playful designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal asses on the back of the controller. Other notable releases include an environmentally-conscious controller made from recycled plastics and ground-up Xbox One controller parts, a transparent black controller celebrating Xbox's 20th anniversary, and a controversial entry in the "Vapor series" due to its poorly-timed tagline.
Arguably the most significant announcement during the Xbox 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.
