by Hazel Apr 18,2025
If you're a fan of customization and vibrant color options in gaming controllers, Xbox stands out as the go-to brand. For over a decade, Xbox has consistently offered an array of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. But if the standard offerings don't quite meet your style, Xbox Design Lab provides the perfect solution, allowing you to craft your own controller design from scratch.
Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S in 2020, the Xbox Wireless Controller has seen minor design tweaks but remains largely unchanged from the Xbox One era. A key benefit is the cross-compatibility between Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers. If you're curious about the variety of official Xbox controllers released during the Series X|S generation, we've compiled a comprehensive list below, detailing every standard, special edition, and limited edition controller by release date.
For those seeking alternatives, be sure to check out our guide on the best Xbox controllers available.
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released November 10, 2020, the Carbon Black Xbox Wireless Controller came alongside the Xbox Series X, featuring a new Share button, hybrid D-pad, and textured grips and triggers.
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Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released alongside the Xbox Series S, the Robot White controller offers the same functionality as its Series X counterpart but in a sleek white design.
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Release Date: November 10, 2020
The Shock Blue controller was the first colorful option available for the new generation, rounding out the initial trio of controller colors.
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Release Date: February 9, 2021
Just before Valentine's Day 2021, the Pulse Red controller hit the market, offering a vibrant red option for gamers.
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Release Date: April 27, 2021
The Electric Volt controller, with its striking color reminiscent of Mountain Dew or a highlighter, was released in April 2021.
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Release Date: May 17, 2022
The Deep Pink controller, the only standard color released in 2022, features a vibrant pink hue with matching buttons.
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Release Date: March 7, 2023
Announced and released on the same day in 2023, the Velocity Green controller marks the first all-green controller since the transparent Xbox Controller S nearly two decades ago.
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Release Date: October 3, 2023
The most recent standard edition controller, released in October 2023, features a rich purple color reminiscent of the console-exclusive Fortnite Xbox One controller but without the gradient effect.
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Beyond standard colors, Xbox has released various "special edition" controllers with unique patterns and designs. While some can be replicated via Xbox Design Lab, retail versions might be available only through third-party resellers or refurbished units.
Release Date: May 4, 2021
The Daystrike Camo controller, the first camo option for the Xbox Series X|S generation, was released in May 2021 with a red camo pattern and deep red buttons.
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Release Date: August 31, 2021
The Aqua Shift controller, the debut of the "Shift series," features a shimmering blue color with dual-color swirls on the textured grips.
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Release Date: September 28, 2022
The Mineral Camo controller, released in September 2022, showcases a unique color palette of blues, purples, and teals.
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Release Date: October 11, 2022
Inspired by the moon's aura, the Lunar Shift controller, released in October 2022, shifts from gold to silver.
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Release Date: February 7, 2023
The Stellar Shift controller, the final of the Shift series, features a mesmerizing blue-purple color and includes a special dynamic background for your Xbox console.
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Release Date: May 2023
The Arctic Camo controller, a re-release of an Xbox One version with updated features, was quietly introduced in the US in May 2023 and later worldwide in 2024.
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Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first of the "Vapor series," the Stormcloud Vapor controller, released in August 2023, features a blue-and-black swirled design and a dynamic console background.
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Release Date: October 17, 2023
The Gold Shadow controller, the first new "Shadow series" entry since 2017, features a gradient from gold to black with a matching gold D-pad.
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Release Date: February 6, 2024
The Dream Vapor controller, the second in the "Vapor series," features a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl and unlocks a dynamic background on your Xbox when paired.
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Release Date: April 9, 2024
The final "Vapor series" entry, Nocturnal Vapor, released in April 2024, showcases earthy tones without a matching dynamic background.
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Release Date: August 13, 2024
The Sky Cipher controller, reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s transparent designs, features a stunning see-through blue color.
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Release Date: October 8, 2024
The Ghost Cipher controller, the second transparent "Cipher series" option, features a clear design with a striking gold D-pad.
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Release Date: February 4, 2025
The latest special edition controller, the Pulse Cipher, features a deep red transparent hue with matching buttons and grips.
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Release Date: November 4, 2019
Released a year before the Xbox Series X|S, the Black Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 introduced upgrades like better grips, more customization, and a redesigned D-pad.
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Release Date: September 21, 2022
The White Elite Core controller, released in 2022, offers the same design as the Elite Series 2 but with fewer included parts, available for customization with a Complete Component Pack.
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Release Date: March 28, 2023
The Red Elite Core controller, released in 2023, features a red faceplate and buttons with black grips.
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Release Date: March 28, 2023
The Blue Elite Core controller, released alongside its red counterpart, features a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grips.
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Out April 30
Xbox Wireless Controller - Doom: The Dark Ages Limited Edition
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If standard and special edition controllers aren't your thing, Xbox also offers limited edition controllers tied to specific games. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, there have been various limited editions, including those for Forza Horizon 5, Starfield, a Halo Infinite-themed Elite Controller, and the latest for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The newest addition is the Doom: The Dark Ages controller, recently announced.
Xbox has also introduced some unique limited edition controllers, such as the furry Sonic-themed controllers from a 2022 sweepstakes, and quirky designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal butts on the controller's back. Other notable releases include an eco-friendly controller made from recycled plastics, a transparent black controller for 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 reintroduction of Xbox Design Lab in 2021, allowing for extensive controller customization and exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
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