If there's one console manufacturer that truly embraces customization and color variety in its controllers, it's Xbox. For over a decade, Xbox has consistently released a vibrant 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 style, Xbox Design Lab lets you unleash your creativity and design your own controller from scratch.
The Xbox Wireless Controller has remained largely unchanged since the Xbox One era, with only minor tweaks introduced with the launch of Xbox Series X|S in 2020. A fantastic feature is the cross-compatibility, allowing you to use Xbox One controllers on Xbox Series X|S and vice versa. If you're curious about the range of official controllers Xbox has released since the start of the Series X|S generation, we've compiled a comprehensive list below. Explore every Xbox controller color by release date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition options.
For those seeking alternative options, be sure to check out our guide to the best Xbox controllers available.
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, released with the Xbox Series S in 2020, offers identical functionality to its Series X counterpart, distinguished by its striking white color.
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Shock Blue Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Completing the trio of original controller colors that debuted alongside the Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller was the only colorful 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, is a vibrant choice to express your affection or simply add some flair to your gaming setup.
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Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Xbox's next controller, the Electric Volt, released in 2021, boasts a striking color that blends the vibrancy of Mountain Dew and a highlighter, making it a true head-turner.
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Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
The only standard controller released in 2022, the Deep Pink Xbox controller, features a bold pink color with matching buttons, perfect for those who love a splash of color.
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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 plain all-green option from Xbox 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 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 the standard colors listed above, Xbox has released a variety of "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some can be recreated using 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 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" special edition controllers, the Aqua Shift, released in 2021, features a shimmering blue color and is the first special edition controller 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 during the Xbox Series X|S generation, the Mineral Camo released in 2022 with a unique color scheme of blues, purples, and teals.
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Lunar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 11, 2022
The Lunar Shift controller, released in 2022, was inspired by the "awe-inspiring aura of the moon" and 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, released in 2023, features a mesmerizing blue-purple color with "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
The Arctic Camo controller, a re-release of an earlier Xbox One version with updated features for the Xbox Series X|S, 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" special edition controllers, the Stormcloud Vapor, released in 2023, 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 controller, released in 2023, marks the first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017 and features a gradient from gold to black with a matching gold D-pad.
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Dream Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 6, 2024
The Dream Vapor controller, the second in the "Vapor series," released in 2024, features a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips and a dynamic background unlocked on your Xbox when paired. Around the same time, 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, 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 fan-favorite transparent controllers reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s return with the Sky Cipher, released in late 2024, featuring 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, released in 2024, 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 recent special edition Xbox controller as of this writing, the Pulse Cipher controller, 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 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
Released in 2022 as a more affordable alternative to the standard Elite Series 2 controller, the Elite Core controller features the same design but includes only the thumbstick adjustment tool. Additional customizable parts can be purchased separately from Microsoft for $60.
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Red Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
This version of the Elite Core controller, released in 2023, features a red faceplate, red buttons, and black grips.
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Blue Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Released alongside its red counterpart in 2023, the Blue Elite Core controller features a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grip.
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Limited Edition Xbox Controllers
Out April 30
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, numerous limited edition controllers have been released for games such as 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 option is the Doom: The Dark Ages controller, just announced.
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Xbox has also introduced some unique limited edition controllers, including a sweepstakes for furry Sonic-themed controllers to promote Sonic 2, and cheeky designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal butts on the controller's back. Other notable releases include an environmentally-friendly controller made from recycled plastics and ground-up Xbox One controller parts, 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 controller announcement during the Series X|S generation has been the return of Xbox Design Lab in 2021. Not only can you customize your perfect controller, but you can also create exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
