If there's any console manufacturer that truly embraces customization and color variety in its controllers, it's Xbox. For over a decade, Xbox has released a diverse range of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. And, if the official options don't satisfy your style, Xbox Design Lab lets you unleash your creativity and design your own controller from scratch.
Aside from some minor tweaks to the design when the Xbox Series X|S launched in 2020, the Xbox Wireless Controller has largely remained unchanged since the Xbox One era. The best part? You can seamlessly use your Xbox One controllers on Xbox Series X|S and vice versa. If you're curious about the variety of official controllers Xbox has released since the Series X|S generation began, we've compiled a comprehensive list below. This includes every Xbox controller color by release date, from standard to special and limited editions.
For those seeking alternatives, you can explore our guide to the best Xbox controllers.
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.
Robot White Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
The Robot White controller, released alongside the Xbox Series S in 2020, matches its Series X counterpart in functionality but stands out with its stark white color.
Shock Blue Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Rounding out the trio of original controller colors debuting with the Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller was the only actual color available for the new generation for its first few months.
Pulse Red Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 9, 2021
The Pulse Red Xbox controller, released just before Valentine's Day 2021, is a vibrant way to show your love for gaming.
Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Xbox's next controller, the Electric Volt, boasts a shocking color that's somewhere between Mountain Dew and a highlighter, making it a definite head-turner.
Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
The only standard controller option released in 2022, the Deep Pink Xbox controller features a vibrant pink color with matching buttons.
Velocity Green Xbox Controller
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Announced and released on the same day in 2023, the Velocity Green controller is the first plain all-green controller released by Xbox since the transparent Xbox Controller S nearly 20 years ago.
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 that echoes 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 a range of "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some can be recreated today in Xbox Design Lab, retail versions may be limited to third-party resellers or refurbished models.
Daystrike Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 4, 2021
The first camo controller option for the Xbox Series X|S generation, released in 2021, features a red camo pattern with deep red matching buttons.
Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 31, 2021
As the debut of the three "Shift series" special edition controllers, the Aqua Shift controller features a shimmering blue color and is the first special edition controller with dual-color swirls on the textured grips.
Mineral Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: September 28, 2022
Mineral Camo, the fourth camo-themed Xbox controller (second during the Xbox Series X|S generation), was released with a unique color scheme including blues, purples, and teals.
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 unique color that shifts from gold to silver.
Stellar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 7, 2023
The final member of the Shift series, Stellar Shift, features a mesmerizing blue-purple color that exudes "deep space vibes" and comes with a special dynamic background for your Xbox console when paired.
Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 2023
Interestingly, the Arctic Camo controller is a re-release of an earlier Xbox One version but with updated features for the modern Xbox Series X|S-era controllers. It was quietly released in the US in 2023 and made its way to the rest of the world in 2024.
Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first of three "Vapor series" special edition controllers, Stormcloud Vapor features a blue-and-black swirled design, matching grips, and a dynamic background for your console.
Gold Shadow Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 17, 2023
The Gold Shadow special edition controller, the first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017, features a gradient gold to black design with a matching gold D-pad.
Dream Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 6, 2024
The Dream Vapor controller, the second in the "Vapor series," 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 also added the Vapor series to Xbox Design Lab for even more customization.
Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 9, 2024
The final entry in the "Vapor series," Nocturnal Vapor, released in 2024, features swirling, earthy tones but does not include a matching dynamic background.
Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Bringing back the fan-favorite transparent controllers reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s, Sky Cipher, released in late 2024, features a stunning see-through blue design with matching grips.
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 and a striking gold D-pad. Alongside its announcement, Xbox also revealed that transparent shells were available for Elite controllers in Xbox Design Lab.
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.
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 numerous upgrades, including better grips, more customization, and a redesigned D-pad that inspired future Xbox Wireless Controller updates.
White Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: September 21, 2022
Released in 2022 as a lower-cost alternative to the standard Elite Series 2 controller, the Elite Core controller features the same design but only includes the thumbstick adjustment tool. If you're interested in the rest of the customizable parts, you can purchase a Complete Component Pack from Microsoft for $60.
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.
Blue Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Released alongside its red counterpart, the Blue Elite Core controller features a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grips.
Limited Edition Xbox Controllers
Out April 30
If standard and special edition controllers don't meet your needs, Xbox offers limited edition controllers as well. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, there have been several limited edition controllers for games such as Forza Horizon 5, Starfield, a Halo Infinite-themed Elite Controller, and most recently, a special edition controller for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The latest option is the Doom: The Dark Ages controller, just announced.
There have also been some unique offerings. In 2022, Xbox held a sweepstakes to win furry Sonic-themed controllers to promote Sonic 2, as well as some playful designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal backsides on the controller.
Some other noteworthy controllers 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 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 was 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.
