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 been delighting fans with a diverse array of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. And if the official offerings aren't enough for you, Xbox Design Lab lets you unleash your creativity and design your own controller from scratch.
Aside from some minor design tweaks when the Xbox Series X|S launched in 2020, the Xbox Wireless Controller has remained largely unchanged since the Xbox One era. A major plus? You can use your Xbox One controllers on Xbox Series X|S and vice versa. But if you're curious about the sheer number of official controllers Xbox has released since the Series X|S generation began, we've got you covered. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of every Xbox controller color by release date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition controllers.
For those seeking alternatives, be sure to check out our guide to 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, 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 alongside the Xbox Series S in 2020, is identical in functionality to its Series X counterpart, distinguished only 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 launched with the Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller was the only color option available for the new generation during its first few months.
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Pulse Red Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 9, 2021
The Pulse Red Xbox controller hit the shelves just before Valentine's Day 2021. What better way to express your affection than gifting your loved one this vibrant red controller?
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Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Xbox's next offering was the striking Electric Volt color, a hue that falls somewhere between Mountain Dew and a highlighter. It's sure to turn heads.
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Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
The only standard controller option released in 2022, the Deep Pink Xbox controller boasts a vibrant 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 plain all-green controller 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 nearly two years ago, features a rich, purple color reminiscent of the console-exclusive Fortnite Xbox One controller, albeit 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 of these can be recreated today using Xbox Design Lab, if you're looking to purchase a retail version, your options 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 was released in 2021, featuring a 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 inaugural option for the three "Shift series" special edition controllers, the Aqua Shift controller showcases 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 (second during the Xbox Series X|S generation) released in 2022 featured 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," with its color shifting 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, Stellar Shift, featured a mesmerizing blue-purple color that exuded "deep space vibes" and came 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
Interestingly, the Arctic Camo controller was a re-release of an earlier Xbox One version, but with updated features from the modern Xbox Series X|S-era controllers. It 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, Stormcloud Vapor featured 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 was the first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017, featuring 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 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.
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Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 9, 2024
The final entry in the "Vapor series," Nocturnal Vapor, released in 2024, featured swirling, earthy tones but didn't include a matching dynamic background for some reason.
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Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Ah, yes. We've finally made it back to the fan-favorite transparent controllers reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s. Sky Cipher, released in late 2024, featured 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" is the Ghost Cipher special edition controller, which featured a clear see-through design and striking gold D-pad. Alongside its announcement, Xbox also revealed that transparent shells were 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 most recently released special edition Xbox controller as of this writing, is the Pulse Cipher controller, featuring a deep red transparent hue as well as 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 a number of upgrades, including better grips, more customization, and a redesigned D-pad that would inspire future updates to the Xbox Wireless Controller.
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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 shares 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.
See it at Target
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
When there's a red version, there's almost always a blue version to accompany it. Released alongside its red-hued counterpart, the Blue Elite Core controller 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 don't tickle your fancy, Xbox is no stranger to limited edition controllers either. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, there have been a number of limited edition controllers for Xbox 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, which was just announced.
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There have also been some...odd choices to say the least. In 2022, Xbox held a sweepstakes to win furry Sonic-themed controllers to promote Sonic 2, as well as some *cheeky* designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal butts on the back of the controller.
Some other newsworthy controllers include an environmentally-conscious controller made from recycled plastics and ground-up Xbox One controller parts, a transparent black controller to celebrate Xbox's 20th anniversary, and another entry in the "Vapor series" that caused Xbox to come under fire for its poorly-timed tagline.
Arguably the biggest controller announcement during the Series X|S generation, though, is 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.
