Xbox Series X|S Controller Colors Available Now

If there's any console manufacturer that truly embraces customization and color variety in its controllers, it's Xbox. For more than a decade, Xbox has released a steady stream of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers across its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. If the official offerings aren't enough for you, Xbox Design Lab allows you to go wild creating your own controller design 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 gone unchanged since the Xbox One era. Even better, you can use your Xbox One controllers on Xbox Series X|S and vice-versa. If you're curious about just *how* many official controllers Xbox has released since the beginning of the Series X|S generation, we've got you covered. Below is a full rundown of every Xbox controller color by release date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition controllers.

If you're looking for a good alternative, you can also check out our guide to more of the best Xbox controllers.

All Xbox Controller Colors by Release Date

Carbon Black Xbox Controller

Release Date: November 10, 2020

Released November 10, 2020### Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black)

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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.

Robot White Xbox Controller

Release Date: November 10, 2020

Released November 10, 2020### Xbox Wireless Controller (Robot White)

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The Robot White controller was released alongside the Xbox Series S in 2020 and is identical in functionality to its Series X counterpart, aside from its stark white color.

Shock Blue Xbox Controller

Release Date: November 10, 2020

Released November 10, 2020### Xbox Wireless Controller (Shock Blue)

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Rounding out the trio of original controller colors debuting alongside 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

Released February 9, 2021### Xbox Wireless Controller (Pulse Red)

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The Pulse Red Xbox was released just before Valentine's Day 2021, and what better way to show your love than to buy your partner this bright red controller?

Electric Volt Xbox Controller

Release Date: April 27, 2021

Released April 27, 2021### Xbox Wireless Controller (Electric Volt)

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Xbox's next controller was the shocking Electric Volt color that falls somewhere between Mountain Dew and a highlighter. It's definitely a head-turner.

Deep Pink Xbox Controller

Release Date: May 17, 2022

Released May 17, 2022### Xbox Wireless Controller (Deep Pink)

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The only standard controller option released in 2022 was the Deep Pink Xbox controller, featuring a vibrant pink color with matching buttons.

Velocity Green Xbox Controller

Release Date: March 7, 2023

Released March 7, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Velocity Green)

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Announced and released on the same day in 2023, the Velocity Green controller is surprisingly 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

Released October 3, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Astral Purple)

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The most recent standard edition controller was released nearly two years ago and features a rich, purple color that's as close in color as you're going to get to the console-exclusive Fortnite Xbox One controller, but without the gradient effect.

Every Special Edition Color

In addition to the standard colors above, Xbox has released a slew of "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some of these can be recreated today in Xbox Design Lab, if you're looking to pick up 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

Released May 4, 2021### Xbox Wireless Controller (Daystrike Camo Special Edition)

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The first camo controller option for the Xbox Series X|S generation was released in 2021 and featured a red camo pattern with deep red matching buttons.

Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller

Release Date: August 31, 2021

Released August 31, 2021### Xbox Wireless Controller (Aqua Shift Special Edition)

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As the debut option for the three "Shift series" special edition controllers, the Aqua Shift controller features a shimmering blue color and is the first special edition controller to have dual-color swirls on the textured grips.

Mineral Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller

Release Date: September 28, 2022

Released September 28, 2022### Xbox Wireless Controller (Mineral Camo Special Edition)

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Mineral Camo, the fourth camo-themed Xbox controller (second during the Xbox Series X|S generation) released, featured a unique color scheme that included blues, purples, and teals.

Lunar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller

Release Date: October 11, 2022

Released October 11, 2022### Xbox Wireless Controller (Lunar Shift Special Edition)

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The Lunar Shift controller was released in 2022 and was inspired by the "awe-inspiring aura of the moon" as its unique color shifts from gold to silver.

Stellar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller

Release Date: February 7, 2023

Released February 7, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Stellar Shift Special Edition)

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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.

Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller

Release Date: May 2023

Released May 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Arctic Camo Special Edition)

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Interestingly enough, the Arctic Camo controller was actually a re-release of an earlier Xbox One version, but with the updated features of 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

Released August 8, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition)

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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.

Gold Shadow Special Edition Xbox Controller

Release Date: October 17, 2023

Released October 17, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Gold Shadow Special Edition)

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The Gold Shadow special edition controller was the first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017 and featured a gradient gold to black design with a matching gold D-pad.

Dream Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller

Release Date: February 6, 2024

Released February 6, 2024### Xbox Wireless Controller (Dream Vapor Special Edition)

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The Dream Vapor controller is the second in the "Vapor series" and features a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips, plus 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

Released April 9, 2024### Xbox Wireless Controller (Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition)

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The final entry in the "Vapor series," Nocturnal Vapor, was released in 2024 and featured swirling, earthy tones, but didn't include a matching dynamic background for some reason.

Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller

Release Date: August 13, 2024

Released August 13, 2024### Xbox Wireless Controller (Sky Cipher Special Edition)

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Ah, yes. We've finally made it back to the fan-favorite transparent controllers reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s. Sky Cipher was released in late 2024 and featured a stunning see-through blue design with matching grips.

Ghost Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller

Release Date: October 8, 2024

Released October 8, 2024### Xbox Wireless Controller (Ghost Cipher Special Edition)

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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 also available for Elite controllers in Xbox Design Lab.

Pulse Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller

Release Date: February 4, 2025

Released February 4, 2025### Xbox Wireless Controller (Pulse Cipher Special Edition)

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The final Cipher color, and most recently released special edition Xbox controller as of this writing, is the Pulse Cipher controller that features a deep red transparent hue as well as matching buttons and grips.

Every Elite Controller Color

Black Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2)

Release Date: November 4, 2019

Released November 4, 2019### Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 (Black)

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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 go on to inspire the future Xbox Wireless Controller update.

White Xbox Elite Core Controller

Release Date: September 21, 2022

Released September 21, 2022### Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 - Core (White)

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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 picking up 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

Released March 28, 2023### Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 - Core (Red)

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Released in 2023, this version of the Elite Core controller features a red faceplate, red buttons, and black grips.

Blue Xbox Elite Core Controller

Release Date: March 28, 2023

Released March 28, 2023### Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 - Core (Blue)

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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—you guessed it—a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grip.

Limited Edition Xbox Controllers

Out April 30### Xbox Wireless Controller - Doom: The Dark Ages Limited Edition

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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 that was just announced.

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 asses 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.