When it comes to embracing customization and color variety in gaming, Xbox stands out as a leader. For over a decade, Xbox has consistently offered a wide array of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. And if the official selections don't meet your style, Xbox Design Lab lets you unleash your creativity to design your own controller from the ground up.
Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S in 2020, the Xbox Wireless Controller has seen only minor design tweaks but remains largely the same as its Xbox One counterpart. The best part? You can use Xbox One controllers on Xbox Series X|S and vice versa. If you're eager to know the full spectrum of official controllers released since the Series X|S generation began, we've compiled a comprehensive list below. From standard to special and limited editions, here's every Xbox controller color sorted by release date.
For those interested in alternatives, 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 a 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, offers the same functionality as its Series X counterpart but with a striking white finish.
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Shock Blue Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Completing the trio of original controller colors at the launch of Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller was the first splash of color available in the new generation for its initial months.
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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 the perfect gift to show your love, featuring a vibrant red color.
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Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
The Electric Volt controller, released in 2021, boasts a shocking color that blends the vibrancy of Mountain Dew and a highlighter, making it a real eye-catcher.
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Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
The Deep Pink Xbox controller, the only standard option released in 2022, features 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 is the first all-green controller from Xbox since the transparent Xbox Controller S nearly two decades 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, but without the gradient effect.
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Every Special Edition Color
In addition to the standard colors, Xbox has introduced numerous "special edition" colors and patterns. While some designs are available in Xbox Design Lab, retail versions might be limited to third-party resellers or refurbished units.
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 striking 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 first in the "Shift series," the Aqua Shift controller boasts a shimmering blue color 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, features a unique color scheme including blues, purples, and teals.
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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, shifts colors 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, features a mesmerizing blue-purple color evoking "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
A re-release of an earlier Xbox One version but with updated features for the Xbox Series X|S era, the Arctic Camo controller was quietly released in the US in 2023 and globally in 2024.
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Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first of three "Vapor series" controllers, Stormcloud Vapor features a blue-and-black swirled design with 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 first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017, the Gold Shadow controller 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 second in the "Vapor series," the Dream Vapor controller features a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips and a dynamic background unlocked on your Xbox when paired. Xbox also added the Vapor series to Xbox Design Lab for further customization around the same time.
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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, features swirling earthy tones but notably does not include a matching dynamic background.
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Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Bringing back the nostalgia of transparent controllers from the 90s and early 2000s, Sky Cipher, released in late 2024, features 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 controller features a clear see-through design and a striking gold D-pad. Alongside its announcement, transparent shells were also made 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 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.
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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 introduced upgrades including better grips, more customization, and a redesigned D-pad that inspired the future Xbox Wireless Controller update.
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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, 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
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
Accompanying the Red version, the Blue Elite Core controller, released in 2023, 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 meet your needs, Xbox also offers limited edition controllers. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, limited edition controllers have been released for games like 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 is the Doom: The Dark Ages controller, just announced.
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Xbox has also ventured into some unique and unexpected designs, including a sweepstakes for furry Sonic-themed controllers to promote Sonic 2 in 2022, and humorous designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal butts on the controller's back.
Other notable releases 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 "Vapor series" controller 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, allowing players to customize their controllers and create exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.