If there's any console manufacturer that truly embraces customization and color variety in its controllers, it's Xbox. Over the last decade, Xbox has consistently released a diverse array of colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. And, if the official offerings aren't enough, Xbox Design Lab lets you unleash your creativity and design your own controller from scratch.
Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S in 2020, the Xbox Wireless Controller has seen only minor design tweaks. The good news is that Xbox One controllers are fully compatible with Xbox Series X|S, and vice versa. Curious about how many official controllers Xbox has released since the Series X|S generation began? We've compiled a comprehensive list below, detailing every Xbox controller color by release date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition options.
For those looking for alternatives, check out our guide to the best Xbox controllers 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 introduced 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 with the Xbox Series S in 2020, matches its Series X counterpart in functionality but stands out with its sleek white color.
Shock Blue Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
The Shock Blue controller completed the initial trio of colors available at the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, offering the first splash of color for the new generation.
Pulse Red Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 9, 2021
The Pulse Red controller hit the market just before Valentine's Day 2021, making it a perfect gift for gamers who appreciate a bold, bright red hue.
Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Xbox's Electric Volt controller, released in April 2021, boasts a vibrant color that's a mix between Mountain Dew and a highlighter, sure to turn heads.
Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
The Deep Pink controller, the only standard color released in 2022, features a striking pink shade 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 marks the first time Xbox has offered a plain all-green controller since the transparent Xbox Controller S nearly two decades ago.
Astral Purple Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 3, 2023
The latest 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.
Every Special Edition Color
In addition to the standard colors, Xbox has released numerous "special edition" colors and patterns. While some designs can be replicated through Xbox Design Lab, retail versions might be available only 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, features a striking red camo pattern with deep red matching buttons.
Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 31, 2021
The debut of the "Shift series," the Aqua Shift controller boasts a shimmering blue color and is the first special edition to feature dual-color swirls on the textured grips.
Mineral Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: September 28, 2022
The Mineral Camo controller, released in 2022, features a unique blend of blues, purples, and teals, marking the second camo-themed controller of the Xbox Series X|S generation.
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 color shift from gold to silver.
Stellar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 7, 2023
The final "Shift series" controller, Stellar Shift, released in 2023, offers a mesmerizing blue-purple color that evokes "deep space vibes" and includes a special dynamic background for your Xbox console.
Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 2023
The Arctic Camo controller, a re-release of an earlier Xbox One design, was updated for the Xbox Series X|S and quietly released in the US in 2023, expanding to the rest of the world in 2024.
Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 8, 2023
The first of the "Vapor series," the Stormcloud Vapor controller features a blue-and-black swirled design and comes with a dynamic background for your console.
Gold Shadow Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 17, 2023
The Gold Shadow controller, the first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017, showcases a gradient from gold to black 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 and includes a dynamic background when paired with your Xbox. Xbox also added the Vapor series to Xbox Design Lab for more customization options around the same time.
Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 9, 2024
The final "Vapor series" controller, Nocturnal Vapor, released in 2024, features earthy tones in a swirling pattern, though it does not include a matching dynamic background.
Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 13, 2024
The Sky Cipher controller brings back the fan-favorite transparent design reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s, featuring a stunning see-through blue with matching grips.
Ghost Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 8, 2024
The Ghost Cipher controller, the second in the "Cipher series," features a clear see-through design with a striking gold D-pad. Transparent shells for Elite controllers were also made available in Xbox Design Lab around the same time.
Pulse Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 4, 2025
The latest special edition controller, the Pulse Cipher, features a deep red transparent hue with matching buttons and grips, released in February 2025.
Every Elite Controller Color
Black Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2)
Release Date: November 4, 2019
Released before the Xbox Series X|S, the second edition of the Xbox Elite controller introduced upgrades like improved grips, more customization options, and a redesigned D-pad that inspired the future Xbox Wireless Controller.
White Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: September 21, 2022
The Elite Core controller, released in 2022, offers a more affordable alternative to the standard Elite Series 2, featuring the same design but only including the thumbstick adjustment tool. Additional customizable parts are available through the Complete Component Pack from Microsoft for $60.
Red Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
The Red 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 the Red version, 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 also offers limited edition controllers. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, there have been limited edition controllers 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 addition is the Doom: The Dark Ages controller, just announced.
Xbox has also released some unique limited edition controllers, including a sweepstakes for Sonic-themed furry controllers in 2022, cheeky Deadpool & Wolverine designs featuring their literal butts on the back, an environmentally-friendly controller made from recycled plastics and ground-up Xbox One parts, a transparent black controller celebrating Xbox's 20th anniversary, and a controversial "Vapor series" controller due to its poorly-timed tagline.
The most significant announcement during the Series X|S generation, however, was the return of Xbox Design Lab in 2021, allowing gamers to customize their controllers with exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
