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 consistently released an array of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. If the official offerings don't quite meet your taste, Xbox Design Lab allows you to 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 but remains largely unchanged from its Xbox One counterpart. A major advantage is the compatibility between Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers, allowing seamless use across generations. Curious about the variety of official controllers Xbox has released since the Series X|S era began? We've compiled a comprehensive list below, featuring every Xbox controller color by release date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition options.
For those seeking alternatives, our guide to the best Xbox controllers is a great resource.
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released November 10, 2020### Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black)
3See it at AmazonThe Carbon Black controller was released alongside the Xbox Series X in 2020, featuring a new Share button, a hybrid D-pad, and textured grips and triggers for enhanced gameplay.
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released November 10, 2020### Xbox Wireless Controller (Robot White)
2See it at AmazonThe Robot White controller, released with the Xbox Series S in 2020, offers the same functionality as its Series X counterpart, distinguished by its sleek white color.
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released November 10, 2020### Xbox Wireless Controller (Shock Blue)
4See it at AmazonCompleting the initial trio of colors for the Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller was the only vibrant color option available during the console's early months.
Release Date: February 9, 2021
Released February 9, 2021### Xbox Wireless Controller (Pulse Red)
8See it at AmazonJust before Valentine's Day 2021, the Pulse Red Xbox controller hit the market, offering a bold and romantic option for gamers.
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Released April 27, 2021### Xbox Wireless Controller (Electric Volt)
2See it at AmazonThe Electric Volt controller, released in April 2021, stands out with its striking neon green color, reminiscent of a vibrant highlighter.
Release Date: May 17, 2022
Released May 17, 2022### Xbox Wireless Controller (Deep Pink)
1See it at AmazonThe Deep Pink Xbox controller, launched in 2022, offers a vibrant pink color with matching buttons, adding a splash of style to your gaming setup.
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Released March 7, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Velocity Green)
4See it at AmazonAnnounced and released on the same day in 2023, the Velocity Green controller marks the first solid green option from Xbox since the transparent Xbox Controller S nearly 20 years ago.
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Released October 3, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Astral Purple)
6See it at AmazonThe most recent standard edition controller, released in October 2023, features a rich, deep purple color reminiscent of the exclusive Fortnite Xbox One controller, minus the gradient effect.
In addition to the standard colors, Xbox has introduced numerous "special edition" colors and patterns. While some can be recreated through Xbox Design Lab, purchasing retail versions may require looking at third-party resellers or refurbished models.
Release Date: May 4, 2021
Released May 4, 2021### Xbox Wireless Controller (Daystrike Camo Special Edition)
7See it at WalmartThe Daystrike Camo controller, released in 2021, introduced the first camo pattern for the Xbox Series X|S generation, featuring a bold red camo design with matching buttons.
Release Date: August 31, 2021
Released August 31, 2021### Xbox Wireless Controller (Aqua Shift Special Edition)
4See it at WalmartThe debut of the "Shift series," the Aqua Shift controller, showcases a shimmering blue color with dual-color swirls on the textured grips, adding a unique touch to your gaming experience.
Release Date: September 28, 2022
Released September 28, 2022### Xbox Wireless Controller (Mineral Camo Special Edition)
1See it at WalmartThe Mineral Camo controller, released in 2022, features a unique blend of blues, purples, and teals, marking the fourth camo-themed Xbox controller.
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Released October 11, 2022### Xbox Wireless Controller (Lunar Shift Special Edition)
4See it at VerizonInspired by the "awe-inspiring aura of the moon," the Lunar Shift controller, released in 2022, shifts from gold to silver, offering a celestial aesthetic.
Release Date: February 7, 2023
Released February 7, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Stellar Shift Special Edition)
4See it at GameStopThe final member of the Shift series, the Stellar Shift controller, features a mesmerizing blue-purple color that evokes "deep space vibes" and includes a special dynamic background for your Xbox console.
Release Date: May 2023
Released May 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Arctic Camo Special Edition)
3See it at WalmartA re-release of an earlier Xbox One version, the Arctic Camo controller was updated for the Xbox Series X|S generation and quietly released in the US in 2023, with a global rollout in 2024.
Release Date: August 8, 2023
Released August 8, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition)
4See it at GameStopThe Stormcloud Vapor controller, the first in the "Vapor series," features a blue-and-black swirled design, matching grips, and a dynamic background for your console.
Release Date: October 17, 2023
Released October 17, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Gold Shadow Special Edition)
2See it at GameStopThe Gold Shadow controller, the first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017, boasts a gradient gold to black design with a matching gold D-pad.
Release Date: February 6, 2024
Released February 6, 2024### Xbox Wireless Controller (Dream Vapor Special Edition)
4See it at GameStopThe Dream Vapor controller, the second in the "Vapor series," features a dreamy pink-and-purple swirl with matching grips and unlocks a dynamic background on your Xbox when paired. Xbox also added the Vapor series to Xbox Design Lab for further customization around this time.
Release Date: April 9, 2024
Released April 9, 2024### Xbox Wireless Controller (Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition)
3See it at GameStopThe Nocturnal Vapor controller, the final entry in the "Vapor series," released in 2024, features earthy tones in a swirling pattern but does not include a matching dynamic background.
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Released August 13, 2024### Xbox Wireless Controller (Sky Cipher Special Edition)
3See it at AmazonThe Sky Cipher controller, released in late 2024, brings back the fan-favorite transparent design with a stunning see-through blue and matching grips.
Release Date: October 8, 2024
Released October 8, 2024### Xbox Wireless Controller (Ghost Cipher Special Edition)
3See it at AmazonThe Ghost Cipher controller, the second in the "Cipher series," features a clear see-through design with a striking gold D-pad. Alongside its announcement, Xbox revealed that transparent shells are also available for Elite controllers in Xbox Design Lab.
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Released February 4, 2025### Xbox Wireless Controller (Pulse Cipher Special Edition)
4See it at AmazonThe Pulse Cipher controller, the final in the "Cipher series" and the most recent special edition as of this writing, features a deep red transparent hue with matching buttons and grips.
Release Date: November 4, 2019
Released November 4, 2019### Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 (Black)
2See it at AmazonReleased a year before the Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 in black introduced numerous upgrades, including better grips, more customization options, and a redesigned D-pad that influenced future standard controllers.
Release Date: September 21, 2022
Released September 21, 2022### Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 - Core (White)
2See it at TargetThe White Elite Core controller, released in 2022, serves as a more affordable alternative to the standard Elite Series 2, featuring the same design but only including the thumbstick adjustment tool. Additional parts can be purchased separately.
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Released March 28, 2023### Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 - Core (Red)
1See it at WalmartThe Red Elite Core controller, released in 2023, features a red faceplate and buttons with black grips, offering a bold color option for gamers.
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Released March 28, 2023### Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 - Core (Blue)
2See it at WalmartComplementing the red version, the Blue Elite Core controller, released in 2023, features a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grips.
Out April 30### Xbox Wireless Controller - Doom: The Dark Ages Limited Edition
5See it at AmazonXbox has also released numerous limited edition controllers, often tied to specific games. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, options have included controllers for 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 ventured into some unconventional designs, such as the furry Sonic-themed controllers for a 2022 sweepstakes to promote Sonic 2, and playful designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal butts on the back of the controller.
Other notable releases include an environmentally-friendly controller made from recycled plastics and 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 announcement during the Series X|S generation 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.