If there's one console manufacturer that truly embraces customization and a wide array of colors in its controllers, it's Xbox. For over a decade, Xbox has consistently released a variety of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers for its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. And, if the official offerings don't meet your expectations, Xbox Design Lab allows you to unleash your creativity and design your own controller from scratch.
The Xbox Wireless Controller has seen only minor design tweaks since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S in 2020, remaining largely unchanged from the Xbox One era. A significant advantage is the compatibility between Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers, allowing seamless use across generations. If you're wondering just how extensive the range of official controllers is since the start of the Xbox Series X|S generation, we've compiled a comprehensive list for you. Below, you'll find every Xbox controller color by release date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition options.
For those interested in alternatives, be sure to explore our guide to the best Xbox controllers.
All Xbox Controller Colors by Release Date
Carbon Black Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released November 10, 2020
See it at Amazon
Released alongside the Xbox Series X in 2020, the slightly redesigned Xbox Wireless Controller featured a new Share button, a hybrid D-pad, and textured grips and triggers.
Robot White Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released November 10, 2020
See it at Amazon
The Robot White controller, released alongside the Xbox Series S in 2020, offers the same functionality as its Series X counterpart but stands out with its stark white color.
Shock Blue Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released November 10, 2020
See it at Amazon
Rounding out the initial trio of controller colors for the Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller was the only actual color available in the first few months of the new generation.
Pulse Red Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 9, 2021
Released February 9, 2021
See it at Amazon
The Pulse Red Xbox controller was released just before Valentine's Day 2021, making it a vibrant choice to express your affection.
Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Released April 27, 2021
See it at Amazon
The Electric Volt controller, released in 2021, boasts a striking color that's somewhere between Mountain Dew and a highlighter, sure to catch anyone's eye.
Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
Released May 17, 2022
See it at Amazon
The only standard controller released in 2022, the Deep Pink Xbox controller features a vibrant pink color with matching buttons.
Velocity Green Xbox Controller
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Released March 7, 2023
See it at Amazon
Announced and released on the same day in 2023, the Velocity Green controller is the first plain all-green controller since the transparent Xbox Controller S nearly 20 years ago.
Astral Purple Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Released October 3, 2023
See it at Amazon
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.
Every Special Edition Color
In addition to standard colors, Xbox has also released numerous "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some can be recreated through Xbox Design Lab, retail versions might be limited to third-party resellers or refurbished models.
Daystrike Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 4, 2021
Released May 4, 2021
See it at Walmart
The first camo controller for the Xbox Series X|S generation, released in 2021, features a red camo pattern with deep red matching buttons.
Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 31, 2021
Released August 31, 2021
See it at Walmart
As the debut of the "Shift series," the Aqua Shift controller features a shimmering blue color with dual-color swirls on the textured grips.
Mineral Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: September 28, 2022
Released September 28, 2022
See it at Walmart
The Mineral Camo controller, the fourth in the camo-themed series and the second during the Xbox Series X|S generation, features a unique color scheme including blues, purples, and teals.
Lunar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Released October 11, 2022
See it at Verizon
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
Released February 7, 2023
See it at GameStop
The final member of the Shift series, the Stellar Shift controller, features a mesmerizing blue-purple color evoking "deep space vibes" and comes with a special dynamic background for your Xbox console when paired.
Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 2023
Released May 2023
See it at Walmart
The Arctic Camo controller, a re-release of an earlier Xbox One version with updated features, was quietly released in the US in 2023 and expanded globally in 2024.
Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 8, 2023
Released August 8, 2023
See it at GameStop
The first of the "Vapor series," the Stormcloud Vapor controller features a blue-and-black swirled design with matching grips and a dynamic background for your console.
Gold Shadow Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 17, 2023
Released October 17, 2023
See it at GameStop
The Gold Shadow controller, the first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017, features 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
See it at GameStop
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. At the same time, Xbox added the Vapor series to Xbox Design Lab for further customization.
Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 9, 2024
Released April 9, 2024
See it at GameStop
The final entry in the "Vapor series," the Nocturnal Vapor controller, released in 2024, features swirling, earthy tones but does not include a matching dynamic background.
Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Released August 13, 2024
See it at Amazon
The Sky Cipher controller, reminiscent of the transparent controllers from the 90s and early 2000s, features a stunning see-through blue design with matching grips.
Ghost Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 8, 2024
Released October 8, 2024
See it at Amazon
The 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 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
See it at Amazon
The final Cipher color and the most recently released special edition Xbox controller, the Pulse Cipher controller, features a deep red transparent hue with matching buttons and grips.
Every Elite Controller Color
Black Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2)
Release Date: November 4, 2019
Released November 4, 2019
See it at Amazon
Released about a year before the Xbox Series X|S, the second edition of the Xbox Elite controller featured several upgrades, including better grips, more customization options, and a redesigned D-pad that inspired the future Xbox Wireless Controller update.
White Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: September 21, 2022
Released September 21, 2022
See it at Target
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. Additional customizable parts can be purchased via the Complete Component Pack from Microsoft for $60.
Red Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Released March 28, 2023
See it at Walmart
This 2023 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
See it at Walmart
Released alongside its red counterpart, the Blue Elite Core controller features a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grips.
Limited Edition Xbox Controllers
Out April 30
See it at Amazon
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 numerous limited edition options for games like 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 addition is the Doom: The Dark Ages controller, recently announced.
Xbox has also released some unconventional controllers, including a sweepstakes for furry Sonic-themed controllers to promote Sonic 2 in 2022, and cheeky designs featuring Deadpool & Wolverine's literal asses on the back of the controller.
Other notable controllers include an environmentally-friendly model made from recycled plastics and ground-up Xbox One controller parts, a transparent black controller celebrating Xbox's 20th anniversary, and another entry in the "Vapor series" that garnered attention for its poorly-timed tagline.
Arguably the most significant announcement during the Xbox Series X|S generation was the return of Xbox Design Lab in 2021, allowing gamers to customize their controllers and create exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
