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 delighted gamers with a continuous release of unique colors, patterns, and limited edition controllers across its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. And, if the official offerings aren't enough for you, Xbox Design Lab lets you unleash your creativity to design your own controller from scratch.
Aside from some minor design tweaks when the Xbox Series X|S launched in 2020, the Xbox Wireless Controller has remained largely unchanged since the Xbox One era. A fantastic perk is that you can use your Xbox One controllers on Xbox Series X|S and vice versa. If you're curious about the variety of official controllers Xbox has released since the start of the Series X|S generation, we've compiled a comprehensive list. Below, you'll find every Xbox controller color by release date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition controllers.
For those seeking alternatives, you might also want 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
Launched 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, is identical in functionality to its Series X counterpart, distinguished only by its striking white color.
Shock Blue Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released November 10, 2020
See it at Amazon
Completing the initial trio of controller colors released alongside the Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller was the only color available for the new generation in its first few months.
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. What better way to express your love than gifting your partner this vibrant red controller?
Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Released April 27, 2021
See it at Amazon
Xbox's next release was the eye-catching Electric Volt color, which strikes a balance between Mountain Dew and a highlighter, making it a true head-turner.
Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
Released May 17, 2022
See it at Amazon
The only standard controller option released in 2022, the Deep Pink Xbox controller boasts 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 marks the first plain all-green controller from Xbox 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 that closely resembles the console-exclusive Fortnite Xbox One controller but without the gradient effect.
Every Special Edition Color
In addition to the standard colors listed above, Xbox has released numerous "special edition" colors and patterns over the years. While some of these can be recreated in Xbox Design Lab, if you're looking for retail versions, 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
See it at Walmart
The first camo controller option for the Xbox Series X|S generation was released in 2021, featuring 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
The debut of the three "Shift series" special edition controllers, the Aqua Shift controller features a shimmering blue color and was the first special edition to include 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 camo-themed Xbox controller and second during the Xbox Series X|S generation, featured 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
The Lunar Shift controller, released in 2022, was inspired by the "awe-inspiring aura of the moon," with its unique color shifting 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, 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
See it at Walmart
The Arctic Camo controller was 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
See it at GameStop
The first of three "Vapor series" special edition controllers, the 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
See it at GameStop
The Gold Shadow special edition controller was the first new entry in the "Shadow series" since 2017, featuring 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, 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
See it at GameStop
The final entry in the "Vapor series," the Nocturnal Vapor, released in 2024, featured swirling, earthy tones but, interestingly, did 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 fan-favorite transparent controllers reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s made a comeback with the Sky Cipher, released in late 2024, featuring 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 second transparent color in the "Cipher series," the Ghost Cipher special edition controller featured a clear see-through design and a striking gold D-pad. Alongside its announcement, Xbox also revealed that transparent shells were 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 as of this writing is the Pulse Cipher controller, featuring 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 numerous upgrades, including better grips, more customization, and a redesigned D-pad that would inspire future Xbox Wireless Controller updates.
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. If you're interested in 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
See it at Walmart
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
See it at Walmart
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 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 several limited edition controllers 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 option is the Doom: The Dark Ages controller, which was just announced.
Xbox has also ventured into some unconventional choices. In 2022, they 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.
Other noteworthy 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 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. Not only can you customize your perfect controller, but you can also create exclusive designs featuring popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.