If there's one console manufacturer that truly understands the importance of customization and color variety in its controllers, it's Xbox. For over a decade, Xbox has consistently released a diverse array 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 quite meet your expectations, Xbox Design Lab provides the ultimate playground for you 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. The good news? Your Xbox One controllers are fully compatible with Xbox Series X|S, and vice versa. If you're wondering just how many official controllers Xbox has released since the Series X|S era began, look no further. Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every Xbox controller color by release date, including standard, special edition, and limited edition options.
For those seeking alternatives, be sure to check out our guide on the best Xbox controllers available.
All Xbox Controller Colors by Release Date
Carbon Black Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released November 10, 2020### Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black)
3See it at Amazon
The Carbon Black controller, released alongside the Xbox Series X in 2020, features a slightly redesigned layout with a new Share button, hybrid D-pad, and textured grips and triggers.
Robot White Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released November 10, 2020### Xbox Wireless Controller (Robot White)
2See it at Amazon
Launched with the Xbox Series S in 2020, the Robot White controller mirrors the functionality of its Series X counterpart but stands out with its crisp white color.
Shock Blue Xbox Controller
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Released November 10, 2020### Xbox Wireless Controller (Shock Blue)
4See it at Amazon
Completing the initial trio of controller colors for the Xbox Series X|S, the Shock Blue controller was the first splash of color available for the new generation.
Pulse Red Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 9, 2021
Released February 9, 2021### Xbox Wireless Controller (Pulse Red)
8See it at Amazon
Just before Valentine's Day 2021, the Pulse Red Xbox controller hit the market, offering a bold, vibrant red option perfect for gifting.
Electric Volt Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 27, 2021
Released April 27, 2021### Xbox Wireless Controller (Electric Volt)
2See it at Amazon
The Electric Volt controller, with its striking neon green hue reminiscent of a highlighter, made a bold statement in April 2021.
Deep Pink Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 17, 2022
Released May 17, 2022### Xbox Wireless Controller (Deep Pink)
1See it at Amazon
The Deep Pink Xbox controller, released in 2022, brought a vibrant pink color with matching buttons to the lineup.
Velocity Green Xbox Controller
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Released March 7, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Velocity Green)
4See it at Amazon
Launched and announced on the same day in 2023, the Velocity Green controller marked the first time Xbox 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
Released October 3, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Astral Purple)
6See it at Amazon
The Astral Purple controller, released nearly two years ago, offers a rich purple color that closely resembles the 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 over the years. While some can be recreated through Xbox Design Lab, retail versions may be available only through third-party resellers or refurbished models.
Daystrike Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 4, 2021
Released May 4, 2021### Xbox Wireless Controller (Daystrike Camo Special Edition)
7See it at Walmart
The Daystrike Camo controller, the first camo option for the Xbox Series X|S generation, debuted in 2021 with a striking red camo pattern and deep red matching buttons.
Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 31, 2021
Released August 31, 2021### Xbox Wireless Controller (Aqua Shift Special Edition)
4See it at Walmart
The Aqua Shift controller, the inaugural entry in the "Shift series," boasts 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### Xbox Wireless Controller (Mineral Camo Special Edition)
1See it at Walmart
The Mineral Camo controller, the second camo-themed option during the Xbox Series X|S generation, features a unique blend of blues, purples, and teals.
Lunar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Released October 11, 2022### Xbox Wireless Controller (Lunar Shift Special Edition)
4See it at Verizon
Inspired by the "awe-inspiring aura of the moon," the Lunar Shift controller shifts from gold to silver, offering a unique aesthetic.
Stellar Shift Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: February 7, 2023
Released February 7, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Stellar Shift Special Edition)
4See it at GameStop
The final entry in the Shift series, the Stellar Shift controller, features a mesmerizing blue-purple color evoking "deep space vibes" and includes a special dynamic background for your Xbox console.
Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: May 2023
Released May 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Arctic Camo Special Edition)
3See it at Walmart
A re-release of an Xbox One version, the Arctic Camo controller updated for the Xbox Series X|S era, was quietly released in the US in 2023 and later globally in 2024.
Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: August 8, 2023
Released August 8, 2023### Xbox Wireless Controller (Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition)
4See it at GameStop
The first of the "Vapor series," the Stormcloud Vapor controller showcases 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### Xbox Wireless Controller (Gold Shadow Special Edition)
2See 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### Xbox Wireless Controller (Dream Vapor Special Edition)
4See 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 when paired with your Xbox. Additionally, Xbox added the Vapor series to Xbox Design Lab for more customization options.
Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition Xbox Controller
Release Date: April 9, 2024
Released April 9, 2024### Xbox Wireless Controller (Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition)
3See it at GameStop
The Nocturnal Vapor controller, the final entry in the "Vapor series," 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### Xbox Wireless Controller (Sky Cipher Special Edition)
3See it at Amazon
The Sky Cipher controller, reminiscent of the transparent designs of 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### Xbox Wireless Controller (Ghost Cipher Special Edition)
3See it at Amazon
The Ghost Cipher controller, the second transparent color 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### Xbox Wireless Controller (Pulse Cipher Special Edition)
4See it at Amazon
The Pulse Cipher controller, the latest special edition Xbox 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### Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 (Black)
2See it at Amazon
Released a year before the Xbox Series X|S, the second edition of the Xbox Elite controller introduced upgrades like better grips, enhanced customization, and a redesigned D-pad that influenced future Xbox Wireless Controller designs.
White Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: September 21, 2022
Released September 21, 2022### Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 - Core (White)
2See it at Target
The Elite Core controller, released in 2022 as a more affordable option, features the same design as the standard Elite Series 2 but includes only the thumbstick adjustment tool. Additional customizable parts are available through a Complete Component Pack from Microsoft for $60.
Red Xbox Elite Core Controller
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Released March 28, 2023### Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 - Core (Red)
1See it at Walmart
Launched in 2023, the Red 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### Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 - Core (Blue)
2See it at Walmart
Released alongside the Red Elite Core controller, the Blue Elite Core controller boasts a blue faceplate, matching buttons, and black grips.
Limited Edition Xbox Controllers
Out April 30### Xbox Wireless Controller - Doom: The Dark Ages Limited Edition
5See it at Amazon
For those who crave something unique, Xbox offers limited edition controllers. Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, limited edition options have included designs 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.
Xbox has also ventured into more unconventional designs, such as the furry Sonic-themed controllers from a 2022 sweepstakes to promote Sonic 2, and the cheekily designed Deadpool & Wolverine controllers featuring the characters' literal butts on the back.
Other notable releases include an environmentally-friendly 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 stirred controversy due to its poorly-timed tagline.
The most significant announcement during the Series X|S generation has been the return of Xbox Design Lab in 2021, allowing gamers to create personalized controllers and even incorporate designs from popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty.
