Since they launched on November 10, 2020, the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X have become quite the mainstay in many a player’s home. However, with either console either being styled as simple White and Black, those looking to make a bit more of a fashion statement have had to turn to an alternate colour Xbox Series controller. That’s right, not even global stock shortages have prevented Microsoft from treating fans to a litany of special editions in an effort to entice eyes.
Are you curious as to what Xbox Series controllers Microsoft has released thus far? We wouldn’t blame you, because whilst it had been a slow drip of limited-edition gamepads in 2022, in 2023 Xbox can't seem to stop. Below you’ll find a complete list of Xbox Series X controllers released since the consoles launch – exclusively the ones either sold at retail or as part of a bundle. Sorry, no Pringle or Space Jam-themed gamepads here… Instead we’ve focused on the best Xbox controllers you can actually buy right now.
Release date: November 10, 2020
The bog-standard Carbon Black Xbox Series X controller is available to purchase separately, but the typical controller you’ll receive when picking up an Xbox Series X console. Both this and the console itself are a match made in heaven, utilising a matte black colour tone that looks sleek, stylish, and won’t look worn over time. It’s a reliable choice of gamepad for Xbox players; it’s not much of a fashion statement though.
Release date: November 10, 2020
The Xbox controller that comes bundled with the Xbox Series S as standard, the Robot White Xbox controller is a noticeably neutral gamepad choice. Much like the Carbon Black Xbox Series X controller it uses the four typical face button colours, acting as a good contrast to the deep white tone. The texture for the Robot White Xbox Series X controller is similarly matte, too, ensuring comfort and a premium feel. It’s purchasable separately in addition to the Series S console bundle
Release date: November 10, 2020
The very first coloured Xbox Series X controller SKU released separately from any console bundle was Shock Blue. It hews much closer to a Navy tone we’d say, overall, giving launch-day Xbox Series X and S purchasers a glitzier option when wanting to grab a gamepad ideal for Player 2. The face and back are coated in the Shock Blue tone, while the bumper triggers offer a nice contrast being deep black. This perfectly matches the D-pad’s muted tone, while the thumb sticks stick with Shock Blue. Overall, it’s not particularly shocking how attractive the Shock Blue controller looks.
Release date: February 9, 2021
It’s almost an unspoken rule within the realm of special edition controllers, but where Blue comes Red swiftly follows. That was certainly the case in February of 2021 when Microsoft released as a standalone product the Xbox Series X Pulse Red controller. It’s essentially a palette swap for the Shock Blue controller before it, featuring red face buttons and red thumb sticks, while the bumper triggers are coated black the same as the circular D-pad. With the Xbox Series X Pulse Red controller in hand, you’re sure to be playing with fire.
Release date: April 27, 2021
From fire to electricity, just two months after the Pulse Red controller’s arrival came the Xbox Series X Electric Volt controller. It uses essentially the same colour method as the other controller variants released thus far, featuring an almost highlighter pen yellow shade on both the back and front, as well as for the face buttons and thumb sticks. The back bumper triggers, though, take after the D-Pad’s black tone. The Xbox Series X Electric Volt controller certainly grabs the attention thanks to its overall vibrancy.
Release date: May 4, 2021
Camo patterns were an aesthetic mainstay back during the Xbox One era, so it was only a matter of time before Microsoft released a similar edition for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S players. The Xbox Series X Daystrike Camo controller should suit every player’s stealthy or militaristic exploits, using a mix of red, brown, and blackish patterns. A big change came from how the bumper triggers and shoulder buttons were fully textured, unlike even the previous Pule Red controller that came before.
Release date: August 31, 2021
Sporting a colour-shifting blue shimmer that catches the light quite spectacularly with every turn of the hand, the appropriately named Aqua Shift Xbox Series X controller makes a statement. It’s the first controller of the Xbox Series era to include rubberised grips as opposed to the typically matte texture seen in previous designs. Even the circular D-pad matches the deeper blue tone seen in the thumb sticks and face buttons, tying to together the entire calming aesthetic.
Xbox Wireless Controller - Aqua Shift
Release date: November 8, 2021
The Forza Horizon 5 special edition gamepad that released alongside the game is very much the marmite of Xbox Series X controllers. The bulk of the controller touts a translucent yellow design that lets you see inside its innards (reminiscent of classic handheld and home consoles) while the splash of luminous blue and purple featured on the lower right is designed to mimic “the powder fireworks that go off throughout the day at the in-game Horizon Festival,” according to the official Xbox Wire news post. The Xbox Series X Forza Horizon 5 controller even came with a code for DLC within the game.
Release date: November 15, 2021
Those who wanted to celebrate the arrival of Halo: Infinite could push the boat out by picking u the first ever limited-edition Xbox Series X. It of course came packed with an accompanying Halo Infinite Xbox Series X controller, which sports a cool steel-black design reminiscent of a Spartan soldier’s armour. The main black tone is accompanied by grey colours across the faceplate, which makes a serious impression thanks to the minimal gold accenting. It was only available as part of the Halo Infinite Xbox Series X console bundle, so we’re sadly unlikely to see it sold new again any time soon.
Release date: November 15, 2021
Microsoft decided to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the brand and the original Xbox with a 20th anniversary edition Xbox Series X controller, purchasable as an entirely standalone product. The controller is translucent, much like the Forza Horizon 5 special edition, using green grips on the back of the controller and the main Xbox power button. It’s been purposefully designed to evoke memories of that original chunky Xbox console, forgoing the classic “Duke” design for the modern ergonomic template.
Xbox Series X | S Wireless Controller - 20th Anniversary Special Edition
Release date: November 15, 2021
While not the first second-generation Elite Xbox controller, this battle-worn design pays excellent tribute to Master Chief himself and is an ideal companion to devout Halo Infinite players. It comes complete with a hard-shell case, braided cable, and charge dock, ensuring that Spartans never need stop playing. It’s fully configurable and adjustable just like the typical Xbox Series X Elite Series 2 controller, thanks to the inclusion of swappable thumb sticks, hair-trigger locks, an interchangeable D-pad and more. It also feels weighty in the hands to really hammer home the premium quality.
Xbox Wireless Elite Controller Series 2 - Halo Infinite Limited Edition
Release date: September 21, 2022
A more affordable (yet equally stylish) version of Microsoft’s premium gamepad? Sounds good to us, as it should to everyone, thanks to the Xbox Series X Core (White) Elite Series 2 controller. It packs in the same adjustable-tension thumb sticks, hair-trigger locks, and rubberised grip, yet now the entry price to “play like a pro” is much more palatable £114.99 RRP. Tying the Core White Elite Series 2 controller all together is a cool selection of black, grey, and white tones, ensuring a premium look. It might lack the hard shell case, swappable D-pad, back paddles, and charge dock, but it’s a sold pro controller option.
Release date: September 27, 2022
Taking heavy influence from the Daystrike Camo option, the Mineral Camo Xbox Series X controller comes coated in a various collection of blues in addition to the expected splash camo pattern. It’s a relatively new addition to Microsoft’s special edition gamepad lineup, meaning purchasers get to enjoy the textured triggers and bumpers that the launch controller designs never had. The Mineral Camo is a natural yin to the Daystrike Camo’s yang, and another distinct Blue controller option.
Release date: October 25, 2022
While we can’t confirm that the Xbox Series X Lunar Shift controller is actually made of moon rock, we imagine it comes pretty close. This is the latest special edition gamepad released by Microsoft, sporting rubberised swirl side grips, textured triggers and bumpers, in addition to the typical hybrid circular D-pad. It offers players the same shimmering effect as seen in the blue-hewed Aqua Shift gamepad, although the back of the pad is nicely contrasted in traditional black. Overall. the Lunar Shift is an ideal choice for anyone craving a slightly more pared back design.
Release date: January 31st 2023 (UK), May 17, 2022 (US)
Finally, a gamepad design and colour tone ideal for all the Barbie fans out there. In all seriousness, the Deep Pink Xbox Series X controller is an attractive design and definitely catches the eye, using a glitzy pink to match the style of earlier bold colours such as Pulse Red, Shock Blue, and Electric Volt. Again, contrasting the Deep Pink found on the thumb sticks and front faceplate, the triggers, bumpers and D-pad are black to break the scheme up. Originally this colourway is exclusive to the USA released back in May of last year, but thankfully Microsoft has released this vibrant colourway in the UK and you can now pick one up.
Release date: February 7th 2023
If you're a fan of galactic-themed controllers the Stellar Shift might be right up your alley. A really gorgeous metallic blue and purple shimmer across the front of the controller is complemented by rubberised purple swirl grips. These grips are the stand-out part of this controller as it's the first time we've seen that design. Dark buttons really pop with the purple accenting here and overall this controller is just a great pick as long as you like the colour purple.
Release date: March 7th 2023
In 2023 it looks like Microsoft is bringing a controller every month, and what screams Xbox more than green? The Velocity Green controller most certainly pops and makes a big statement with its extremely bright green faceplate, buttons and thumbsticks contrasted with black triggers and a white back plate. Surprisingly this is actually the first official Xbox Wireless Controller to feature an entirely green colour scheme with no other branding or patterns. As a result of this controller matching up well with the GamingDeals brand colours we think it's one we could definitely do with for the office. As Xbox said with this controller you will always be able to "touch grass" even when you're gaming.
Release date: April 18th 2023
Here we have the first Xbox Wireless model controllers to be made from recycled parts. The Remix special edition takes part from old controller models, grinding them up and mixing them to create this new controller. All this has created a new custom earth tone-inspired pad, considering the nature of its design the controller looks really fresh and is a more sustainable option. Different shades of matte greens really fit the sustainable theme here as well as greys and dark blues. The swirls and patterns seen on the bumpers and texture grips are individual to each controller meaning each Remix special edition is unique!
The Xbox Wireless Controller Remix Special Edition also always comes with a rechargeable battery pack + USB-C charging cable.
Release date: May 9th 2023
Summer is approaching at this point so looks like Xbox want to celebrate with the release of the Sunkissed Vibes OPI Special Edition Xbox controller. This controller definitely accomplishes the task of capturing the summer theme with its bright pastel colours looking gorgeous and contrasting really well. An orange body with a light blue back is really quite unique and this colourway definitely stands out compared to previous special editions of this controller model.
This controller is actually inspired by the Make the Rules collection from the beauty brand OPI (thus the name). This collab makes sense when you want to make a controller that embraces Summer through colour and design. Another special edition controller here so don't miss out on the limited stock.
Release date: June 11th 2023
Xbox's biggest release of the year Starfield is coming September 6th 2023 and to celebrate this they've dropped both a limited edition controller and headset. The controller is already available and stock has stayed strong but this one is certainly selling well.
The design sees a white base with Starfield-themed branding and text giving it that Sci-Fi feel as well as a gold metallic D-Pad that stands out. The back of the controller is a burgundy red with the Constellation logo which we will see plenty during the game. Overall a great-looking controller that really matches the game's theme and only enhances the hype for an already extremely anticipated Bethesda RPG. Are you picking up Starfield and/or it's themed accessories? Let us know in the comments.
Release Date: August 8th
The final controller to close out the Summer for Xbox is the Stormcloud Vapor special edition, an entirely new colourway with no brand or game affiliation. One of the cooler aspects of this controller's design is that the swirling patterns adorning the controller are unique, meaning no two controllers in this colourway are the same. The general patterns see heavy swirls of different shades of blues entwined to give off the effect of a storm cloud. Rubberised grips on this one are also blue with a diamond pattern across them. The triggers and the back of the controller are in a darker solid blue.
Strong one to see out the Summer especially if you're in the UK where storm clouds have been plentiful as of late.
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