Microsoft recently shared a video going through the trove of Xbox One controllers the company has created over the last few years. Anyone who watches our weekly podcast may notice I'm quite the avid collector of these controllers just because some of them really look great.
Since Microsoft is highlighting its work on these gems, I figured I'd share a few of the favorites I've collected over the years.
For the true Gears fan
Xbox Elite Gears of War (Limited Edition)
The Elite controllers are always fun to use as they feel significantly better in hand, offer more customization, and at least, in this case, offer one of the best designs yet.
The Limited-Edition Gears of War controller coincided with the Gears 4 release in late 2016. While it costs $200, the blood-red design with physical claw marks and hidden gems made it a winner. Need more? Go see my full review including video to learn all about it.
(No longer available).
So fresh
Xbox One Sport White
The Sport White controller came out in late 2018. With its pure white military-inspired design, and silver and teal accents, this beauty is perfect for the minimalist gamer. This design screams "fresh," and it is easily one of my favorites.
The freshest of the fresh the Sport White controller is clean with nice accents that just stands out. It's perfect for your home office, or one of those fancy new white laptops to match.
Pure and clean
Xbox One Phantom White
I have both the Phantom Black and Phantom White controllers because you got to get 'em all. Both of these controllers look amazing with their simple color schemes. But it is the half-translucent top half that lets you peek into the controller's innards that makes this stand out. If you like Sport White but can no longer find it, Phantom White is your next best bet.
With its clean aesthetic and partial-translucency this controller is perfect for those who like white and nothing else.
It glows!
Sea of Thieves – Limited Edition
Of all the Xbox One controllers the Sea of Thieves one is easily the best creation yet. It's purple, has some translucency, lots of hidden Easter eggs with minute detail. And those green/blue color blotches? They glow in the dark! Combine it with its matching (but optional) recharge stand, and this the pinnacle of design and customization.
You can still find this beauty online, but it now fetches $300 without the stand.
The Sea of Thieves Limited Edition controller is arguably the best Microsoft has ever created. It glows, it has a ton of detail, and it just looks wild. Too bad you'll have to pay a lot to get one now!
Oldie but goodie
Titanfall
The Titanfall (2015) special edition controller was Microsoft's first foray into custom hardware for its new Xbox One. The color palette on this one, with orange, black, and white, looks awesome and like nothing Microsoft has created since. The good news is you can still pick this up if you want one.
The is the OG of Xbox One custom controllers. Based off the game Titanfall it has a fresh color scheme and design that looks part racer and part of the future. Just awesome.
Over to you ...
Which is your favorite? If you need to see more, don't forget our running guide of all the 54 different Xbox One controllers (so far). And if you don't like any of these, you can always make your own using Microsoft's Design Lab.
