Since the Xbox One debut, Microsoft has launched an array of unique and stylish Xbox One controllers. While the standard issue gamepad gets the job done, designs based on franchises, patterns, and aesthetics make it easy to find one that truly expresses you. We've rounded up every controller available for Xbox One so far and where to find them.
In with the new
Microsoft's premium controller just secured a considerable upgrade, now rocking adjustable-tension thumbsticks, improved triggers, rechargeable batteries, and a wireless charging dock. The best Xbox controller gets better, with preorders now open ahead of November.
City souvenir
Commemorating Cyberpunk 2077 via a limited-edition design, this controller takes inspiration from Johnny Silverhand, played by Keanu Reeves. The design features an asymmetric fusion of cybernetic metal paneling and matte black but already fetches a high markup.
Cool and clean
The arctic camouflage returns with a new look, featuring white and grey patterning supporting a modern covert look. The design now also features translucent sections, providing a glimpse into the underbody below.
Pretty in pink
Microsoft continues its line of translucent controllers with its Phantom Magenta release, defined by a dark pink casing fading into black, coupled with metallic undertones.
Night operations
Returning to the mellow tones of Midnight Forces, this revised design features the same military-inspired angular camouflage in a deep blue colorway. The pattern hits the third-generation silhouette and the accompanying benefits.
London souvenir
Microsoft marked its X019 conference with a custom "Aquabrush" print, merging a traditional lizard-brushstroke camouflage with iconic London landmarks. Designed in collaboration with maharishi's DPM Studio, this exclusive controller is limited to just 1,000 units.
Going dark
This blend of black, gray, and metallic gold assembles a contemporary spin on military camouflage. It revives Microsoft's textured triggers, which debuted with PUBG, alongside other hallmarks of modern gamepads.
Sky blue
Cooking up another colorway under the range, Sport Blue offers a mellow flavor of the angular controller. The same linework and detailing translate from past designs, topped with a rubberized diamond finish.
Cold metal
Microsoft honors the fifth of its gritty shooter series, inspired by new protagonist Kait Diaz. Presenting a snow-weathered finish upon heavyweight COG armor, the design fully embodies the lead of Gears 5.
Droppin' in
Marking the battle royale phenomenon, grab this design exclusively under the Xbox One S Fortnite Battle Royale Special Edition Bundle. The deep purple finish mirrors its accompanying console with exclusive Fortnite rewards, slated for a standalone debut this September too.
Strikingly pure
The Phantom White controller puts a minimal spin on Microsoft's ghostly translucent controller. Its exposed internals transition to pure white, with a textured grip on the rear.
Cherry red
The vibrant Sport Red controller never fails to catch your eye. The deep color is framed with sharp metallic linework and presented with a rubberized diamond finish.
Winner winner
The PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) Xbox controller embodies the unforgiving chaos of hit last-man-standing shooters. Its distressed metallic finish pairs with battle royale references, lined with textured grips and exclusive grippy triggers.
Under the hood
The Phantom Black controller features one of Microsoft's more unique designs, comprised of a blend of black and champagne gold. Its translucent plastic uncovers its internals, while a rugged textured grip keeps your hands firm on the trigger.
New look
The White Elite controller is among Microsoft's sleekest yet, reviving its top-tier controller after three years. Now draped in white with silver accents, it's a welcomed alternative to the stock black.
Muted tones
Another simple colorway returns with the Gray/Blue design, blending dark gray, light gray, and blue accents into a single controller. This controller once again packs Microsoft's textured back, keeping your grip firm over previous controllers.
Armed and ready
Delivering a modern take on a classic design, the Armed Forces II Special Edition revives the same angular lozenge camouflage of its predecessors. This military-inspired aesthetic has been explored multiple times, though this latest revision brings the benefits of the third-generation feature set.
Pearly white
Bearing similarities to the "Tech" line, this Sport White special edition controller is one of Microsoft's sleekest yet. Its clean white military-inspired design is paired accompanying mint and silver accents, while the rubberized diamond finish helps you maintain grip.
Future warfare
Combat Tech is the latest entry in the "Tech" line of Xbox One controllers, featuring a sleek look embracing a dark military green. Featuring the signature diamond grip, icons embossed down the center and matching accents; this controller fully embraces military design.
Pirate's treasure
This Xbox One controller takes inspiration from Sea of Thieves, Microsoft's pirate-themed adventure title. With a sleek nautical design plucked from the depths, it features a translucent purple casing etched in barnacles, a gold trigger, and a glow in a dark skull. However, this limited edition piece now fetches a high price.
For the fans
Microsoft first formally discussed the Xbox One X at E3 2016 under its "Project Scorpio" codename. While the codename has since been dropped, the "Project Scorpio Edition" console and controller bundle pays homage with its unique branding. Unfortunately, you can only get it used nowadays.
Keep your distance
This Creeper design is a one of a pair of Minecraft controllers designed around the game's iconic foe. On the front, you'll find the Creeper's face, reconstructed in a subtle, yet identifiable tile pattern.
Porky pal
Minecraft fans also have the choice of the limited edition Pig controller based on everyone's favorite animal friend. Like the Creeper controller, the Minecraft Pig design features the pig face on the front of the controller in a tiled pattern.
Hot hands
The Volcano Shadow controller offers a fiery twist to the "shadow" line of designs with a black gradient descending into a metallic orange base. Characterized by its shifting colors, black buttons, and red accents, you won't find a controller hotter than this.
Covert
Inspired by modern military forces, the Patrol Tech Xbox One controller offers a utilitarian design with a sleek finish. Complementing its dark blue faceplate, the Patrol Tech controller features a rubberized, etched diamond grip and three stacked icons down the center.
Light and easy
This controller offers a simple yet striking colorway, blending a two-tone gray design with subtle green highlights. While soft gray makes up a majority of the controller, bright green accents lay hidden underneath the two thumbsticks.
Monochromatic
As the first of the "Tech" line of controllers, Recon Tech established the sharp, modern design used across future entries. Defining aspects of the controller are its warm grey base color, a diamond grip etched in gold, and three minimalistic icons down the center.
Going wavy
The Ocean Shadow controller features a metallic blue merging into a rich black. Complemented by black buttons highlighted with blue accents, the controller offers a simple yet distinct look.
Sub-zero
The Winter Forces Xbox One controller is draped in a lozenge camouflage, comprised of various polygonal shapes. Taking advantage of clean whites and lighter grays, this controller is perfect for any arctic operation.
Primed for combat
This controller comes in dark military green, with matching buttons, thumbsticks and triggers. Hidden underneath the thumbsticks are sharp neon orange highlights, contrasting with the main body.
Royal red
For those that want something simple, yet striking, nothing beats the red Xbox One controller. With a red front and a darker tone on the rear, this controller is a fit alternative to the standard black or white colorways.
Bright and bold
Like its red alternative, this Xbox One controller comes in a bright blue. On the front, you'll be getting a vibrant flat blue, while the back and accents rock a darker tone.
The rising sun
The Dawn Shadow Xbox One controller embraces an eye-catching metallic magenta rising into to matte black finish. Having sold fast at launch and since being discontinued, the remaining stock can be hard to come by.
Tools of war
Coinciding with the launch of Battlefield 1, Electronic Arts' brutal First World War shooter, a special edition Xbox One S bundle hit the market. Packing a unique military green 1TB console, a matching controller, and a copy of Battlefield 1, the bundle proved the best way to experience the game on Xbox One.
Ocean waves
Shortly after the launch of the Xbox One S, a 500 GB variant of the console was released in "Deep Blue" across select regions. Packaged alongside Battlefield 1, Gears of War, or FIFA 17, this was the only way to obtain a "Deep Blue" Xbox One controller.
Grayscale
Like the Deep Blue console, a "Storm Grey" variant of the 500 GB console was available in select regions. Included in this bundle was a Storm Grey console, matching all-grey controller, and a copy of Battlefield 1 or FIFA 17.
Scarred
The Crimson Omen controller was one part of controller duo, based on Microsoft's Gears of War shooter series. Celebrating the game's fourth main installment, this controller reflected its brutal universe, etched with lasers, and painted with a gritty design.
Armored up
The second controller in the Gears of War 4 series opted for a grey and blue color scheme based on the game's protagonist, JD Fenix. With a rustic form similarly styled to Fenix's armor, this controller is a must-buy for any Gears fan. Unfortunately, you can only find it used.
War torn
Microsoft raised the bar for special edition peripherals with this Gears of War Elite controller. Etched with lasers, brutal battle scars, and several layers of detail, this Gears of War Elite truly captures the aesthetic of the universe itself. These are near impossible to find today, with a high price tag too.
Back to black
Microsoft's third-generation spin on its black controllers now ships alongside Xbox One X consoles. With sleek new shell and features, it brings subtle refinements device-wide.
Pure
First launched alongside the Xbox One S, Microsoft's third-generation brings a refined design and Bluetooth compatibility. This pure white design is now the essential staple of consoles worldwide.
Winding down
Taking influence from the skies, the Dusk Shadow controller offers a deep metallic blue, slowly descending into a matte black finish. The controller also features black thumbsticks and buttons, with blue highlights on A, B, X, and Y. You can find it used for a reasonable price on Amazon.
Heavy metal
In contrast to its Dusk Shadow partner, this controller features a metallic copper and black finish, bound to grab attention. Black thumbsticks and buttons are also included, with stylish copper highlights on A, B, X, and Y.
The icon
Marking the release of Halo 5: Guardians, Microsoft released two limited-run controllers, designed around the game's main characters. One of these captures the series' most iconic figure, the Master Chief, with a green and gold design mimicking his unique armor.
Spartan of steel
The second controller within the Halo 5: Guardians line is inspired by Spartan Locke, the Master Chief's primary foe throughout the game. Designed to replicate gunmetal plating with blue highlights, the controller fully captures the styling of the character's armor.
Play like a pro
Microsoft's first premium Xbox controller packs unmissable features for hardcore gamers. Rear paddles, configurable thumbsticks, and hair-trigger locks are among its signature features, wrapped in a weighty metallic shell.
Undercover
Covered by lozenge camouflage in an iconic military green, the Armed Forces controller perfectly captures military operations. With a design made of angular polygons, the controller offers a unique blend of sharp, modern geometry and the natural feel of the wilderness.
Intergalactic
The Lunar White Xbox One controller provides one of the best premium designs to date, embracing a space-age aesthetic of white, black, and gold. While the matte white finish and black highlights make for a sleek design, the gold directional pad and triggers provide a look out of this world.
Full throttle
Marking the launch of Forza Motorsport 6, 2015's entry to Microsoft's racing franchise, a special edition controller was released. Its dark navy color scheme is layered with dual racing stripes, and two silver triggers on the rear.
Tactical gaming
Take part in only the most clandestine operations with the Covert Forces controller, which features a dark camouflage design. This controller was the first of the second-generation controllers, debuting the 3.5 mm headphone jack for stereo audio and voice chat.
Night operations
The Midnight Forces controller offers a nocturnal take on the original camouflage design, embracing blues and blacks in a darker theme. This controller also features black analog sticks and a metallic directional pad.
Battle hardened
Paired with the launch of Call of Duty Advanced Warfare, this special edition is the only official Xbox One console based on the world-famous shooter franchise.
Blank slate
With the release of Sunset Overdrive, Microsoft released a special edition Xbox One console, offering the first widely-available design since the console's launch. Alongside a white console, a matching controller was also produced, available exclusively through bundles.
Blend in
Classic camouflage made its arrival on Xbox One with this controller, delivering the first patterned design in the range. With a clean lozenge design, the controller rocks an array of green polygons to keep you hidden from foes. This controller is based on the first revision of the Xbox One controller. However, a similar updated model is available through the "Armed Forces" design.
Eastern exclusive
After a lengthy console ban, the Xbox One was the country's first official console in 14 years. Commemorating its arrival, a "China Day One" bundle was released, featuring a 500 GB console and a branded controller. This controller is especially hard to find, with most units residing in China.
Prepare to drop
This controller was the first special edition Xbox One controller, tying into the release of Respawn's Xbox-exclusive shooter, Titanfall. Designed around the game's near-future technology, the controller embraces a clean white and orange color scheme of the Frontier.
"I Made This"
Celebrating the efforts of the Xbox One team, a limited-run console was distributed to select Microsoft employees. With "I Made This, Launch Team 2013" printed on the console and controller, few Xbox collectibles are as rare as this. Just don't expect to get one, unless you're willing to drop several hundred dollars.
Early bird
Kicking off the launch of Xbox One, the special edition "Day One" edition of the controller was issued. While a similar design to the standard first-generation Xbox One controller, the Day One controller was defined by its "Day One 2013" branding in the center. This controller was only available as a part of the Day One console bundle available on launch day.
Xbox origins
The simple black controller is where it all started. While a dated feature-set today, its 2013 debut refined the Xbox 360 controller with a new silhouette and ergonomic improvements.
Which one will you choose?
Given the limited-time nature of many Xbox One controllers, some can fetch high prices once discontinued. Some on this list might only be available used (so buy with caution) or might not be available at all.
It makes the latest controller designs recommended for most, fixed near their retail value. The Phantom Magenta controller is among the most unique yet, while the Cyberpunk 2077 controller also features a distinct design, based on the upcoming RPG.
However, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 remains its top-tier offering, packing great features into an unrivaled package. For frequent gamers, don't miss out on this heavyweight beast.
