Fallout fans are in for a treat this Christmas. Not only is the Fallout TV series' 2nd season set to debut on December 17, 2025, but Xbox Design Labs has also unveiled a couple of new Xbox controllers themed after the Fallout franchise.

👉How to watch Fallout Season 2

These are the Fallout Pip-Boy Xbox Wireless Controller and Fallout Pip-Boy Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Controllers, both of which are now available at the Xbox Store.

Here's everything you need to know about these custom Xbox controllers.

Fallout Pip-Boy Xbox controllers: Release date and price

The Fallout Pip-Boy Xbox controllers are essentially Xbox Wireless Controllers and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Controllers outfitted with metallic triggers and a metallic D-Pad.

They also feature a shell casing inspired by the health status screen you see when within the Pip-Boy, an iconic device from the Fallout franchise that players use to track their health, inventory, maps, quest objectives, and turn on the radio to drown the silence of the post-apocalyptic wasteland.

Aside from that, they function identically to the regular Xbox Wireless and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 controllers, complete with the same high-quality controls, ergonomics, and build quality that earned them their top spots in our best Xbox controllers list.

In addition, the Fallout Pip-Boy Xbox controllers feature their regular counterparts' Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity so they can pair up with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, iOS, Android, and Cloud device platforms.

Plus, they have dedicated share buttons so you can capture screenshots and record gameplay clips.

There are currently three versions of the Pipboy controller:

1. Standard Xbox wireless edition for $82.97 from the Microsoft Store

2. Standard but customizable from the Xbox Design Lab starting at $88.96

3. Elite and customizable, also from the Xbox Design Lab, starting at $179.07

To make things a bit more confusing, Microsoft has some lower prices listed for the Xbox Design Labs version, but the prices we have above and below are what's actually reflected in your cart during checkout.

Do note that these are PREORDERS with controllers shipping on December 16, 2025, at 12:00 AM.

BONUS: Fallout Game Deals

On September 24, 2025, Xbox Design Lab debuted a design for Xbox Series X|S controllers themed after Ninja Gaiden 4, the long-overdue 4th mainline entry in the Ninja Gaiden franchise (via Xbox Wire).

These slick designs incorporate elements of Ninja Gaiden 4’s main characters, Ryu Hayabusa and Yakumo, to form a stylish appearance that is sure to give Ninja Gaiden players a massive confidence boost when taking on this upcoming Xbox title’s lethal death traps and insanely challenging, demonic bosses.

Here’s everything you need to know about this controller.

The Xbox Design Lab Ninja Gaiden 4 Xbox controller comes in one of two forms: Xbox Wireless Controller – Ninja Gaiden 4, and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Ninja Gaiden 4.

Each controller’s top casing is outfitted with an artistic design that blends Ryu Hayabusa’s legendary Red Dragon Katana and new protagonist Yakumo’s blue-handled katana with Yakumo’s Oni mask in the middle to create a striking, manga print-inspired image.

You aren’t just limited to the default designs, either as Xbox Design Lab will let you customize each controller’s button styles and color scheme to accentuate the red and blue textured side grips.

You can even upgrade these controllers with extra add-ons like metallic triggers and D-Pad, rubberized side and back grips, and free 3D-printed adaptive thumbstick topper files.

On top of that, the Ninja Gaiden 4 Xbox controllers feature Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth, which will allow you to connect them to an Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, iOS, Android, or a cloud device with relative ease.

As a bonus, the Xbox Ninja Gaiden 4 Xbox controllers have a dedicated share button so you can take pictures and video recordings of your most epic moments or brutal boss kills of your Ninja Gaiden 4 playthrough.

The Elite Series 2 variant of the Ninja Gaiden 4 Xbox controller is packed with special features you won’t find on a regular Xbox controller. These include shorter hair trigger locks, wrap-around rubberized grips, and adjustable-tension thumbsticks so you can make more precise movements, headshots, and combo attacks with little to no input while you’re slicing and dicing enemies in-game.

You can also customize the Ninja Gaiden 4 Elite Series 2 Xbox Controller with back paddles so you can have buttons to execute shortcut actions for normally complicated maneuvers to make your gaming life easier.

The controller also includes a dedicated middle button, which lets you swap custom button profiles in an instant, and a 3.5mm jack so you can plug in gaming headphones and listen to Ninja Gaiden 4’s electrifying soundtrack.

Never fail to cut down a demon again with Xbox Design Lab’s Ninja Gaiden 4 Xbox controller

Never fail to cut down a demon again with Xbox Design Lab’s Ninja Gaiden 4 Xbox controller

Xbox Design Lab’s Ninja Gaiden 4 Xbox controllers are now available for purchase at the official website, with the Ninja Gaiden 4 Xbox Wireless Controller costing $94.98 at retail, while the Ninja Gaiden 4 Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 has an MSRP of $184.98.

I gotta say, these controller designs by Xbox Design Lab look really cool and are a must-have for Ninja Gaiden fans on Xbox, regardless of whether they’re a franchise veteran or a newcomer.

I belong in the latter category as I have only recently gotten into the series after beating the excellent Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, and have been looking forward to playing Ninja Gaiden 4 after reading my colleague, Samuel Tolbert’s, hands-on preview with the game.

Ninja Gaiden 4 is looking to be the series’ epic comeback after being gone for over a decade, with a brutal, bloody combat system rife with complexity, a giant arsenal of deadly weapons to use, insanely challenging enemies to battle, and multiple difficulty options to make it accommodating for newcomers to the Ninja Gaiden franchise.

It’s set to launch on October 21, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation 5, and PC via Windows and Steam, and I can’t wait to play it with a Ninja Gaiden 4-themed version of one of the best Xbox controllers.

Well, that was unexpected.

After writing an article just a few hours ago complaining that the Xbox Design Lab was offline for over a half a year with no real explanation, Microsoft just announced on X with a slick trailer that it has fully returned.

For those who don't know, the Xbox Design Lab is a website store that lets you customize Xbox controllers with all sorts of features, textures, colors, and even skins.

The Xbox Design Lab has been a popular addition to the overall Xbox ecosystem since it launched, and I have used it personally to buy gifts for friends and family many 'a time over the years. It's now fully live again in all the regions it was available in previously, complete with a couple of new color ways to boot.

Using the Xbox Design Lab, you can build both standard Xbox Series X|S custom controllers as well as Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 models. There are custom skins for both Fallout and Call of Duty available right now, but there's also a range of colored translucent shells which look absolutely fantastic too.

After you've designed your controller, the store calculates the overall price and you can go through to purchasing.

The Xbox Design Lab was previously offline for several months as Microsoft "moved payment processor," which led to speculation that it was either being taken offline eventually or perhaps even being prepared for new upcoming Xbox controllers I previously reported on.

Does it really take several months, over a half a year in fact, to move payment processor? I'm not sure, but whatever the true cause, it's great to see it return in full, especially as a controller junkie.

Will the Xbox Gear Shop return next?

This morning, people began to notice that the Xbox Gear Shop is also offline. The Xbox Gear Shop sells merchandise for the Xbox brand as well as other Microsoft properties, for everything from Minecraft to State of Decay. It's unclear exactly how long it has been offline for, but hopefully it won't be as long as the Xbox Design Lab's lengthy half-year break.

Microsoft has a growing array of merchandising operations under Xbox since it began acquiring other studios. Bethesda, Blizzard, Minecraft, and Microsoft itself all operate different retail arms for all kinds of merchandising opportunities. Whether it's accessories, clothing, gifts, or high-end collectibles. The Blizzard Store is particularly popular, and has warehouses set up across the world for merchandising games like Diablo, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch.

I speculated that Microsoft may be looking to consolidate some of its retail operations into a single entity, but it could also be something as simple as "moving payment processor," although we don't yet have a statement on what's going on with the Xbox Gear Store, nor is there any ETA on the website about how long it'll be down for.

Either way, it's great that the Xbox Design Lab has returned finally. The holiday season is coming up, and custom colored and engraved Xbox controllers are a great gift option for that gamer in your life.

Microsoft is thought to be working on an array of new controllers for its next-gen Xbox hardware ecosystem, which will include a successor console to the high-end Xbox Series X, as well as OEM devices like the upcoming Xbox Ally. Hopefully, we'll see new devices join the Xbox Design Lab in the future. I wouldn't say no to having Xbox consoles themselves in the Xbox Design Lab either.

Have you used the Xbox Design Lab before? Let us know in the comments.

If you're looking to customize your own Xbox controller right now, I've got some bad news, as the Xbox Design Lab is currently down. Naturally, that means that no new orders can be placed at this time.

According to Microsoft, this downtime is because the Xbox Design Lab is being switched to a new payment platform.

It's not clear at this time exactly how long the Xbox Design Lab will be down. Still, it doesn't seem like it's going to be a particularly zippy turnaround, as Microsoft is allowing players to sign up with their email addresses in order to be notified when the Xbox Design Lab is back online in full.

While you can't place a new order at this time, players wanting to test different controller color combinations can still do so right now. The Xbox Design Lab's different customization suites are still functioning, and you can even save a particular design for later.

Similarly, players can still download files for unique thumbstick toppers, which can be 3D-printed and used with the Xbox Adaptive Controller, depending on a user's exact needs.

The Xbox Design Lab has been running for almost a decade

Microsoft first introduced the Xbox Design Lab back in 2016, letting players create a custom controller that wasn't available anywhere else. Notably, players could have a small message etched, making it perfect for adding a Gamertag or a friendly jab to a gift.

Over the years, the company introduced a number of significant improvements to the service, including adding the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 to the customizable lineup. More recently, Microsoft has been adding special shells to commemorate notable Xbox first-party games and events.

In 2024, Fallout-themed controller shells were added to the Xbox Design Lab to celebrate the then-upcoming Fallout TV series. Later in the year, the company added a design for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, memorializing the first Call of Duty game to launch day one into Xbox Game Pass.

What future improvements could come to the Xbox Design Lab?

It'll be interesting what sorts of improvements come to the Xbox Design Lab in the months and years ahead.

Custom console colors have been widely requested by the Xbox community, and this item was even discussed in Xbox plans that leaked back in 2023 as part of the Microsoft vs. FTC court hearing.

These plans were outdated when they leaked, a fact emphasized by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, so it's not clear when or if this will happen.

Still, letting players pay extra for a custom Xbox console color seems like a natural way to expand the Xbox Design Lab to me, and I'd be shocked if this never ends up happening. That's especially true considering Microsoft is currently planning an official Xbox handheld.

The device is still years away, but imagine being able to add translucent components like in the Xbox controller lineup? That's something I'd absolutely pay for.

Personally, I'm a big fan of color-coordinated themes. A couple of years ago, I ordered two controllers from the Xbox Design Lab, and I themed them around Morgan Yu and Emily Kaldwin, two protagonists from Arkane Studios' Prey and Dishonored 2.

What you need to know

• Microsoft and Activision are bringing a new lineup of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6-themed accessories to Xbox players. 
• There's an Xbox Series X console wrap, the first one introduced since the Starfield-themed wrap a year ago. 
• There's also new Xbox Design Lab options, letting players customize regular or Elite controllers with Black Ops styling.
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is launching on Oct. 25, 2024, and is included day one in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

The truth lies, but your console and controllers don't. 

Microsoft and Activision revealed a new lineup of Xbox accessories on Wednesday via Xbox Wire, with an Xbox Series X console wrap and new controller customization options for the Xbox Design Lab, all themed after the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. You can check out a closer look at each new offering in the video below:

This new console wrap is available exclusively through the Microsoft Store for $55, and preorders are expected to arrive on Oct. 23, 2024, a couple of days ahead of the game's launch. Meanwhile, the Xbox Design Lab options are available now for players to customize their Black Ops controller.

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The first new wrap in a year

This Call of Duty: Black Ops 6-themed Xbox Series X wrap is the first new game-themed wrap to be added to the lineup in over a year.

The wraps were first introduced with Bethesda Game Studios' 2023 sci-fi role-playing game Starfield, with a Starfield console wrap arriving alongside the game.

I was personally hoping to see the wraps used slightly more frequently, with more options to represent past and upcoming Xbox first-party titles. Still, I'm glad they aren't being abandoned, and it seems we'll at least get one new wrap a year for the biggest blockbuster title in the Xbox lineup. 

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is slated to launch on Oct. 25, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. In a first for the series, it'll be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass day one, as well as being available to play through Xbox Cloud Gaming.

What you need to know

• New transparent shells called the Cipher Series are being added to Xbox Design Lab. 
• The Cipher Series are available for use with Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 controllers, letting players customize their higher-end controllers with a retro-look. 
• There's also new chromatic back paddle and D-pad options.
• The Ghost Cipher Special Edition transparent controller is now available for preorder, and is slated to launch on Oct. 10, 2024.

The next Xbox controller options are taking inspiration from a bygone era.

The Xbox Design Lab, which allows players to customize controllers with a variety of options, is getting new transparent shells called the Cipher Series, as shared via Xbox Wire on Tuesday. 

The Cipher Series are available for use with the Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 controllers. With multiple colors available, Xbox players can make their Elite controllers look like they're straight out of the 90s. Meanwhile, the D-pads and back paddles can also be further customized thanks to the new Sunset Chroma and Energy Chroma options. You can see some of the options and styles in the video below:

These options are available now for players to use when building a controller in Xbox  Design Lab.

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New transparent option outside of Xbox Design Lab

There's also news for any players that want to pick up another standard transparent controller like the Sky Cipher, which launched earlier this year. 

Microsoft is introducing the Ghost Cipher Special Edition, which is similar to the Sky Cipher, but goes for a clear look instead of the translucent blue. The Ghost Cipher Special Edition is available for preorder now at $70 and slated to ship later in Oct. 10, 2024. It's currently available directly from Xbox, but is expected to arrive across other retailers as time goes on, so if you don't see it yet, check back shortly.

Personally, I think these options are great, but I am hoping that in the future we'll see the transparent designs added to Xbox Design Lab for standard controllers, not just the Elite lineup.

What you need to know

• Redfall is just around the corner, and Xbox is celebrating with five new additions to Xbox Design Lab.
• For a limited time, anyone can customize their very own Redfall controller, choosing from five unique designs.
• Four of the designs are themed after Redfall's main characters, with the fifth centered around vampires.
• The limited edition Redfall designs are available now in Xbox Design Lab, and start at USD $84.99.

Redfall officially drops on May 2, 2023, so we really don't have to wait long before we can all begin slaying vampires with reckless abandon. Before the highly anticipated first-party Xbox game launches, however, players can treat themselves to some exclusive Redfall hardware. The Xbox Design Lab has been bolstered with the Redfall Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller.

Announced by Xbox on Wednesday, the Redfall Limited Edition controller is a bit different from previous special Xbox controllers. Instead of being a set edition that you buy, players are actually able to fully customize their Redfall controller through the power of Xbox Design Lab. Even better, there are five starting designs from which to choose, and they all look amazing.

The standard "Bite Back" variant is dark, red, and screams of vampires. You also get four other variants, with each one themed after one of Redfall's four main characters (Layla, Remi, Devinder, or Jacob). Each design is wholly unique, and can be further customized with a new back plate color, one of four battery door engravings, rubberized grips, new trigger, bumper, D-Pad, and button colors, a personalized front engraving, and more.

The controllers start at USD $84.99 just for a standard Redfall Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller with no added customizations, but the cost can rise if you opt to pay for engravings, upgraded grips, metallic triggers and D-Pads, and more. You can make your controller exactly as you want it, with practically endless options for customization.

The Xbox Wireless Controller is still our pick for the best overall Xbox controller, thanks to its best-in-class design and multi-platform compatibility. With Xbox Design Lab, you can make it your very own. Now, that also includes a bit of Redfall magic. Redfall launches on May 2, 2023 across Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass. If you can't wait to play, Redfall is now available to preorder.

What you need to know

• Xbox Elite Series 2 controllers now have a new range of colors for customization.
• Various color options for the controller casing, face buttons, paddles, accents, and custom engraving expand the potential Elite S2 combinations.
• The new colors are available now in Xbox Design Lab, with Elite S2 controllers starting at $149.99.

Since the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller joined the Design Lab as a customizable joypad option, Microsoft has been working on expanding the range of colors for all the individual parts and pieces. Following a new announcement, gamers can choose from 16 colors for the top and back of the Elite S2, 12 for the ABXY face buttons, 17 accents for the paddles and D-pad, and 25 for the rest of the controller, including fancy names like Deep Pink, Garnet Red, and Glacier Blue.

Besides the potential billions of color combinations, Microsoft also offers metallic triggers, D-Pads, and adjustable thumbstick rings and bases alongside a personalized color for its carrying case and zip pull directly from the Xbox Design Lab. Complete the look with an engraving on the top case, and your Elite S2 will be like no other, a true custom companion for your gaming sessions on Xbox.

Quickly swapping out adjustable sticks, trigger locks, and rubberized grips can all suit a personalized with user-made input profiles on the Xbox Accessories App, including control for vibration intensity. Your custom-made Elite S2 could fit any genre of game with a few interchangeable parts, all in a unique color combination. The Thumbsticks and D-pad Pack is available in the Design Lab alongside the Paddles Pack and the Carrying Case & Charging Pack, or you can grab the Everything Pack for the complete combo.

If you're not feeling particularly creative, you can skip the individual choices and spring for ready-made combinations in the 'Inspired By' collection, including controllers based on titles like Ghostwire: Tokyo, Vampire Survivors, and Minecraft Legends. Either way, the potential for a genuinely unique Xbox controller is more significant than ever, with our first-hand experiences proving it's worth the spend. Xbox Elite Series 2 controllers with Xbox Design Lab are available now, starting at $149.99.

What you need to know

• The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is an enhanced Xbox gamepad from Microsoft, that includes back paddles, trigger locks, and more customization features. 
• Available in black and white as standard, now, you can also customize them in a variety of different colors using the Xbox Design Lab. 
• Prices start at $149.99 for a base controller, and then at $209.99 with a range of additional paddles and accessories, including the charge dock. 
• The new Xbox Design Lab is available in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, "most Western European countries," and "select Southeast Asian countries."

As promised, Microsoft has begun rolling out a massive update to the Xbox Design Lab. 

The Xbox Design Lab is a website that lets you customize and adapt an Xbox controller in a wide variety of different colors and styles. You can match and mix different colors on the different parts of a controller, creating your dream colorway to match your personal style. Typically, you can customize the triggers, the back and front plates, the buttons, the joysticks, and the bumpers in a broad variety of styles, including material options in some cases as well. Today, Microsoft is expanding the Xbox Design Lab even further. 

In support of the new Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 Core in white, the Xbox Design Lab now offers the option to customize a Core controller in a variety of colors as well. 

The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is an enhanced Xbox gamepad compatible with Xbox consoles, as well as mobile devices and PCs using Bluetooth or USB-C. It improves over the existing Xbox controller design with trigger locks for more rapid activations, customizable thumbstick tension, rubberized grips, and four additional paddle buttons. It also has an internal battery with a truly absurd 40 hours of battery life, complete with an optional charge dock for storage and perpetual power.

Using the new Xbox Design Lab, you can change the triggers, bumpers, face plate, buttons, d-pad, and back case in a variety of colors and shades. Additionally, you can also add a customized carrying case for the first time, as well as the thumbstick base and thumbstick ring edge. You can also use the Xbox Accessories app to change the Xbox button's color with a range of RGB styles, and even get your Xbox Elite Controller engraved with your gamertag, or a message with up to 16 characters.

The Xbox Design Lab update is available wherever it's available currently, which covers the U.S., Canada, the UK, much of western Europe, and select countries in South East Asia. Prices start at $149.99 for the base Xbox Elite Controller Series 2, but can go up to $209.99 if you throw in added bells and whistles, like paddles, replaceable joysticks, and the rather excellent charge dock.

Microsoft has previously claimed that the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 has received improved construction to increase longevity, following years of complaints of flaws and rapid wear and tear. The controllers have a limited 1-year warranty as standard, at least, which offers at least some insurance against potential problems. We won't know for sure how much the Elite line has "improved" until we've been able to wear our review unit down, but hopefully, these new Xbox Design Lab variants will take the crown as the best Xbox controller option out there. 

The controller you use to play games is almost as important as the platform on which you play, and there are endless options available for those looking to up their gaming abilities. While many controllers can provide practical or financial reasons to choose them over a competitor, one service stands above the rest for those looking to express themselves through a custom controller — Xbox Design Lab.

Microsoft's official controller-customizing platform returned after the arrival of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S duo of current-gen consoles with a new controller foundation and color options. Since then, it has expanded with many more customization options and upgrades, a redesigned website, availability in a greater number of regions, and more.

Xbox Design Lab: Price & availability

To secure an Xbox Design Lab controller of your own, you'll have to be willing to pay the price, and be residing in a supported region. For the former, Xbox Design Lab controllers begin at $70 USD, only $10 more than a standard Xbox Wireless Controller (and $5 more than many of the official Xbox Wireless Controller colorways), which still lets you customize the body, back, triggers, bumpers, D-pad, thumbsticks, and face buttons with various basic color options.

These prices can quickly go up, however, with optional upgrades like metallic triggers and D-pad, unique colorways for the body, rubberized grips on the rear and sides, and engraving. With all the extras added, a fully customized Xbox Design Lab controller is priced at $110, a substantial increase over even Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controllers, and approaching the price range of "pro" controllers that boast more practical upgrades and additional features.

Xbox Design Lab is available in far more regions than at launch. Just bear in mind that Xbox Design Lab orders, being custom-made, can take 3-4 weeks to be delivered (and refunds are not available for the service). The Xbox Design Lab supported regions include:

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States

Xbox Design Lab: What's good

Xbox Design Lab's greatest strength is also its most prominent selling point, and that's the practically endless possibilities afforded by its in-depth customization options. Xbox Design Lab allows you to customize to your heart's content an Xbox Wireless Controller, with a plethora of options available for the body, back, triggers, bumpers, thumbsticks, D-pad, buttons, and beyond.

No two Xbox Design Lab controllers are alike, with the wide assortment of colors and options enabling players to create a truly unique controller. These controllers can be inspired by your favorite game, sports team, movie or TV show, character, and beyond. The Xbox Design Lab website even features a collection of "reference designs" to peruse, which give you a peek into what the service is capable of delivering.

On this front, Xbox Design Lab is genuinely exemplary. It can actually be intimidating to land on a finalized design because of the breadth of options available, but there's no end to the directions you can go to find the controller that's perfect for you. If you value expression, even in your video games accessories, Xbox Design Lab is practically unchallenged in the space.

It also helps that Xbox Design Lab is built using official Xbox Wireless Controllers (yes, the exact model that debuted alongside Xbox Series X|S), so it benefits from all the same features and improvements. This is one of the greatest controller designs of all time, and the latest iteration features improved ergonomics for smaller hands, a superior D-pad, better trigger and button actions, grippier sides, and an integrated "Share" button. It also features dual Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth radios, meaning you can use this controller on Xbox, PC, and Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices.

Endless possibilities for customization and a tried-and-true design that excels at cross-device play is a recipe for success, and Xbox Design Lab doesn't disappoint. I observed fantastic build quality in both of the Xbox Design Lab controllers I had available to test, with no concerning creaking, gaps, or drifting. It remains to be seen how well these controllers hold up over time, but they should be essentially identical to the standard Xbox Wireless Controller.

There's a lot to love about Xbox Design Lab, but the vast majority of its customization options are, understandably, purely cosmetic. However, there is one notable upgrade that is functional and well worth the added premium — the rubberized grips. Available for the back and sides of the controller, the rubberized grips are a drastic improvement over the textured plastic "grips" of the standard controller, and genuinely make the controller more comfortable to use for long periods of time.

After comparing and contrasting, I even found the rubberized grips to be superior to the excellent grips on the Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller that was my previous daily driver. You're looking at an additional $12 to install both grip sets on your controller, and they only come in black, but it's easily worth the consideration if you want a custom controller that looks and feels better than a standard Xbox Wireless Controller.

Before I move on to the few negatives that weigh down Xbox Design Lab, I want to touch on the much-improved website for the service. The old website was confusing to navigate, and was prone to crashes, freezes, and other errors. This newly redesigned website not only looks much cleaner, it's also significantly easier to use, and has never stuttered while I've used it.

If you sign in with your Microsoft Account, you can save designs to purchase or edit later, making it easy to explore the creator without committing to buying the controller. There's even a community gallery filled with awesome creations by other Xbox players, so you can still find something that fits your desires if you're not confident in your creative abilities.

Xbox Design Lab: What's not good

Fortunately, Xbox Design Lab isn't beset by many cons. Not only is it one of your only options for acquiring a truly personalized controller, it's also genuinely great at delivering. Still, there are a few things that may deter potential customers, or that need to improve in the future.

For one, several popular color options from the first generation of Xbox Design Lab are still nowhere to be seen, like the gorgeous gradients. Microsoft has added a plethora of new options to the second generation of Xbox Design Lab since its debut, including some brand-new additions like the beautiful Xbox "Pride" controller and the return of other fan-favorite additions like metallic triggers and D-pads. Still, there are still some older colors that players would like to see appear as options in the new Xbox Design Lab.

Budget-conscious consumers may be dissuaded by the swiftly rising price of an Xbox Design Lab controller, as well. While the majority of controller options are included in the base price, it's easy to increase the cost with optional, purely cosmetic upgrades. I personally don't believe these options are overpriced, but shelling out $110 for what is effectively a standard Xbox Wireless Controller with some rubberized grips may be a tall order for some.

If you're considering an Xbox Design Lab controller, evaluate how much you value owning a unique, personal accessory, and whether those optional upgrades are worth it. You can still make a fantastic, special controller without nudging the final price higher.

Finally, Xbox Design Lab suffers a little when it comes to speed of delivery and availability. For the former, buyers are looking at a 3-4 week wait to receive their custom controller, and won't be able to refund the order after a certain point post-purchase (since each controller is built to order). This is understandable given the nature of the service, but can still be annoying if you're in need of a new controller or you change your mind.

As for the latter, Microsoft has considerably expanded the availability of Xbox Design Lab to additional regions, with the most recent expansion adding over 10 new countries (you can see the full list above). Thailand is also gaining Xbox Design Lab support later this year, opening the service to more potential players. This issue is much smaller now than it was at launch, when Xbox Design Lab was limited to a handful of regions. Still, South America, Africa, Mexico, and many other regions are still absent from the list, so interested buyers in those places are out of luck.

Xbox Design Lab: The competition

Simply put, Xbox Design Lab doesn't have a ton of competition. If you're looking for a highly personal controller, especially one built for Xbox, PC, and mobile platforms, there aren't many places to look. Some manufacturers like PowerA offer controllers with various colorways and designs, but these controllers are often more affordable entries and still limit options. Some "pro" controllers have swappable faceplates, which can be a great alternative if you also value added features on your controller, but this requires additional work and shopping on your part.

ColorWare is likely the closest competitor to Xbox Design Lab, as the company specializes in a wide array of custom products. You can grab an Xbox Wireless Controller from ColorWare in an impressively wide array of colors, but you'll be limited to the body, back, D-pad, and engraving. ColorWare controllers are also more expensive than Xbox Design Lab, making it hard to recommend unless the company offers a colorway you can't find or replicate at Xbox Design Lab.

Xbox Design Lab: Should you buy?

You should buy this if ...

• You desire a unique, fully personalized controller
• You want a custom controller that matches the feature set of the Xbox Wireless Controller
• You don't mind waiting or paying extra for a custom controller

You should not buy this if ...

• You value practical features and upgrades over cosmetic additions
• You need a controller right now or are shopping on a tight budget

Video games and personal expression go hand-in-hand, with many players' setups and accessories reflecting their identities and personality. From RGB lights to themed products and collaborations, this effort to personalize is everywhere. Xbox Design Lab makes it incredibly easy to own an Xbox Wireless Controller that perfectly matches you, and it's continually getting better over time.

Built using what is widely considered as the best overall Xbox controller for the majority of gamers, Xbox Design Lab is simple and easy to recommend. If you don't understand the value in purely cosmetic expenses, however, you can easily pick up a more technically capable controller for a similar price to a fully specced Xbox Design Lab controller. On top of that, you likely won't be met with the same weeks-long wait time to actually receive your new controller.

Xbox Design Lab is an excellent addition to the Xbox ecosystem, and I hope it continues to improve moving forward with new options and greater availability. There are nearly infinite possibilities to explore inside Xbox Design Lab. Regardless of what you create, it'll be truly "you," and it'll be able to follow you wherever you game, across Xbox, PC, and mobile devices.

For Pride Month 2022, Xbox targeted the LGBTQIA+ community of gamers with the release of its new "Pride" controller in the Xbox Design Lab, allowing those players to proudly express their identities even through the controller they use to play. I picked up one of these new controllers to see whether it's a thoughtful representation of the LGBTQIA+ community, and it quickly became my daily driver controller, relegating my Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition controller to "2nd player" duties.

An Xbox Design Lab offering

This Pride controller is one of a myriad of new options offered through the second-generation Xbox Design Lab program, which lets players personalize an official, custom-built Xbox Wireless Controller directly from Microsoft. I'll have a review on the Xbox Design Lab service in the near future, and I'll discuss in detail its redesigned website, its new customization options, and whether or not it's worth paying the premium over a standard Xbox controller.

For today, though, I want to focus specifically on the new "Pride" faceplate on offer in Xbox Design Lab, which players can now use to customize their very own LGBTQIA+-themed controller. It's common practice for corporations to don rainbow profile pictures and release vague, supportive statements at the start of Pride Month each year, and even for those same companies to release LGBTQIA+ merch and accessories during the month-long celebration of queer pride, but does this controller fit in the same category?

The "Pride" customization option doesn't feel like an afterthought — the colors are deep and vibrant, the nearly soft-touch texture of the plastic feels nicer in the hands than a standard controller, and the faceplate doesn't feel like it'll be prone to significant wear and tear in the future. The overall durability of Xbox Design Lab, at least in my controller, feels exemplary, with no creaks or concerning gaps to be found. Of course, it's also the updated design that debuted with Xbox Series X and Series S, with improved ergonomics, quality, and features.

This is all joined by dozens of other customization options, all of which actively encourage players to express themselves in wholly unique ways, including emulating the colors and themes of games, teams and organizations, and popular media. I adorned the rest of my controller with the non-binary colors (yellow, white, purple, and black), and engraved my pronouns of choice. Every time I look at this controller, it fills me with a gentle sense of pride and joy. If I'm going to be using it for the months and years to come, why shouldn't it?

As for the design of the faceplate itself, I think it looks great. Pictures don't quite do the beautiful colors justice and, while the overlapping patterns and symbols do appear chaotic, I believe it blends together wonderfully. Thirty-four different identities in the LGBTQIA+ community are represented in this controller, showcasing an impressive commitment to inclusion from Microsoft, rather than simply sticking with the standard rainbow.

Overall, I feel the Xbox "Pride" controller is a respectful showing by the company during Pride Month 2022. It's impossible to avoid the conversations of corporate intention for releasing Pride-themed products during this time of the year, but Microsoft also stepped up in other places by donating to LGBTQIA+ non-profit organizations, allowing Microsoft users to donate using Microsoft Reward points, elevating LGBTQIA+ voices on official channels, and highlighting games and media featuring LGBTQIA+ themes.

You can check out a few more images of the Xbox "Pride" controller below, although I was surprised to find I genuinely enjoyed the design and colors more when I first unboxed the controller, versus any pictures and renders I saw before.

A glimmer of light in darkness

Video games are often used to escape the current realities of our lives, or the universe as a whole. They can allow us to experience stories that otherwise never would've been possible; they can be simply and purely fun. Perhaps most importantly, video games are also a powerful medium through which players can be unapologetically themselves, and express their truest selves through the characters they play and the stories they create.

This power extends beyond simply playing video games as well since players spend hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars customizing their gaming PCs or embellishing their gaming setups with decorations and furnishings that, in part, reflect their identities. Video games and the surrounding ecosystem matter a lot to millions of players, regardless of how or what you play or what you gain from those experiences.

Pride Month 2022 has been a tumultuous event for numerous reasons, and it followed an equally chaotic opening salvo to 2022. Things are appearing even more precarious moving forward for marginalized groups like women and the LGBTQIA+ community, and many are stepping up to fight for their rights. Wrapping a gaming controller in colorful flags and symbols isn't going to fix any of that and will certainly not change the world. Only people can do that, not accessories sold by multi-trillion-dollar corporations.

That being said, when I need a break from the world and its bleak events, however brief, it does give me a shred of contentedness to do so with a controller that reflects my identity — that makes me feel seen. Representation does matter, and regardless of the monetary incentive behind the decision, it does feel good to be able to find that representation through a large platform like Xbox and Microsoft. The Xbox "Pride" controller from Xbox Design Lab doesn't feel like it was thrown together in an afternoon, either; this controller feels high-quality and premium, and it's certain to be my go-to controller for years to come.

Here to stay for a while

Apart from the in-depth customization options, and a handful of upgrades if you pay the premium, this controller is identical to the standard Xbox Wireless Controller. Of course, that controller is an excellent choice across Xbox, PC, and Bluetooth-enabled devices, ensuring that the Xbox "Pride" controller can be immediately considered among the best Xbox controllers for any player.

Fortunately, the "Pride" option in Xbox Design Lab is here to stay. Xbox isn't making this a limited-time option for Pride Month, and instead is committing to offering it for at least the next year (I've seen differing reports that it's staying "for a year" and "indefinitely"). You can customize a controller with this faceplate and any number of other options and additions right now through Xbox Design Lab.

Microsoft has re-opened Xbox Design Lab, its online Xbox controller customization tool, accompanied with new colors and designs. The design-your-own service closed its doors last week, citing various upgrades to come, including the newly announced Pride-themed controller coinciding with this year’s Pride Month celebrations.

The new Pride controller design has now entered the available Xbox Design Lab customization options as a permanent addition to the service. Microsoft has also launched four pastel colors and five camouflage patterns to customize Xbox gamepads for the first time. They’re available now via the Xbox Design Lab website, starting at $69.99 in the U.S., with respective pricing in other supported regions.

Xbox Design Lab is Microsoft’s official controller customization service, providing buyers with per-piece control over colors and designs. While first launched in 2016, the store has regularly introduced new choices and now centers around the latest 2020 Xbox controller revision. These controllers work with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles, and devices like mobiles and PCs via Bluetooth.

Microsoft announced its Pride Xbox controller design last week, joining the Xbox Design Lab roster as a $10 upgrade. The themed controller incorporates 34 LGBTQIA+ community flags, resulting in a vibrant shell of interlocking colors and patterns.

Customization options also include Soft Pink, Soft Orange, Soft Green, Soft Purple, providing muted spins on traditional colorways. Camouflage designs have also been expanded with Mineral Camo, Arctic Camo, Forest Camo, Sandglow Camo, Blaze Camo.

It’s also the first time many can leverage the service as of today, with availability spanning 11 new countries. The service has launched in Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Norway, and Slovakia, alongside an eastern expansion to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, and Singapore. Microsoft has also stated it plans to launch Xbox Design Lab in Taiwan sometime this summer.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has announced a new custom Pride-themed Xbox controller design as a part of the company’s Pride celebrations for 2022.
• The Pride controller features 34 LGBTQIA+ community flags, with other customizable elements available via its Xbox Design Lab service.
• Microsoft opens orders for the Pride Xbox controller from June 9.

Microsoft has announced a new Pride-themed Xbox controller headed to its custom Xbox controller service. The design has been unveiled as a part of the company’s planned Pride celebrations for 2022, with online orders for the gamepad opening via Xbox Design Lab on June 9.

The first Pride-themed Xbox controller surfaced in 2021, with a limited design shared among creators, though never available for public sale. The new controller launches directly into Xbox Design Lab for public purchase, joining the already exhaustive customization options available through the service.

The custom shell draws inspiration from 34 LGBTQIA+ community flags, interwoven to “celebrate the nuance, complexity, intersectionality, and strength of the many LGBTQIA+ communities,” according to Microsoft.  “You can customize all other parts of the controller with a broad color palette, metallic finishes, rubberized grips, and even add engraving to make your Pride controller unique to you.”

Xbox Design Lab first debuted in 2016, since upgraded and expanded with new colors and customization options. Microsoft transitioned the service to its latest Xbox controller revision in June 2021, matching the controllers included in the box with Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. The Xbox Design Lab store was taken offline earlier this week, teasing impending upgrades to the design-your-own service.

What you need to know

• The Xbox Design Lab is a popular feature that lets players personalize their own Xbox Wireless Controller with dozens of options.
• When the Design Lab returned with the all-new Xbox Series X|S controller, it lacked some of the customization options it had before.
• On Thursday, the Xbox Design Lab returned rubberized grips and metallic finishes on the triggers and D-Pad, as well as new color options.
• This gives players even more options for customizing their controller, and to make it more premium with better grips and more.

If you spend a lot of time gaming on your Xbox, having a personalized controller entirely unique to you can be extremely appealing. Fortunately, the Xbox Design Lab gives players exactly that, with dozens upon dozens of options for customizing every aspect of the Xbox Wireless Controller. On Thursday, Xbox updated the Design Lab with new features and options, including returning some fan favorites that existed before the suite was transitioned to new Xbox Wireless Controller.

Now, the Xbox Design Lab once again includes the ability to customize your controller with upgraded rubberized grips on the sides and the back. There are also new metallic finishes for the triggers and D-Pad. Both of these features return from the days of the original Xbox Design Lab alongside the Xbox One consoles, but there are also some color changes and additions. The new "Dragonfly Blue" is a light and vibrant shade, while "Military Green" and "Electric Green" have been updated to "Nocturnal Green" and "Velocity Green," respectively.

Xbox Design Lab controllers still start at a cool $70, which still lets you go wild with any colors you want (sans the metallic finishes) and basic grips. However, if you add on every feature, including custom engraving, an Xbox Design Lab controller can now approach the $100 mark. Granted, this also features vastly superior grips to the standard Xbox Wireless Controller, much like the Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition controller.

Xbox Design Lab lets you design a unique variant of what's already one of the best Xbox controllers, and is fully compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, and Bluetooth-enabled devices like tablets and phones.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has rebooted its Xbox Design Lab custom controller service for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S controllers.
• The new Xbox Design Lab is now live, with 18 colors available, including three new options, Shock Blue, Pulse Red, and Electric Volt.
• New Xbox Design Lab controllers start at $70 via the Microsoft Store.

Microsoft has announced that Xbox Design Lab, its custom controller design program, is returning for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S controllers. The company announced plans to revive the service via its Xbox Games Showcase Extended live show on June 17, with new-and-improved inventory now available via the Xbox Design Lab website.

Xbox Design Lab's second iteration now allows buyers to customize the latest Xbox Wireless Controller, shipped alongside Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. The program retains similar customization for the new hardware, including color combinations on a per-piece basis and personalized engravings.

The new Xbox Design Lab has 18 colors to choose from, including three new colors inspired by recent controller releases, dubbed Shock Blue, Pulse Red, and Electric Volt. Microsoft has also launched the program with two pre-made designs, inspired by in-house titles Psychonauts 2 and Grounded.

Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S debuted alongside a new generation of the Xbox controller last November, featuring a revised silhouette, a new directional pad, a dedicated "Share" button, and other smaller-scale refinements. Microsoft temporarily shut down the Xbox Design Lab program in October, reworking the service around its new peripherals.

Xbox Design Lab controllers for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are now available via the Microsoft Store, starting at $70 in the U.S.

What you need to know

• Xbox Design Lab is a program that allows you to custom build your own unique Xbox controller from hundreds of combinations.
• The program will become temporarily unavailable soon, so interested gamers should get in their order before October 13, 2020.
• Xbox Design Lab won't return until 2021, indicating that they're making major changes to the program.
• It's possible Xbox Design Lab is making the change to the new Xbox Series X and S controller, which will take time.

Microsoft's Xbox Design Lab is a fun service from the company that allows players to create practically any Xbox controller they could imagine. With a vast array of color options and customizations that can be combined in almost any way, it's easy to obtain the perfect Xbox controller to play with. Xbox Design Lab has created hundreds upon hundreds of different choices, but interested players shouldn't wait long before putting in their own order, as the program will be temporarily shutting down starting October 13, 2020.

After October 13, 2020, the Xbox Design Lab will no longer be available, and presumably won't be returning until sometime in 2021. While Microsoft doesn't provide a reason for this decision, it's likely to prepare and outfit the Xbox Design Lab with the new Xbox controller that will debut with Microsoft's next-gen consoles, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.

Those consoles are coming November 10, 2020, so the Xbox Design Lab shutdown gives Microsoft plenty of time, and prevents any overlap with the next-gen consoles. However, it could be months before the Xbox Design Lab makes a return with the new controllers, so interested players should create their custom controllers soon so they can get them in time for the new consoles. Fortunately, most current Xbox accessories will be fully forwards compatible with the Xbox Series X and S, so you don't have to worry about your new custom controller not working.

The Xbox Series X and S may come out on November 10, 2020, but pre-orders are starting September 22, so mark your calendars!

Xbox Series X/S

Main

• Xbox Series X: Everything we know
• Best games coming to Xbox Series X/S
• List of Xbox Series X specs
• What is the Xbox Series X release date?
• How much does Xbox Series X cost?
• Why you can't preorder Xbox Series X yet
• Best Xbox Series X Headsets

What is Xbox Design Lab, anyway?

Xbox Design Lab is a special part of the Microsoft Store where you can customize an Xbox One Wireless Controller's visual appearance extensively by changing the pattern of its skin, as well as the colors of various parts of the controller. On top of that, some of the pieces, such as the triggers, can be configured to be metallic instead of the standard Xbox hard plastic. As a result of the customization options, these controllers can get pretty expensive, but Xbox Design Lab is nevertheless a lovely way to add personal flavor to your gaming gear.

Why get the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2?

If you play games competitively or you just want a controller with a lot of different textural options, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 will be just what you're looking for. Compared to the original Elite Controller, this new one has several improvements, such as better plastics and hinges, rubber grips that use adhesive (this is to counteract the problems the original had with durability), and tension control for thumbsticks that allow you to tweak your aiming style beyond in-game settings. On top of this, the controller has Bluetooth connectivity for use with Project xCloud, and also a very large battery life of 40 hours on a full charge. Finally, all the benefits that the first Elite Controller had make a return with this one. These benefits include the wide selection of different D-Pads, thumbsticks, and buttons that you can swap out whenever you want, as well as lockable triggers and paddle buttons on the back of the controller. The controller is far from cheap, but if you want top-notch quality, this controller has everything you could ever want.

Xbox Design Lab delivers the tools to create your own controller, adding a personal flair to your Xbox One. Microsoft's digital workshop stows the tools to mix and match from a vast parts range, before being assembled and shipped to order. It's the best way to add a personal touch to your Xbox experience with a creative twist. And now, we want to see what you've made.

What is Xbox Design Lab?

Xbox Design Lab is Microsoft's official service for custom Xbox One controllers, facilitating over one billion color combinations via its DIY online tools. With the potential to fine-tune designs across an array of colored components, it injects personality into your gaming from the comfort of the home.

Microsoft's website provides options to fine-tune the latest Xbox One controller and use individual parts from an extensive (and ever-growing) lineup of choices. While faceplates and paneling dictate the tone of your design, options to tune buttons and thumbsticks round up the detailing. Xbox Design Lab is ultimately your best route for Xbox One custom controllers, available at only a small premium upon standard controllers, with Microsoft's stamp of approval.

Is Xbox Design Lab worth it?

While Xbox Design Lab understandably falls short of many highly bespoke third-party alternatives, there's still variety and affordability to be found. As of publication, the service boasts 19 color variants and 10 supplementary premium finishes, paired with a choice of rubberized grips, metallic finishes, and personal engraving. The culmination of these options means you can truly personalize the product, ideal as a controller upgrade or earnest gift.

Controllers start from $70, with added premiums for specialist components and finishes. The entry price mirrors many of Microsoft's special edition spins, even undercutting some of the latest Xbox hardware on the market. When in the market for a new gamepad, Xbox Design Lab takes it to the next level without crazy cost.

Share your Xbox Design Lab controllers

With the endless capabilities of Xbox Design Lab, locking down your ideal style isn't easy. Whether you're rocking a custom design on the daily or hovering over the checkout button, we want to see your Xbox Design Lab creations for inspiration. We've kicked off a dedicated thread on the Windows Central forums, sharing our concepts alongside the community.

Whether worn down with everyday use or still in the planning stages, make sure to drop by or contact us on Twitter via @WCGamingTweets.

Microsoft's Xbox Design Lab is now available from the Microsoft Store app on your PC and Xbox One. The move means that you'll now be able to create custom controllers from the comfort of your couch, without having to head to the Xbox Design Lab website.

Microsoft says that it has "streamlined the design experience" for the Microsoft Store, requiring fewer clicks to get through the design and checkout process. To access the design lab, you can head to the Microsoft Store on your PC or console and search for "Xbox Design Lab." The option is also listed in the "Devices" tab of the PC app and as a tile at the bottom of the store page on Xbox One.

Once on the Xbox Design Lab page in the Microsoft Store, you can customize your controller just as you would on the web. This includes the body, back, D-pad, bumpers, buttons, and more. After you're done, you can add the controller to your cart and purchase it like you would anything else on the Microsoft Store.

The launch comes just ahead of Microsoft's Black Friday sale, which will cut $10 off the normal $70 price of Xbox Design Lab controllers from November 23-26.

See at Microsoft

Why make your own controller?

The Xbox Design Lab gives you the ability to add tons of personal flair to a controller, but why would you want to do it? There are a few good reasons. One of them is personality; if you want your controller to reflect things about you, such as your favorite colors or favorite quote, then the Xbox Design Lab offers you a way to create a controller that does just that.

It's not just aesthetics though; the Design Lab also has some options that can affect how the controller operates while gaming. Things like metallic bumpers, a metallic D-pad, and rubberized grips on the back of the controller can improve textile feedback with inputs or help you hold your controller better. These options significantly increase the price of your custom controller, though.

Where do you stand?

Ultimately, an Xbox Design Lab controller is only worth the increased price if you're going to get increased enjoyment out of what you're paying for. A $103 Xbox controller will probably be a fantastic investment for a hardcore player that lives and breathes Xbox and loves things like metallic bumpers and detailed camo designs, but a more casual player would likely consider that controller a waste of money. Instead, they would probably want a simple design that has their favorite colors, which costs $70, only $10 up from the standard Xbox One controller price.

People who only turn on their Xbox once in a blue moon should most likely avoid paying for any Design Lab controller simply because of how rarely they'll use it. There's no point in buying a customized, more expensive controller if it's going to sit on an entertainment center for months, unused and neglected.

Final thoughts on Xbox Design Lab controllers

Overall, I think an Xbox Design Lab controller with basic color customization is worth it if you play a couple of times a week, while extensively personalized controllers that cost over $100 are only worth buying if you game all day, every day. People who barely play on their Xbox One at all should avoid the Design Lab entirely, as they won't gain any value from a customized controller.

At the end of the day, the only person that can decide what is and isn't worth your money is you. Despite this, I think it would be foolish to waste your money on luxury controllers if you don't play frequently. If you do, though, then Xbox Design Lab controllers are a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your gaming gear.

Consoles and controllers were a major component of Microsoft's Gamescom offerings, with new hardware tied to some of 2018's biggest titles. Microsoft also unveiled changes headed to Xbox Design Lab, its official storefront for custom controllers, adding two new color ranges to the service.

The latest refresh expands on a growing roster of options, with "Camo" and "Shadow" finishes for the bespoke gamepads. We took a deeper look into these latest additions and whether they're worth the $10 premium.

See at Microsoft

What Camo and Shadow bring to Xbox Design Lab

This isn't the first appearance of Camo and Shadow for Xbox One controllers, with variants of both already available through existing official controllers. Many of these designs are familiar, though new options have also debuted exclusively on Xbox Design Lab.

The new Camo option drapes controllers in a sharp lozenge design, comprised of an array of polygonal shapes. Each features a blend of four shades, making for a sleek and concealed military-inspired aesthetic. Robot White, Military Green, Midnight Blue, and Abyss Black return from existing controllers, while "Desert Tan" is a new blend of tan and brown.

The Shadow finish features a matte black gradient that merges into one of six colors. This can make for striking colors contrast, which shine in the light thanks to the metallic finish. Oxide Red, Bronze, Photon Blue, Deep Pink, and Mineral Blue are all permanent additions, each with the same descending black. The sixth option is available for a limited time, as an "event exclusive" for Gamescom 2018. It features a blend of black and metallic silver, available online until September 30.

However, these new designs do have some limitations to consider before placing your purchase. Both Camo and Shadow designs are only available across a small set of predefined colors, rather than the full Xbox Design Lab palette. Only five of each style will be available through the service, enforcing heavier limitations over solid finishes. The new designs can only be applied to front body plates too, meaning you'll stuck with a solid color on the rear.

Should you buy these Xbox Design Lab options?

While a standard Xbox Design Lab controller retails for $69.99, adding a Camo or Shadow finish raises this to $79.99. Like most Xbox One controllers, these feel great in-hand, with overall build quality matching other official products. You'll need to work around the limitations of Xbox Design Lab, though we recommend experimenting to see if the new option styles are for you.

In-person, each design offers a great finish and can be well-styled with certain color options. The Shadow line looks notably smart in-hand, including the premium chromatic silver of the event-exclusive color. It won't rival the true metal of the Xbox Elite controller, but from a visual standpoint, this is a great alternative for that first-class look.

Xbox Design Lab's Shadow and Camo options are now live, starting at $79.99 in the U.S.

See at Microsoft

One of the most underrated bits of the Xbox ecosystem is the Xbox Design Lab, an online tool where you can customize your own controller in nearly any way you see fit. Over time, Microsoft has gradually added more options to the configuration menu, but today at Gamescom 2018, it announced a couple of stylish new options that should make Xbox fans quite happy.

When designing a controller, you can now choose from Camo and Shadow customization options. Previously, these were only available through controllers that Microsoft designed and sold themselves, limited the colors available. With their addition to the design lab, however, you can go as crazy as you want.

To recap, the Camo pattern is just as it sounds, featuring a stylized camouflage that covers the front of the controller. The Shadow design, meanwhile, gradually fades from a darker color to a lighter on from top to bottom. Both patterns are now open for custom color combinations on the Xbox Design Lab.

Finally, Microsoft has a limited time design called "Sterling Silver Shadow" available through September 30.

To get started, you can head to the Xbox Design Lab to either choose from designs created by others, or complete a custom design of your own. Prices start at $69.99 and go up from there depending on how you deck out your particular design.

See at Microsoft

The Xbox One controller is great, but if you stick with the one that comes with the console you're using the same thing as millions of other people around the world.

Why not treat yourself to a custom creation from Microsoft's official Design Lab, where there are more combinations on hand than you could ever try for about $70. Here are eight awesome designs courtesy of the Windows Central community.

See at Microsoft

Smart in blue and pink

We'd maybe go for blue on pink not pink on blue, but needless to say we're big fans of this color scheme in these parts!

Blackhawks!

Fan of the Chicago Blackhawks? This one's for you!

If you're not, don't worry. Tell your friends you just went wild.

Sophisticated in dark blue

There's a sophisticated elegance about this design with its dark blue base complimented by gray accents.

This is a controller ready to take you out for a fancy dinner.

Racing Club

Sports teams are a popular theme for Design Lab controllers and this incredible effort is based on the soccer team, Racing Club.

It's a pretty perfect match for the jersey!

A classic combo

There are some colors that just go. Red and white is a classic combo that never looks bad.

This controller puts red on white which we think is the right way to do it!

Devilishly good

Whether you like the New Jersey Devils or not I think you'll agree that this is one hot looking controller.

Classy looking grey and blue

This controller looks like a nice suit, all dressed up for a day at the office.

Blue and gray works really well together, especially in this combination.

Love this controller, you must

Themed after everyone's favorite small green Jedi, we love this Yoda themed design lab controller.

The colors are even a pretty good match for his skin and robes!

Gamecube's greatest

Nintendo nostalgia is always strong, and the Gamecube is something of a cult classic.

This Design Lab effort brilliantly brings back to life the purple and yellow dream!

Here's one we made earlier!

An actual controller! This one our Executive Editor, Daniel Rubino, designed and had made up. It's pretty wild!

Show us your Design Lab creations in the Windows Central forums!

See at Microsoft

Updated February 26, 2018: We added some fresh selections that caught our eye, be sure to drop your own creations into the forums thread!

The online service is similar to the Moto Maker system from Motorola that lets you customize hardware, but in this case you customize an Xbox wireless controller instead of a phone.

Announced at E3 2017, Microsoft has updated the Xbox Design Lab offering with support for more countries and new features. I got my hands on a new custom controller to see how the process works.

What's new in 2017

The overall theme of Xbox Design Lab is the same with the ability for users to choose different color schemes on the Design Lab site, mix and match buttons, and even get a custom laser-engraved message.

The big news though is finally those outside of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico can enjoy the program. Gamers in the U.K., France, and Germany can order today from the Xbox Design Lab site, and additional European countries should be added this summer.

Besides greater availability there are some welcomed fresh design options as well for 2017, including:

• Four new color options — Ink Blue, Mineral Blue, Sierra Brown and Desert Tan.
• Eleven new thumbstick colors including Glacier Blue, Zest Orange, Retro Pink, Electric Green, Robot White, Lightning Yellow, Ash Gray, Ink Blue, Mineral Blue, Sierra Brown and Desert Tan.
• New metallic finishes for D-pads and triggers to add a premium look to your controller.
• Black rubberized grips for added comfort and control.

Some of those features, like the rubberized grips and metallic finishes, are direct descendants from the super-premium Xbox Elite Controller, trickling down to the more affordable wireless Xbox controller.

How it works

The Xbox Design Lab system is straightforward. You just navigate to xbox.com/xboxdesignlab in your web browser and log in with your Microsoft Account.

Pricing for the base model begins at $79.99. The controller is the same as the one that comes with the Xbox One S, which means it supports Xbox One, Xbox One S, and the forthcoming Xbox One X via the Xbox wireless connector system. Even more exciting, this controller supports Bluetooth 4.0 so it can work with any Windows 10 PC of Surface as well.

To customize the controller, you select from eight sections including the controller's body, back, bumpers, triggers, D-pad, thumbsticks, ABXY buttons, and View & Menu buttons. All of those can have their own color schemes. Changes are made in real-time, and there is a 360-degree model that lets you see what your controller will look like when finished.

For the new features mentioned earlier, those are new options found under triggers, D-pad, and back. Nothing is free, of course, so Microsoft charges you a few extra dollars for the more premium features. Here is what they cost in addition to the $79.99 base price:

• Rubberized grips - Currently free but was $5.99.
• Metallic D-pad - $2.99.
• Metallic triggers - $3.99.
• Engraving - $9.99.

For the metallic triggers and D-pad, there are no color restrictions. You can choose all 19 colors for regular or metallic options, which is excellent. The laser engraving is limited to just 16 characters and costs an extra $10.

All said, if you max out your Xbox Design Lab controller the total cost is $96.96 (although when we shot the video in this post the rubberized grips were extra, bringing the total cost to $103).

The controller ships from China and can take up to two weeks to reach your home. However, the one for this review showed up in about five days. Shipping is free.

Xbox Design Lab controller for 2017 – How is it?

As someone who regularly uses the Xbox Elite Controller, I enjoyed the new Design Lab one. The Elite Controller suffers from one single drawback in 2017: it lacks Bluetooth. That makes it ideal for console gaming, but it lacks wireless connectivity for most PCs. The Design Lab controller, however, does not suffer from this deficiency making it a better purchase for some gamers.

The metallic finishes for triggers and D-pad feel more premium. While they are not solid metal, they are cooler to the touch and add some nice pizzazz as well since they shimmer in the light.

While those metallic finishes are cosmetic, it's the rubber grips that I enjoy the most. The material is not overwhelming, but it adds a subtle contrast with the plastic Xbox controller's body since this is where three of your fingers resides while gaming. The rubber grips are highly recommended (especially since they're now free).

I skipped the new color options, but those are more neutral earth tones that are less cartoonish than some of the brighter more contrast-laden ones.

The build quality is excellent too. There are no creaks with the controller when twisting, and the included two AA batteries in the box mean you are ready to go when your box arrives. Even the packaging is well done.

Xbox Design Lab is (still) a winner

I was a huge fan of the Xbox Design Lab idea in 2016, and it's even better this year.

The biggest news is that the U.K. and Europe can finally now get in on the action (and additional European countries will be added this summer). Those countries benefit from a year of Microsoft improving manufacturing and getting feedback from those in the U.S. too. For instance, last year's model had ABXY buttons that rattled slightly whereas this year's edition does not. Everything about the program has been tweaked, and those new metallic finishes and rubberized grips are definite recommendations.

If you are in the market for a new Xbox controller, or just want an additional one for your Windows 10 PC, look at the Xbox Design Lab. The only downside I see is trying to decide your picture-perfect design. Microsoft boasts that there is a total of eight million different configurations with the Design Lab now, and that can cause some stress – but it's worth it for your very own controller.

See at Microsoft

After seemingly forever (a year is a long time), Xbox Design Lab custom controllers are finally launching outside North America and coming to Europe!

The video up top highlights the new availability along with some new stuff for the controllers. There are some new metallic finishes available for the triggers and D-pad, along with new rubberized grips for the back. Along with this, Microsoft is also adding four new base colors to choose from in making the controller of your dreams.

Initially, European availability is limited to the UK, France and Germany, but more are set to come online later this summer. Prices start at £69.99 in the UK with free shipping.

Hit the link below to get your design on!

Design your own custom controller at the Xbox Design Lab!

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Microsoft has started selling gift codes for the Xbox Design Lab. Now, you can purchase a code from Microsoft to gift to a friend so they can design and order their very own custom controller in the Lab.

If you're unfamiliar with the Xbox Design Lab, the service allows anyone to easily customize their own Xbox Wireless Controller with their choice of colors. And with 8 million possible combinations, things can get pretty wacky. We talked a bit about our experience with this service shortly after it launches, so be sure to check that out for more.

If you have a gamer in your life that would love to get their hands on a custom controller, you can purchase a code direct from Microsoft for $89.98. Of course, if you're designing one for yourself, you can simply toy around with the Design Lab as well.

See at Microsoft

Back in June, Microsoft announced their new Xbox Design Lab imitative where anyone can go and create their own customized Xbox One controller. Microsoft is already taking orders at xboxdesignlab.xbox.com for shipping in early September.

I happened to get a first reviewer's version in and today, we'll unbox it and tell you what I think.

This is the Xbox Design Lab custom controller!

Video unboxing

Watch as I unbox the controller and give you a brief tour of the design and features.

How it works

The process of making your controller is very simple. Head to xboxdesignlab.xbox.com and start picking your colors for the various components. For $79 you can choose from 15 different shades for:

• Body
• Bumpers & Triggers
• D-pad
• Thumbsticks
• ABXY
• View & Menu
• Back

As a bonus and for an extra $9.99 you can also do some fancy laser etching at the base of the controller perfect for your Gamertag.

Once you have picked your design, you can check it out using the Microsoft 3D modeler to see it from all angles. You can then share your design as well for others to see. Once finished you can just add to your cart, pay for it, and begin the waiting process!

Later, once the full Xbox Design Lab is up and running, it will be about a two-week turnaround time for them to make your controller.

Overall, the process was smooth and seamless. The only problem is settling on just one design! (Luckily, I have two others on the way, which have more ambitious color schemes).

Great build quality

Microsoft has learned a lot in making the much more expensive Elite Controller, and that experience trickled down to this new offering. There are no creaks, buttons feel responsive, and since they used colorized parts – and not paint – there is no fear of chipping or scratching the color away.

Compared to the Day One controller that shipped with the original Xbox One in 2013 this newer one is a much better experience.

What's different?

The newer Xbox One controller has a few changes that may make the $79 investment worth it for gamers:

1. Grippy handles – Although it's not aggressive the new controller has a textured grip instead of the current smooth finish. While not as impressive as the rubber on the Elite controller it is miles ahead of the original for feel in the hand
2. Bluetooth This is probably one of my favorite features. You no longer need the external Bluetooth thumbstick if you want to use your Xbox Controller with a PC. Now, you can just connect it to any Bluetooth devices (including Windows 10 Mobile and HoloLens).

I should point out that as of right now connecting this Xbox Controller to Windows 10 Mobile does not do too much. But for Continuum and gaming, there is a whole new avenue opened up by having a Bluetooth enabled Xbox One controller. I'm sure it's no coincidence that they made this controller this way.

The same goes for HoloLens where holographic gaming is now a real possibility!

The new Design Lab Xbox One controller works with existing Xbox One consoles, the new Xbox One S, PCs, Surface, Windows 10 Mobile, and more.

Photo Gallery

First thoughts

Microsoft did a bang-up job with the Design Lab. Gamers have clearly been yearning for the ability to customize accessories, and now the infrastructure is there anyone can. The price is right at $79 (free shipping too), and the build quality is much higher than previous controllers.

Perhaps the only downside is the Elite Controller can be customized, but I know when I travel I'll be taking my Molon Labe one with me.

See at Microsoft

Let me know in comments if you ordered one and what color choice you picked! Special thanks to @karelj, who's design I chose for my first controller!

A new report claims Microsoft's Xbox Design Lab, which will offer custom controllers for the Xbox One, may not launch in Europe or the UK until sometime in 2017.

Microsoft announced the Xbox Design Lab during its E3 2016 press event, and pre-orders for the controllers started in the U.S. for shipment later in 2016. However, it may be a different case in Europe and the UK, according to Ars Technica UK:

Windows Central has reached out to Microsoft to confirm this report. We will update this post when or if we get a response.