Microsoft breaks down every Xbox One controller in retrospective video

Xbox One Controller
Xbox One Controller (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • A new video from Xbox shows off every Xbox One controller ever made.
  • The video shows off the developer controller sent out before the console launched.
  • Two industrial designers from Xbox break down details of each special edition and variation of the controller.

There are dozens of versions of the Xbox One controller, ranging from the Halo 5: Guardians Master Chief to the Xbox Elite Series 2. Now, a new video from the Xbox team has Xbox Industrial Designers Monique Chatterjee and Carl Ledbetter go through every Xbox One controller ever made, including the developer design that was never available for purchase.

In the video, Chatterjee and Ledbetter go through every edition of the Xbox One controller in great detail, adding stories and backgrounds to many designs. For example, they show the Call of Duty Advanced Warfare controller and how it has a kill count on the outside of one grip and a smiley face on the other grip, simulating things that people might carve into actual guns. Chatterjee also adds that the gold color on that controller was designed to match a candy bar wrapper.

The video is a great insight into the design process of each controller and showcases each of the unique designs that the Xbox team released over the years. If you're on the hunt for a new controller, we have a collection of every Xbox One controller available.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.