Microsoft is bringing its Xbox Design Lab back for Xbox Series X controllers. Originally launched in 2016, Xbox Design Lab allows Xbox owners to create personalized Xbox controllers. Now that Microsoft’s new-gen console is finally out, and there’s a new Series X controller, the Design Lab program is back. There have been thousands of unique designs that allow users to express their creativity and bring their inspirations to life. Xbox Design Lab has been there to celebrate milestones, such as birthdays, sports team championships, and even marriage proposals, with engraved controllers!
Players will receive all the benefits that come with the newest generation of Xbox Wireless Controllers, including improved ergonomics for a wider range of hand sizes, better cross-device connectivity, easier sharing, and reduced latency.
Design and color options
The Design Lab allows gamers to create their own customized Xbox controller, changing various controller elements from a palette of 18 colors. These include new colors like Shock Blue, Pulse Red, and Electric Volt. Moreover, you can personalize controllers with inscribed messages on the front of the device. You can select the colors for almost all parts of the latest Xbox Wireless Controller, including the body, shoulder buttons, thumbstick, and face buttons.
The all-new Xbox Design Lab controllers will be based on the Xbox Series X / S controllers, which have fairly minor tweaks over the original Xbox One controller. Microsoft has reshaped its latest controllers to fit a “wider range of people,” and the latest Xbox controller also includes a redesigned D-pad and a dedicated share button.
Most of the color options have plastics containing 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials by weight. There is also a new black-on-color ABXY button option, and a new black-on-white color option for the View, Menu, and Share buttons.
Popularization of the Xbox Design Lab
As part of their Pride celebrations this year, Xbox created some special Pride controllers which have been handed out as gifts to some very lucky key influencers. The design “combines the flags of various LGBTQIA+ communities in an interwoven energetic way, creating a sense of unity, and evoking both technology and the modern age”.
Elsewhere, gamers have been very creative with their Xbox controller designs. Some have recreated other controller designs, like the classic grey of the PlayStation 1 or the iconic purple GameCube controllers. Others have recreated the colors of famous pop culture characters. There’s a selection of controllers based on Pokémon or The Avengers, as well as Gundam, Buzz Lightyear and Life is Strange.
Design yours today
Custom controllers will be available in the US, Canada, and most European countries for $69.99. Moreover, the optional laser engraving will come at an additional cost of $9.99 USD. Each controller will be delivered within 14 business days of placing your order.
Whether you are looking for a custom-designed controller for yourself, a loved one, or a special gamer, Xbox Design Lab provides a broad canvas for you to design the perfect controller. If you don’t know where to start, you’ll find many design inspirations on the website. Be sure to share your designs using #XboxDesignLab so that the rest of the Xbox community can draw some inspiration from your creativity.
To create your dream controller, head to the Xbox Design Labs page.
