Xbox Design Lab Adds New Customization Options

Microsoft’s Xbox controller customization service is getting a big update that brings back some much-loved functionality from the past.

“Earlier this year we brought back Xbox Design Lab, our customization program that offers different ways to create your own personalized Xbox Wireless Controller,” Microsoft’s Mark Auld writes in the announcement post. “We’re excited to announce that rubberized grips and metallic finishes are returning to Xbox Design Lab along with new color customization options, giving you even more combinations to choose from.”

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As you may recall, Microsoft temporarily shut down its Xbox Design Lab when it released the newest generation Xbox Wireless Controller alongside the Xbox Series X|S in November 2020. But the service returned this past June, allowing customers to customize the latest controller.

Today, however, Xbox Design Lab is picking up some new features, including:

  • Black rubberized grips available on both the back case and side grips
  • 19 new metallic finish colors for D-Pads and Triggers including Sterling Silver, Pewter Silver, Gunmetal Silver, Abyss Black, Retro Pink, Deep Pink, Oxide Red, Zest Orange, Gold, Electric Volt, Velocity Green, Glacier Blue, Dragonfly Blue, Mineral Blue, Photon Blue, Midnight Blue, Regal Purple, Nocturnal Green, and Warm Gold
  • 3 new color options for controller parts, including Dragonfly Blue (new), an updated version of Military Green called Nocturnal Green, and an updated version of Electric Green called Velocity Green that’s more in line with the iconic Xbox color
  • New controller designs inspired by Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Battlefield 2042, Forza Horizon 5, and Riders Republic

As before, customized controllers start at $69.99. You can learn more at the Xbox Design Lab website.

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Conversation 4 comments

  • christianwilson

    Premium Member
    11 November, 2021 - 4:53 pm

    <p>I have a lot of fun playing with the Xbox Design Lab. I only ever bought one custom controller, but I do go in there and piece together different color schemes. </p><p><br></p><p>I recently designed an Thinkpad themed Xbox Controller that is mostly black, but the directional pad is red like the TrackPoint, the bumpers are gray/silver, and the triggers are blue like the return key on the IBM-era keyboards. I want to buy it, but I already have too many controllers and just ordered that Xbox 20th anniversary controller. As I’ve said before in previous controller discussions, my wife would kill me if I bought yet another one. </p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      12 November, 2021 - 7:58 am

      <p>Nice!</p>

  • roundaboutskid

    12 November, 2021 - 4:16 am

    <p>Oh, I do miss the metallic body. I did design and order a nice red shaded red metallic one. It’s the most beautiful controller I’ve seen. Will order a new one if metallic body becomes an option. Can’t have too many controllers these days; some with the consoles (got an One X, One S, and a Series X in the household) and some connected to gaming PCs.</p>

    • lake fever

      12 November, 2021 - 10:24 am

      <p>I’d also love to see this return. A metallic body (and now triggers/bumpers!) is what separates a<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">n Iron Man-themed controller from </span>a McDonalds-themed controller, lol.</p>

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