
In case you missed it, Microsoft announced the return of the Xbox Design Lab yesterday as part of the 'Xbox Games Showcase Extended' event, and fans have already been getting creative with custom controller designs.
The most popular we've seen so far is this 'Xbox 360 Throwback' variant, which was actually highlighted by Xbox senior product planner James Shields, along with a bunch of pictures of the controller in-person:
Shields also went as far as to detail the exact way in which you can create this controller in Xbox Design Lab, so if you're interested in purchasing one for yourself, follow these instructions on the website:
- Body: Robot White
- Back: Ash Grey
- Bumpers: Robot White
- Triggers: Robot White
- D-pad: Ash Grey
- Thumbsticks: Storm Grey
- ABXY: Black on Colors
- View, Menu, Share: Grey on White
"You can place your Xbox Design Lab order now in the US, Canada and most Western European Countries for $69.99 USD, with optional laser engraving for an additional $9.99 USD. Each controller will be delivered within 14 business days of placing your order."
Will you be taking advantage of the new Xbox Design Lab? Let us know down in the comments below.
Comments 19
Beautiful! My only issue with this controller is the NOISE! It is so damn loud and clicky especially the d pad.
Pitty we can't do that with the elite controller!
Can it turn the D-Pad into total carp? Because if the D-Pad is usable, and the sticks don't drift out of the box, it's not a real 360 controller!
Although Xbox One was my first Xbox, I love the colourful buttons that they have added to the new Xbox Design Lab. The colours are used for gameplay action in games like Ryse, Kingdom Hearts III and Grabbed by the Ghoulies. GbtG was one of the first games that I played on Xbox One and the combos are difficult to trigger in time if you are used to Nintendo's buttons. These colourful buttons help.
I’ve been messing around with the design lab today and it’s making me want to buy a controller I really don’t need.
They should sell this controller OTC, I would buy it in an instant..
Noice! But I actually prefer the default White pad which is very similar and a thing of beauty. I much prefer it to the default black Series X controller.
@Fenbops the same!
The Mrs came in as I was playing with cour combinations and after showing some initial interest, walked out of the room with a "don't even think about it" remark - dammit, she knows me so well.
Until they add Elite controllers on there, it is useless. And I'd titslly build me a white eletr just to put on a shelf.
Unless they ever offer a full, transparent shell to replace the half I have now, I'll be sticking with my controller as is.
These look tasty
@Fenbops me too.
@InterceptorAlpha I used to love the elites, but after all the problems with them I was wary of that kind of money on a controller. But the new controllers are just so darned ergonomically perfect, I don't even have an interest in the elites anymore. Every time I pick up my Elite (v1, I should say, though), I just wish I was holding the new stock controllers instead. I only use the Elite for Doom now, where the back paddles are REALLY necessary for all the heavy handed L3 clicking.)
@NEStalgia I can't agree. Had a series 1 and 2. No issues on either. The new Series controllers are too small and cramped and the share button is absolute garbage.
On top of that they're just about the cheapest, flimsiest, controller on the market. Even my switch feels more sturdy.
We bought two Series X day one, both controllers went in the bin almost immediately in favor of our old hardware.
Even when we invited people over for out Series X launch party, people hated the new controllers.
@InterceptorAlpha Wow, that's surprising. Definitely different. Sure the build "feel" is higher end on the elites (though they're overpriced by far), but the actual ergonomics are just amazing on the new controllers to me. I don't have small hands (I hate hate hate hate hate DS4) but I don't have basketball palming hands either. That could be the difference. I actually tried the Elite for the first few weeks and was like "ok, this feels like a Soviet-designed controller to me now, give me back the new one"
I had stick drift issues with V1's. I never bought a V2, but heard the stick drift was even more common there so I avoided it for the money. I never had the bumper issue with the V1, but that was pretty common. The rubber grips infamously fell off but they can always be glued back on.
@NEStalgia I wear XL-XXL in motorcycle gauntlets so I feel my hands are average. The biggest issue is with the godawful, diamond texture they're using on the grips. Absolutely uncomfortable.
Thankfully we still have plenty of older controllers so we don't have to deal with the cheapness of these new controllers. Hell, one of them fell 3 ft and the entire front cover busted off of it. No thanks.
@InterceptorAlpha XXL! LoL that might be it!
I have mixed feelings about the texture. I actually like it overall. But. I did get a fairly painful callus right where it rubs my one hand, so I kind of get that complaint.
I still prefer the ergonomics to the prior controllers overall though. The old ones were good, but for me the new one fits right. I also like ds5, but actually perefer the new xsx controller. Ds5 is the first Sony controller I don't despise, though, so not bad.
My problem with the elites is it's like 200 bucks for the EXACT SAME cheap parts the stock controllers have on a fancier shell. Yes it has additional features but it's the same disposable sticks and membrane buttons. At least Razer controllers have really nice switch upgrades to microswitches for the money. Wired, but I have a razer x1 controller that's a dream to use. But... Wired. And even those sticks are pretty disposable.
@NEStalgia hey now. Don't judge me on the XXL lol. Gauntlets fit tiiiight.
One major thing that gets me is that even a Valve one off, like my Steam Controller, feels better to hold and more premium(nevermind their genius way of installing AA batteries).
And to make things better, it has two button pads on the bottom to boot, and is equipped with haptics that are so precise the controller place music through it to boot up and shut down.
The bottom pads have been a staple for me ever since the OG Xbox's FPS Master
And honestly, for the price point, I don't mind what you get at all. Though I do wish it didn't have a built in battery. On the price through, more often than not I see them at Walmart for $140.
But you're also taking to a person who has Steel Battalion.

An OG Xbox game that cost $250 and came with a controller that worked on exactly 2 games. The included Steel Battalion that came with it. And the multi-player sequel, Line of Contact. Though in recent years, with a homemade Xbox to USB adapter, I've been able to repurposed it for use on PC games. One of the best being Elite Dangerous in VR with it woooo boy.
@InterceptorAlpha Haha. So bikers get the same treatment as women's fashion clothing in reverse? The former has to buy bigger and bigger sizes to fit smaller and smaller people to feel built, while the latter gets bigger and bigger at the same size to fit bigger people to feel petite. Soon there won't be enough X's to name a medium gauntlet, and a size 7 dress will be a circus tent.
Steam controller is so cool. I have two and never used them! Strange concept but really neat. I never thought much of the build quality, though....
XSX controller, IMO isn't cheaper than any other controller. It's just not weighted and feels less dense. I appreciate the lightness while playing but it doesn't feel as "premium"as dense controllers. But there so using the same $.30 stick parts... . The built in battery and reports of drift being worse then v1 kept me from getting v2. If there's a v3 I might bite though....
Ohhh, that Steel Battalion kit is the most Nintendo idea ever. That's a thing of beauty right there! Hey ready, the flight sim console HOTAS kits are coming!
@Fenbops heh, I've been doing the same and I don't even have an XBox 😂
I just freaking love controllers lol 😃
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