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Xbox Controller Cipher Series Announced

Draugoth

Gold Member
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The wait is over! We’re thrilled to unveil the Cipher Series for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, with Xbox Design Lab. This collection taps into the nostalgia of classic tech designs with six stunning transparent top cases, letting you relive the magic of seeing the inner workings of your favorite gadgets—while adding a modern twist. Alongside the Cipher Series, we’re also introducing two vibrant chromatic D-pad and paddle designs in Sunset Chroma and Energy Chroma, bringing fresh style to the Elite Series 2 controller. And to elevate the retro-modern aesthetic, we’re excited to announce the Xbox Wireless Controller Special Edition – Ghost Cipher, a follow-up to the fan-favorite Sky Cipher.

With its transparent casing and metallic silver details, the Cipher Series lets you look inside the controller, capturing the spirit of those iconic see-through devices that tech enthusiasts still fondly remember—now making a bold comeback for a new generation of players.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic translucent tech of the ’90s and early 2000s, the Cipher Series brings six stunning transparent top case designs to Xbox Design Lab. These vibrant, candy-colored top cases encapsulate the controller’s metallic frame, showcasing both its external beauty and the advanced engineering within the Elite Series 2 controller.

Each color tells a unique story: Ghost Cipher strips away all color to reveal a fully transparent top case, offering a clear view of the controller’s inner workings; Velocity Cipher pays homage to the iconic Xbox green, made transparent to expose the energized world inside; Astral Cipher captures the mysteries of deep space with a rich, regal shade of purple; Surf Cipher channels the energy of ocean waves with its transparent blue; Candy Cipher offers a dreamy, sweet vision with a playful pink top case; and Pulse Cipher embodies passion and power with a striking transparent red.

Chromatic Paddle Designs

In addition to the Cipher Series, two new chromatic D-pad and paddle designs—Energy Chroma and Sunset Chroma—introduce a dynamic spectrum of color. These metallic finishes blend hues to create a hypnotic gradient that shifts depending on the angle, adding a sci-fi, jewelry-like feel to your controller. Energy Chroma starts with the signature Xbox green and fades into blues, yellows, and magenta accents, while Sunset Chroma evokes a warm, summery glow with its transition from yellow to bright pink.

Cipher Series Image

These new designs don’t just look great, they’re built around the most advanced controller Xbox has to offer. With rubberized diamond grips, adjustable-tension thumbsticks, and shorter hair trigger locks, the Elite Series 2 controller ensures performance tailored to your playstyle. And with Xbox Design Lab, you can add extra thumbsticks, D-pads, paddles, and complimentary 3D printable files to 3D print for adaptive thumbstick toppers to make your controller as personalized and comfortable as possible.

The Cipher Series for the Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and the Chromatic D-pad and paddle designs are available to purchase now in select Xbox markets. Visit Xbox Design Lab for additional information.

Ghost Cipher Image

Alongside these new Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 top cases, we’re also excited to announce the release of our latest special edition: Xbox Wireless Controller – Ghost Cipher. This controller features grey and bronze accents and a clear top case, revealing silver interior parts including a rumble pack in the side grips. Its rubberized back grips and bronze metallic D-pad and triggers offer both style and performance, perfect for players who appreciate a refined, sophisticated design.

Ghost Cipher Image

The Ghost Cipher Special Edition controller comes with all your favorite features. Seamlessly connect to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, iOS, and Android devices via Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth technology (see xbox.com/controller-compatibility for more details) and enjoy up to 40 hours of battery life (varies with usage and other factors). Utilize the 3.5mm audio jack to plug in your favorite compatible headset, perfect for listening to your game or chatting with friends. Share your gaming moments effortlessly with the dedicated share button, and customize your experience with the Xbox Accessories app, giving you endless potential to elevate your play.

The Xbox Wireless Controller – Ghost Cipher Special Edition is available for pre-order today in select Xbox markets worldwide for $69.99 USD ERP. Visit Xbox.com or your local retailer, including Microsoft Store, for more information.
 
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Kvally

Member
Love the bottom left. I already have an Xbox Series X controller, an Elite 2 Core controller and and Elite 1 controller. If I ever have issues with any of them, I will try design labs for the first time.
 

Lone Wolf

Member
It’s obvious that MS makes good money selling controllers. They wouldn’t be constantly putting out all these colors if they didn’t. I assume it’s collectors and PC players as the main customer base.
 

Bry0

Member
I have the blue sky cipher. It’s really cool. I like my elite but honestly barely use the paddles. It’s not really worth the extra $
 

Bry0

Member
Maybe yall don’t realize the elite controllers are for design labs where you pick your own bits and colors. These examples are just to show off all the new options.
 

BlackTron

Member
It’s obvious that MS makes good money selling controllers. They wouldn’t be constantly putting out all these colors if they didn’t. I assume it’s collectors and PC players as the main customer base.

Given they're responsible for Xinput, they deserve it. It's because of them that a "standard" set of button prompt colors even exist for PC. The controller is just so featureless and overpriced , but I guess people keep paying it. It's the third gen in a row with no real advancement on the controller...and 360 wasn't very different from the Xbox S controller either so it's more like 3.5 gens.
 

Skifi28

Member
I've never seen a company advertise controllers so much. You would think they were an accessory company/developer or something.
I suppose it kind of makes sense. Until recently they had almost a monopoly when it came to controllers on PC, but these days there's tons of good third party stuff and Sony is also picking up so they're really, really trying to retain some of the userbase.
 

Kacho

Gold Member
Maybe yall don’t realize the elite controllers are for design labs where you pick your own bits and colors. These examples are just to show off all the new options.
Oh yeah. I forgot that was a thing. I designed a cool looking red one on the site. $160 tho? Hell naw.
 

HDinRed

Neo Member
Got exited at first, thought it was the haptic feedback controller that leaked awhile back.. as it is, still the best controller in gaming, but meh…
 
Just when you think PlayStation will make its huge comeback on the day of a highly anticipated State of Play, Xbox announces a game-changing controller. The story never changes.
 

Calverz

Member
Absolutely love the look. Translucent materials need to come back man. Loved my blue transparent dual shock back in the day. My semi transparent gamecube controller, my purple transparent game boy colour. My green transparent Xbox controller s. My transparent sega saturn controller. Hmmmm….iv had more than I realised lol
 

cireza

Member
Why are they not putting transparent parts for the base controller as well in the Xbox Design Lab and call it a day ?
 

Dacvak

No one shall be brought before our LORD David Bowie without the true and secret knowledge of the Photoshop. For in that time, so shall He appear.
I like that blue one. I’d like the pink one too if the sticks were also blue like the buttons. But after 3 broken Elite 2 controllers, I’m done buying them.
 
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