Xbox Series X controllers getting two new color schemes this spring

Microsoft is about to expand its controller suite with two new color schemes of the New Xbox Wireless Controller, the company announced Thursday: Electric Volt and Daystrike Camo.

The Electric Volt controller will be the first of the two colors to hit the market. Starting on April 27, players can purchase the vibrant yellow-green controller for $64.99. It features the Xbox Wireless Controller’s new share button and hybrid D-pad. There’s also a textured grip alongside the controller’s triggers, bumpers, and back.

The Daystrike Camo controller won’t arrive until May 4, and it’ll run fans $69.99 — the same price as the company’s other camo-colored controllers. The Daystrike Camo gamepad offers the same features as other Xbox Wireless Controllers. However, it also comes with a textured grip across the top of the bumper buttons — for the first time ever, according to Microsoft. The camo print features gray, black, and two different shades of red.

Image: Microsoft

Another first — for both gamepads — is that “a portion of” the controllers will consist of post-consumer recycled resins. These are essentially recycled materials previously used in plastic items like water jugs or CDs. Microsoft assured Xbox fans in the announcement article that these recycled resins will perform just as well as the company’s previous materials, while also reducing waste.

As always, both of these new controllers will work with Bluetooth devices, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. Microsoft also updated its gear store with Xbox merch that has similar color schemes to the new controllers.

Are both of these controller schemes ugly? That’s not for us to say. But Microsoft’s ever-expanding slate of controller colors — charming and not-so-charming — is a far cry from Sony’s monotone approach to its PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller. Hold your head up high, extremely bright yellow-green controller: At least you’re something new.