Xbox Design Lab, the controller customization service Microsoft began five years ago, is back in action. It temporarily went offline late last year to update the design and manufacturing processes for supporting the new Xbox Wireless Controller, but the popular service is now back, and with improvements.
As a refresher, the service provides almost complete freedom over customizing a standard Xbox controller, from the color of its base, back, bumpers, and triggers, to the styles of buttons and sticks. An engraving option is also available for adding a personal touch, though it involves an extra charge.
Aside from supporting the latest Xbox controller iteration, the Design Lab has also brought three new color options – Shock Blue, Pulse Red, and Electric Volt – increasing the total to 18. The ABXY button options are updated with a new black-on-color variant, while a new black-on-white color option is here for the View, Menu, and Share buttons.
Microsoft says it is using 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials in the plastics used for most of the color options, and it has plans to increase the company"s PCR usage even further. More controller customization options are in the works too, but no details were shared today.
"We have a bold vision for customization through Xbox Design Lab, and this update is just the beginning," Xbox senior director of strategy and business James Hunter says. "Our team is hard at work developing new processes, testing new materials, and innovating so that we can continue to evolve the Xbox Design Lab experience."
Much like regular Xbox Wireless Controllers, these can be used on the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 systems, as well as Android and iOS devices. Xbox Design Lab is available for use across the U.S., Canada, and most countries in Western Europe. A customized controller comes in at $69.99, with the optional engraving option adding another $9.99 to the price tag.