Xbox Series X|S owners can now create their own Elite Series 2 controller in the Xbox Design Lab.
As the premium Xbox Series X|S pad, the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller is highly coveted for its excellent build quality, interchangeable mods, and customizable back paddles. But until now it was only available in black or white.
However, as of today, Xbox Elite Series 2 has arrived at the Xbox Design Lab. Microsoft's custom controller creation site lets you customize your own pad with alternate color schemes for the shell, triggers, analog sticks, and more. You can even add engraving for a small fee.
The base price of a custom Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is $149.99 / £124.99 / AU$219.95, which puts it between the prices of the original model and the cheaper Core in White Edition. Like the latter, the Xbox Design Lab Elite Series 2 sells its add-ons (such as the carrying case and back paddles) separately.
So if you want the full Elite package, expect to pay a bit more. As a bonus, selecting all accessories will drop the price to $209.99 / £179.99 / AU$279.95. And yes, you can change the color of those flip-up paddles and the Xbox logo on the carrying case.
Xbox Design Lab gets even better
Xbox Elite 2 controllers are now available in the Xbox Design Lab. You can customize everything with colors, even the palettes and the Xbox logo on the carrying case. Full details here: https://t.co/OtIJF30dcC pic.twitter.com/f5VbXMlrauOctober 18, 2022
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Microsoft has already teased the arrival of Elite Series 2 in Xbox Design Lab. But the truth is that it arrived a little earlier than expected. Its addition means Xbox Design Lab is much more robust in the options it offers to those looking for a more custom controller.
However, there are some improvements that I would like to see. There are not as many color options in the Xbox Design Lab for the Elite Series 2 compared to the standard Xbox Wireless Controller. You also can't apply camo or pride patterns from this base pad, which is a shame if you're looking for that. Still, it's great that the Elite Series 2 customization is there.
Although the two main controllers of the Xbox Series X | S are now accounted for in Xbox Design Lab, I think the site still has room to grow. I'd love to see the Xbox Adaptive Controller finally hit the service, because its plain white design means it's lacking in color options.
I'm also pleasantly surprised at the relatively low price for a completely custom Elite Series 2 pad. If you choose to buy the controller and all its accessories, it's still cheaper than (or comparable, depending on where you live) the DualSense Edge; which was recently priced at €199.99 / £209.99 (about AU$318.95).
So if you've been waiting for the right time to pick up the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, its addition to the Xbox Design Lab might just be the right time for you. If you like custom designs, of course.