Best Special Edition Xbox Controllers of All Time

Posted Tue Aug 06 2024

Space Jam Xbox controller in blue and orange.

Since its debut in 2001, the Xbox has firmly established itself in the gaming world. Microsoft's first foray into the console market proved to be a resounding success, leading to the development of multiple console generations. Alongside the consoles, Xbox controllers have also undergone numerous transformations, enhancing their functionality, performance, and aesthetics to meet the evolving needs and preferences of gamers.

Among these updates is an extensive lineup of special edition Xbox gamepads, featuring collaborations with movies and video games. These special editions often coincide with their respective release dates, showcasing unique and detailed designs. We’ve selected five of the most interesting and unique officially customized Xbox gamepads, ranging from older Xbox One models to the top-tier Xbox Elite Series 2. While "best" is subjective, the level of detail and design in these five controllers deserves recognition. Let's kick off with a trip into space...

Starfield Xbox Series X/S Controller in white.

5. Starfield Xbox Series X/S Controller

Coming in at number five is the Starfield-themed Xbox Series X/S device. Bethesda’s intergalactic role-playing game (RPG) made all the headlines ahead of its release in 2023, so it makes sense why Microsoft got in on the action and released this unique gamepad ahead of it, especially as the game is yet to come out on PS5 too.

Design-wise, it echoes a lot of the aesthetics from the game, with transparent triggers, full side and back grips, and a metallic bronze D-pad. These details mirror the look of the first spaceship you acquire in the game, with the controller littered with arrows and labels that correspond to the controls you need to pilot your craft.

The level of detail in the design of this controller is out of this world, just like the game itself, which earns it a well-deserved fifth place on our list.

Titanfall Xbox One Wireless Controller in white, orange, and black.

4. Titanfall Xbox One Wireless Controller

Continuing down the Sci-Fi road, we have the limited edition Titanfall Xbox One controller next.

Designed by Respawn Entertainment, this white, black, and orange gamepad was inspired by the C-101 carbine; the weapon used by the elite IMC Titan pilots of the Frontier in the game. That may not be abundantly clear at first glance, but a closer look at some of the details, namely the “C101” branding on the right, makes its inspiration known.

With Titanfall such a beloved shooter, it may come as no surprise this one can set you back a fair bit on the resale market. Microsoft no longer sells it, so if you want one of these superb controllers, you’re going to have to look for it second-hand.

Space Jam: A New Legacy Xbox Series X/S Controller in orange and blue and featuring "Tune Squad" branding.

3. Space Jam: A New Legacy Xbox Series X/S Controller

We have been fairly game-heavy so far, so we think it’s time to switch lanes over to the movie scene with this brightly colored Xbox Series X/S Controller, made exclusively for the release of Space Jam: A New Legacy.

Released in 2021, the sequel follows on from the highly popular 1996 Space Jam film starring Michael Jordan, with the lead role taken up by LeBron James this time around. However, you could argue its design straddles both eras, as the iconic “Tune Squad” logo is front and center, while the rest of the gamepad is dressed in bright blue, orange, and red tones.

It’s certainly unique and unlike any other Xbox controller you can buy, although it’s worth mentioning that Goon Squad and Serververse versions are also available. That being said, you can’t beat the Tune Squad, so it's the design we’ve chosen to take third place here.

Sea of Thieves Xbox One Wireless Controller in dark purple with glowing green details including a skull.

2. Sea of Thieves Xbox One Wireless Controller

Back to the realm of gaming and only just missing out on our number one spot is the Sea of Thieves Xbox One Controller.

Not only is this controller pretty rare, although that does depend on where you look, but this device boasts a pretty insane level of detail. Everything about this controller, from the deep purple, translucent backdrop to the glowing green skull right in the center, captures what Sea of Thieves is all about. However, the details that take it to the next level are the laser-etched barnacles all over the front that give it texture, and the one treasured golden trigger on the back that reflects what being a pirate is all about.

If all of that wasn’t enough, the controller also comes with a code to unlock the Ferryman Clothing Set in-game, which is a nice touch that really does add to the appeal of this special edition controller in our eyes.

Halo Infinite Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller in dark green and black to look like Master Chief armor.

1. Halo Infinite Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller

It was only a matter of time before Halo got a mention because it’s arguably one of Xbox Game Studio’s most successful creations. It’s probably the first game you think of when someone says Xbox, which makes sense seeing as the first game, Halo: Combat Evolved, debuted alongside the launch of the original Xbox. Since then, the video game franchise has even had its own TV show, although that’s not where the focus of this controller lies.

No, this gamepad was released alongside Halo Infinite's launch, with the design instantly recognizable as a replica of Master Chief’s armor. This controller earns a few extra marks too because it’s Microsoft’s premiere Elite Series 2 model. That means it features customizable components, hair-trigger locks, and easy-access back bumpers; all of which can improve your skills playing a shooter like Halo.

Considering the history behind Halo and its rise alongside Xbox, and the fact it’s not just a standard Xbox controller, we think it’s safe to say Halo Infinite Xbox Elite Series 2 is one of the best special edition Xbox controllers of all time.

View other articles.