Xbox Design Lab 2025: every controller tweak that’s on the table

Microsoft has refreshed its official breakdown of Xbox Design Lab for 2025, outlining how players can build a custom Xbox controller across 10 distinct components. The service supports two base models and lets you preview and save designs before finalizing. Options span finishes, patterns, metallic parts, and button treatments, with an optional 16-character engraving for personalization. Below – a concise look at what’s available, model by model.

Where customization starts – two controller bases

Xbox Design Lab supports two first-party gamepads, each serving a different use case and price point. Both are eligible for the same high-level workflow of configuring parts and aesthetics.

• Xbox Wireless Controller – Starts at $79.99 USD; features textured triggers and grips, a hybrid D-Pad, and Bluetooth for multi-device use.
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Starts at $169.99 USD; adds refined components, adjustable thumbsticks, hair trigger locks, paddle slots, and rubberized grips.

10-part customization – what you can change

Design Lab splits customization into ten areas. Some options vary by model, especially around finishes and materials on the Elite Series 2. You can preview any change live and save multiple versions to a personal gallery.

1) Body

The entire front case. Xbox Wireless Controller offers matte finishes and patterns including Vapor, Shift, Camo, a Pride option, and game-inspired looks such as a Fallout top case. Elite Series 2 includes matte choices, game-inspired designs, and the Cipher series – a transparent front case that shows internal components.

2) Back

The rear shell behind the grips. Available in the standard color set used on the Body, enabling matching or two-tone layouts.

3) Grips

Rubberized back and side grips are available as an optional add-on for the Xbox Wireless Controller; they are standard on Elite Series 2.

4) Bumpers

Top bumper buttons and the center bridge. Xbox Wireless Controller offers the standard color palette; Elite Series 2 adds metallic finishes.

5) Triggers

Triggers can be configured in standard colors on the Xbox Wireless Controller, with additional metallic options. On Elite Series 2, you can pick from multiple metallic treatments to match or offset the bumpers.

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6) D-Pad

Xbox Wireless Controller supports standard colors and metallic hues. Elite Series 2 lets you choose between a four-direction D-Pad or a Faceted variant, with single-tone metallic and multi-toned Chroma designs.

7) Thumbsticks

On the Xbox Wireless Controller, thumbsticks use the standard color set. Elite Series 2 separates customization into metal base, thumbstick ring, and topper, each with its own color choice.

8) ABXY buttons

Xbox Wireless Controller offers seven button treatments, including the classic colored layout and various two-tone options. Elite Series 2 expands this to 20 treatments, with additional colored variants.

9) View, Menu, Share buttons

Central buttons on the Xbox Wireless Controller have five design choices. Elite Series 2 provides 24 color options.

10) Engraving

Both controllers support a 16-character engraving – for a name, Gamertag, or message.

Game-inspired looks and pre-configured ideas

Beyond color-by-color tweaking, Xbox highlights pre-configured designs linked to specific games. Options span customizable special editions tied to titles like The Outer Worlds 2 and Ninja Gaiden 4, plus an “Inspired By” set for games such as Hollow Knight: Silksong and Silent Hill F. These presets can be used as a base and then adjusted.

At-a-glance differences by model

The table below summarizes several notable differences between the Xbox Wireless Controller and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 inside Design Lab.

Final takeaway – a clearer roadmap for personal builds

The 2025 update consolidates how Xbox Design Lab handles 10-part customization across its two controllers, making it easier to compare finishes, button treatments, and special patterns. For players, it means a more transparent path to a design that matches their setup – from understated matte to transparent Cipher and Chroma accents – with the option to lock it in with a 16-character engraving.