Revive Translucent Gaming Gear With New Xbox Controllers

Building on the launch of the Sky Cipher special edition Xbox Wireless Controller, Microsoft has unveiled an entire lineup of transparent controllers now available for preorder.

The Cipher Series Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 comes in six vibrant color options. The white Ghost Cipher has the clearest transparency, while the other choices include Velocity Cipher, Astral Cipher, Surf Cipher, Candy Cipher, and Pulse Cipher, which correspond to Xbox green, purple, blue, pink, and red, respectively. Users can customize their controllers by selecting colors for the D-pad, buttons, joysticks, and triggers right from the Design Lab. The base model is priced at $150, so keep an eye out for any additional features that could increase the overall cost.

In addition to the controllers, Xbox is rolling out two chromatic D-pad and paddle options in the series, featuring Energy Chroma (blue) and Sunset Chroma (yellow). These accessories aim to give gamers tighter control during competitive online play, particularly in shooting games. While these additions aren’t essential, the advanced Elite Series 2 is designed with players who seek that extra edge in mind.

If the Elite controller isn’t in your budget, consider the Ghost Cipher version of the standard Xbox controller, which offers a design reminiscent of the Sky Cipher but in white with copper-colored triggers and D-pad. Unlike the other controllers in the Cipher series that are exclusive to the Design Lab, the Ghost Cipher special edition wireless controller is available for $70. Preorders are now open, with the official release set for October 8.

Xbox has significantly refreshed its accessory designs by introducing transparency with the Sky Cipher special edition controller, featuring a dark-blue gradient and a partially see-through shell. Each option in this new lineup includes a transparent casing and black grips, providing less visibility than one might anticipate, especially as the transparency doesn’t extend to the back of the controller.