Microsoft announced during its second E3 showcase that the Xbox Design Lab has returned. It was temporarily unavailable while they prepared for the launch of Xbox Series X | S and the new wireless controller. Players can once again express themselves by designing their own custom controllers. Thousands upon thousands of designs have been made since the Xbox Design Lab debuted, so what’s new now?
A major new option is the fact that Xbox Design Lab’s return adds the new Xbox Wireless Controllers. The new generation of controllers features better ergonomics, reduced latency, and improved cross-device connectivity. Users can choose from 18 different colors for most of the external controller parts. Newly added colors include Electric Volt, Shock Blue, and Pulse Red.
With the return of Xbox Design Lab, Microsoft also says most of the color options are manufactured with 30% recycled PCR (post-consumer recycled) materials by weight. They say this will reduce the amount of plastic that winds up in landfills to help the environment. They plan to continue increasing the amount of PCR in their products to keep doing better. However, they note that several of their colors do not use PCR materials. They are Pulse Red, Regal Purple, Robot White, and Zest Orange.
Now that we’ve seen Xbox Game Lab return, gamers in the US, Canada, and also most countries in Western Europe can place orders for $69.99 USD. You can add optional laser engraving if you’re willing to part with an extra $9.99. Your customized controller should arrive at your door within 14 business days.
“Fans can color-customize nearly all the external parts of the controller including the body, back case, D-pad, bumpers, triggers, thumbsticks, ABXY, View, Menu and Share buttons. With Xbox Design Lab, you can customize a controller to match your creative style, tell a story, or celebrate a special moment. From there, you can further personalize your design with laser engraving to add your name, Gamertag or custom 16-character message. We’ll then hand-make your controller and ship it to your doorstep with free shipping.” – James Hunter, Senior Director of Strategy & Business
