Look, I’m usually quick to roll my eyes at yet another special edition Xbox Wireless Controller design (recent butt-trollers excluded), but every so often the folks running their accessories department just nail it. The last example I can think of is the Remix Special Edition, which was an instant-buy and is my regular controller for anything Game Pass-related.
But damn it, it’s happened again. Although I still can’t fathom why we don’t see more companies cashing in on millennial nostalgia for transparent tech, Xbox has gone and done just that, revealing the Xbox Wireless Controller – Sky Cipher Special Edition.
This all-blue, mostly-see-through number is honestly a looker, combining an transparent outer face and handles with the metallic interior features including visible rumble packs in the handles to really great effect. The top and rear are a darker blue plastic, while the triggers are a metallic blue and the thumbsticks a two-tone vibe. Finally, the rubberised grips under the handles are a lighter blue. It all comes together real nicely.
The Sky Cipher controller also sees the debut of a new packaging design for Xbox controllers does away with single-use plastics and a paper manual (which has been replaced with a QR code linking to a digital quick start guide). The packaging is also now 22% smaller and 21% lighter than before, making for an overall reduction in materials used.
The Xbox Wireless Controller – Sky Cipher Special Edition is available for pre-order right now for an RRP of $99.95, and will launch on August 30th, 2024. You can find pre-order links for local retailers below:
