Microsoft brings back Xbox Design Lab after almost a year
New themed designs inspired by Fallout and Call of Duty are live, with more on the way including DOOM: The Dark Ages and The Witcher.
During my Xbox One days, I loved designing custom controllers through the Xbox Design Lab, even when I couldn’t actually afford to buy one. But seeing my creation come to life in real-time through an intuitive 3D model as I tweak colors, textures, button styles, patterns, and engravings made the experience feel truly personal.
So, when Microsoft pulled the plug on the Lab late last year during a switch of payment processors, I was worried it was gone for forever. Thankfully, that’s not the case, as the Xbox Design Lab is officially back, and it’s even better than before.
This relaunch expands beyond just controllers. You can still build your ideal Xbox Series X|S or Elite Series 2 controller, but now you can also personalize accessories such as carrying cases, charging packs, paddles, D-pads, thumbsticks, and thumbstick toppers.
You’ll also find fresh skins inspired by Fallout and Call of Duty, plus sleek translucent shell options that look better than ever. Microsoft even teased upcoming DOOM: The Dark Ages and The Witcher designs, signalling its commitment to the Lab’s future.
Most options, like colors or button styles, come at no extra cost, while premium upgrades like translucent shells, themed designs, rubberized grips, or custom engravings do carry an additional fee.
The return of Xbox Design Lab is quite timely. With the holiday season on the horizon, a personalized controller makes a killer gift. And now gamers can once again design, price, and order one directly from the official site.
While Sony has offered limited controller customizations and Valve lets players decorate their Steam Decks, Xbox’s revamped personalization platform stands out for its breadth of accessories and ease of use.
The timing might not be coincidental either. Rumors are heating about upcoming Xbox hardware, including refreshed controllers alongside a possible new console design, and the Design Lab serves as an ideal showcase. Bringing it back is arguably a smart brand strategy.
Oluwaseun Bamisile
