If you’re into stylish color schemes for your controllers, you should probably get an Xbox. Not only can you design your own, but Microsoft is always coming out with new official controller color schemes. The latest Xbox controller design is called Stormcloud Vapor, and it looks great. It costs $69.99 and it’s out soon, on August 8, but preorders are live now (see it at Amazon).
Preorder Stormcloud Vapor Xbox Controller
The design is a blue and black swirl that basically looks like mist. The exact design of the swirl is unique to each controller, so you won’t have to worry that your swirl looks just like everyone else’s. And for added grippiness, the back case of the controller has rubberized blue diamond-pattern grips. I don’t know if you’ve used an Xbox controller with rubberized grips, but the comfort level and ease of holding the thing are actually noticeable. Grips, it turns out, are good.
Aside from the appealing surface-level style, this latest Xbox controller is, in my opinion, the best standard controller ever made. The shape is basically perfect; it feels phenomenal in your hands. The buttons, triggers, and sticks offer just the right amount of resistance. And although I was skeptical of the disc-shaped D-pad design when it was first unveiled, I actually like it more than the plus-shaped ones I used to favor. This is a terrific controller.
If you like the swirl design of the Stormcloud Vapor controller, lock in a preorder. If not, there are plenty of other designs you can choose from. I’m sure you’ll find one that works for you. And if not, hop over to the Xbox Design Lab and make your own. For more, also check out the best Xbox deals happening now.
Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on (long inhale) Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, and the social network formerly known as Twitter.
