Xbox’s New October Controller Explained

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A new Xbox Series X controller is on the way—bringing a new addition to the ‘Cipher’ set. Moreover, this Halloween-adjacent Xbox Series X controller won’t be released without a cohort.




Novelty controllers have started to become something of a forte for Xbox, with examples including a recent collaboration with Deadpool & Wolverine. Despite many of these tie-in controllers being held behind sweepstakes, the publicity of these collaborations—as well as the often-elaborate controller designs—have made them key elements in the brand’s commercial strategy. This is down to both the latter points and the iconic nature of the Xbox controller; though the Series X and One controllers are less favored, the Xbox 360’s controller became an archetypal symbol of gaming for many thanks to its design and functionality.

Xbox’s Ghost Cipher Controller Explained


About a week ago, a new see-through Xbox controller was leaked via an article from Dealabs—and the rumors have all come true. Not only has the Ghost Cipher now been revealed, the Cipher series has been integrated into Xbox Design Lab’s second series of customizable controllers. Six transparent colors are now available for controllers designed via Series 2, whereas Ghost Cipher will release as a standalone device on October 8.

Everything There Is To Know About Ghost Cipher

The Ghost Cipher, a special edition controller separate to Xbox Design Lab, follows much of Xbox’s Sky Cipher precedent. Another transparent controller, Ghost Cipher will have the same $69.99 price tag. During the leak period, the controller’s color was unknown—though the colorless clarity many theorized has now been confirmed. The front shell is fully transparent, accented by gray joysticks, light gray/white buttons, and a bronze D-Pad with bronze triggers.


Xbox’s upcoming Ghost Cipher controller is already available for pre-order, meaning that specs are naturally available. Ghost Cipher shares the same 40-hour battery life and 3.5mm audio jack as Sky Cipher, alongside typical wireless and Bluetooth integration. The controller’s grips are also rubberized, and they contain rumble packs within their layered tech. Given that the controller is named ‘Ghost’ Cipher, the October release date makes it clear that this controller is something of a Halloween release—or at least Halloween-adjacent.

The Cipher Series Is Now Available In Xbox Design Lab

Leaks surrounding Xbox’s Ghost Cipher controller were right on the money, but the implementation of the Cipher series in Xbox Design Lab is a whole new discovery. The shells here aren’t as expansive as Ghost Cipher or Sky Cipher, with the transparent aspect ending before the grips, but they can be implemented onto entirely customizable controllers. However, fans will have to pay a pretty penny for these controllers; Series 1 orders started at $69.99, whereas Series 2 has $149.99 as a minimum—over twice as much.


Just as Series 1 of Xbox Design Lab had six Vapor bases, six see-through Cipher shell parts are available for Series 2. Ghost Cipher is indeed among these colors, though the dark blue of Sky Cipher is notably absent. The other color options are Velocity Cipher (dark green), Astral Cipher (purple), Surf Cipher (light blue), Candy Cipher (pink), and Pulse Cipher (red). According to Xbox’s announcement, these transparent colors are designed to evoke the see-through controllers of the ’90s and early 2000s.

Alongside these cipher colors, fans can now also access new chromatic D-Pad and paddle designs, Energy Chroma and Sunset Chroma, as part of Series 2. Players can use Xbox Design Lab to add extra thumbsticks, D-Pads, and paddles, in addition to a feature that grants access to 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick covers.


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