One of Microsoft’s big E3 2016 reveals was the news that the Xbox Design Lab will begin manufacturing custom controllers for gamers. The news sounds easy to dismiss at first, as custom controllers are nothing new in the gaming world, but the amount of options gamers have in creating their own Xbox One controller is truly staggering. Microsoft’s preview video for the customization service boldly proclaimed that fans will have over 8 million different controller configurations to choose from, and to top it all of, Xbox Design Lab will also offer laser engravings for a more personalized touch.
While it’s doubtful this was the news the industry titan had in mind when it suggested Microsoft’s E3 2016 would include special plans, the response to the new service has been a resounding one. Now, there are a few more details available and a lot more pictures, which can be found at the bottom of this article. Those looking for more information on the new customization service - which was one of the few Microsoft news stories that didn’t leak - read on.
Xbox Design Lab will offer an incredible array of choice in designing a custom Xbox One controller, including control over the controller body, back case, D-pad, bumpers, triggers, thumb sticks, ABXY buttons, and View and Menu Buttons. The laser engraving service will allow up to 16 characters per controller, and will cost an additional $10 USD - a custom controller absent the engraving will run gamers $80 USD.
That might seem expensive, but custom controller services in the past have been pricey as well, and they were typically done through third-party services without the same kind of pedigree that Microsoft has. Anyone looking for a more personalized way to play Microsoft’s current-gen console has to be pleased with this offer, and it’s likely gamers can expect to see more vibrant Xbox One controllers at future gaming conventions sooner rather than later.
Here’s a look at some of the flashiest color combinations Microsoft demoed during E3:
Source: Polygon
