There’s no shortage of cool Xbox controllers up for grabs, but today Microsoft revealed an exciting new entry in its burgeoning Cipher series: the Pulse Cipher Special Edition. Designed with a transparent red frame and dark red accents, it looks like an excellent addition to a lineup that already includes a pair of standouts in the Sky Cipher and Ghost Cipher controllers. Preorders are now live at multiple retailers ahead of the February 4 release.
$75 | Releases February 4
The Pulse Cipher Special Edition looks stunning, thanks to its transparent red design that lets you see inside the controller. Accents include red diamond-shaped rubberized grips, dark red bumpers and face buttons, two-toned analog sticks, and metallic triggers and D-pad. Its button profiles can be modified using the Xbox Accessory Hub, giving you a few ways to customize its performance.
Beyond its striking new color, this is pretty much your standard Xbox controller. That means it’s compatible with not just Xbox consoles and PC, but also iOS and Android devices. It comes with a 3.5mm audio jack, up to 40 hours of battery life, and a Share button that lets you quickly capture in-game footage. The D-pad is pretty great too, as it supports eight directional inputs and feels quite responsive while gaming.
Preorders are available at Best Buy, Amazon, and the Microsoft Store, with more retailers to follow. This is expected to be a popular release, so be sure to check other sellers if your preferred on sells out.
$58 ($70)
The Sky Cipher Special Edition was the first member of the Cipher collection. The entire collection features translucent designs, with the Sky Cipher opting for an eye-catching blue pattern. The design is accented with dark blue buttons and bumpers, plus a metallic hybrid D-pad and triggers. It’s currently seeing a nice discount–so consider snagging it while it’s cheap.
$57 (was $70)
Rounding out the Cipher collection is the Ghost Cipher Special Edition. With a transparent silver frame and silver accents, it looks pretty minimal compared to the flashy blue and red colors above. The controller does have a splash of color thanks to its bronze metallic triggers and D-Pad, which make it less monochromatic than the other models (which are almost entirely blue or red). If you want a unique and understated controller, it’s an excellent option–especially since Walmart is discounting it to just $57 (was $70).
Looking for something different? Check out our roundup of the best Xbox controllers, featuring both premium and budget options from Razer, Victrix, 8BitDo, and more. Many of these are seeing discounts and can be shipped to your home well before February 4, so give them a look if you need a new controller ahead of the Pulse Cipher’s release.
You can also save big on Microsoft’s Elite Series 2 Core Controllers at Amazon and Walmart. Normally $130-$140, all three models–white, red, and blue–are available for $96-$98.