Gamers in the UK can now design their own Xbox One controllers

Microsoft has announced that it’s rolling out its controller customization service, Xbox Design Lab, to even more countries today alongside even more customization options. 

Unveiled last year, Xbox Design Lab was Microsoft’s first ever controller customization service which allowed Xbox owners to design their own official Xbox controller in a way that suited them. 

The service launched in the US, Puerto Rico and and Canada, but starting on June 12 the service will expand to include residents of the UK, France and Germany, with more European countries to be added later in the summer. 

Color control

But, beyond the expansion, Microsoft revealed that it’ll be adding even more customization options to the service that have been inspired by fan feedback.

Xbox Design Lab will now have more than a billion customization options for you to explore with these additions. 

On top of all the options that were already there, Xbox owners will have four new color options including Ink Blue, Mineral Blue, Sierra Brown and Desert Tan; 11 new thumbstick colors; metallic finishes for D-Pads and triggers; and black rubberized grips for those who want more comfort and control. 

It’s up to you to what degree you customize your controller but with Xbox Design Lab it’s possible to change the controller body, back case, D-Pad, bumpers, triggers, thumbsticks, buttons and View and Menu buttons. 

It’s hard not to take pride in your console controller and the opportunity to give it a personal touch beyond choosing a different standard color has the potential to really add to the gaming experience. It also means you don’t have to worry about mixing your controller up with anyone else's during a big local multiplayer session.

That said, purchasing a controller for the service adds at minimum a £20/$20 premium onto the standard Xbox Wireless controller price. 

Prices for Xbox Wireless controllers purchased through the service start at £69.99/$79.99 but prices vary depending on which customization options you decide to go for. A special engraving, for example, will raise the price of your purchase. 

If that's something you'd be interested in, though, Microsoft is offering free laser engraving on all Xbox Wireless Controllers purchased through Xbox Design Lab between June 12 and June 19 so it's worth jumping in quickly. You can purchase your own controller on the official Xbox website now. 

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Emma Boyle

Emma Boyle is TechRadar’s ex-Gaming Editor, and is now a content developer and freelance journalist. She has written for magazines and websites including T3, Stuff and The Independent. Emma currently works as a Content Developer in Edinburgh.