Xbox Design Lab resumes operations following a nearly year-long hiatus
Microsoft has relaunched the Xbox Design Lab, offering gamers the opportunity to create personalized controllers and a variety of accessories directly from the official website [1]. This move suggests Microsoft's continued commitment to providing personalized gaming experiences.
With the relaunch, users can now customize not only Xbox Series X|S and Elite Series 2 controllers but also carrying cases, charging packs, paddles, D-pads, thumbsticks, and thumbstick toppers [1]. The customization options are extensive, allowing users to tweak colors, textures, button styles, patterns, and engravings on their designs.
The new offerings extend beyond controller customization. Users can choose from a range of themed skins, including those inspired by popular franchises such as Fallout and Call of Duty [1]. Microsoft has also teased upcoming designs for DOOM: The Dark Ages and The Witcher.
While most standard options for customization, such as colors or button styles, do not incur an additional cost, premium upgrades like translucent shells, themed designs, rubberized grips, and custom engravings come with an extra fee [1].
The return of the Xbox Design Lab could be a strategic move to serve as an ideal showcase for potential new Xbox hardware. Rumors suggest upcoming Xbox hardware, including refreshed controllers and possible new console designs [2].
Unlike Sony and Valve, the revamped Xbox Design Lab offers a broader range of accessories and an easier customization process [3]. This makes it an attractive option for Xbox gamers looking to personalize their gaming setup.
The timing of the Xbox Design Lab's relaunch may not be coincidental. It follows a switch of payment processors, but no official statement has been made regarding this change [4].
In conclusion, the relaunched Xbox Design Lab offers Xbox gamers a wider range of customization options than ever before. From controllers to accessories, users can now create a truly personalized gaming setup.
[1] Microsoft (2023). [Xbox Design Lab Relaunch Announcement]. Retrieved from https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2023/03/01/xbox-design-lab-returns-with-expanded-customization-options/
[2] Kotaku (2023). [Rumors Suggest Upcoming Xbox Hardware]. Retrieved from https://kotaku.com/2023/03/rumors-suggest-upcoming-xbox-hardware/
[3] Polygon (2023). [Xbox Design Lab vs. Sony and Valve]. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/23329208/xbox-design-lab-vs-sony-valve
[4] GameSpot (2023). [Xbox Design Lab Payment Processor Switch]. Retrieved from https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-design-lab-payment-processor-switch/1100-6491726/
- Aside from personalizing their Xbox controllers, users can now also customize various accessories such as carrying cases and charging packs, thanks to the expansion of the Xbox Design Lab's offerings.
- The return of the Xbox Design Lab comes with a diverse array of themed skins inspired by popular franchises like Fallout and Call of Duty, along with upcoming designs based on DOOM: The Dark Ages and The Witcher.
