Skip to main content

Xbox’s new transparent controller will take you back to the 2000s

A blue translucent Xbox controller in front of a cyber blue background.
Microsoft

I miss translucent tech products as a industrywide trend, and it seems a lot of other people do too. Case in point is the new Sky Cipher Special Edition controller Xbox announced on Wednesday.

The transparent blue Xbox Wireless Controller, which will go on sale for $70 on August 13 and is now available for preorder, can show off inner workings like, as Xbox says, the rumble pack. It also has metallic D-pad and triggers that should be more durable than plastic, rubber grips on the back, and “silver interior parts” that make it look simultaneously futuristic and nostalgic.

Recommended Videos

Beyond its design, Xbox says it will get up to 40 hours of battery life (although that’s likely a generous estimate). It also foffers all the typical Xbox wireless controller features, including Bluetooth that can connect with just about any device, including your PC and mobile phone.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Xbox also said that it’s introducing a new, more sustainable packaging for its controllers that’s removed single-use plastics, made the box smaller, and ditched the paper manual.

The company has been on a controller streak recently. While the viral Deadpool and Wolverine and X-Men ’97 controllers the can only be owned if you win a sweepstakes, it also announced the Fire Vapor Special Edition controllers in May. At this point, it feels like Xbox announces a new special controller every month.

While the transparent trend spiked in the early 2000s, it seems to be making a small comeback on niche products. Backbone’s Post Malone green translucent controller sold out, while Analogue sold a transparent version of its Pocket handheld before that also sold out.

Carli Velocci
Carli is a technology, culture, and games editor and journalist. They were the Gaming Lead and Copy Chief at Windows Central…
Alan Wake 2’s new DLC seems to show our first look at Control 2
Agent Estevez holding a flashlight in an office room.

Alan Wake 2's new story expansion, The Lake House, is yet another short, spooky adventure in the Remedy Connected Universe, but it also contains the first look at the long-awaited sequel to 2019's Control -- and it's easy to miss.

Remedy has created a connected universe between its games, with the two main players right now being Control and Alan Wake 2. Control started by dropping easter eggs about Alan's whereabouts before straight-up reintroducing him in the AWE expansion. Meanwhile, Alan Wake 2 heavily features the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) and introduces new lore into how it all functions.

Read more
Xbox finally upgrades its wireless headset after 3 years
A new black Xbox headset floating on a gray background.

Microsoft has announced some upgrades to its Xbox Wireless Headset on Tuesday, with improved audio, better battery life, and an upgraded microphone for $110, which is $10 more than its predecessor. And it's available to buy now.

Xbox calls this a "refresh" in the announcement post on its website, and indeed it doesn't change up a lot in terms of design. The only significant difference is that it no longer sports a green ring around the earcups. Instead, it opts for an all-black look.

Read more
After years of promises, Xbox might let you stream games you own
An Xbox controller being held up in front of an Xbox Series S

Xbox may soon be testing the ability to let you stream games you own over Cloud Streaming, instead of limiting you to just titles available in Xbox Game Pass.

The Verge's Tom Warren reports that the functionality is a part of Project Lapland, and will be coming to the Xbox Insider program in November. Barring any problems, it'll release to more users after that. Based on previous statements, it'll likely only be available to Ultimate subscribers.

Read more