Microsoft often has does great fan service at E3, and when they announced Xbox Design Lab last year, a way for players to customize the look of their Xbox Wireless Controller, they raised the bar for new and exciting ways to connect with their fans.
This year, Microsoft is expanding the service to include the U.K., France, and Germany, with other European countries coming later this year. Until now, the service was only available in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
In addition to the original dozens of customization options, the company is adding four new colours for the controller shell, 11 new thumbstick colours, metallic finishes for d-pads and triggers to make the controller more akin to the Xbox Elite Controller and give it a more premium feel. Players will also have the option to add black rubberized grips to the controller for added comfort and control.
The customized controllers start at $79.99, a $20 premium over the standard unit. That markup is quite small considering the product is manufactured after the player has designed it and ships within two weeks. Metallic options add $3 to $4 for the d-pad and triggers, respectively, while rubberized grips will add $6 to the price. Microsoft if also offering free engraving (usually $10) if you order a new pad by June 19th.
Of course, the controllers will work across the entire Xbox One lineup, including Xbox One, Xbox One S, the newly announced Xbox One X, and Windows 10 PCs, as well as some Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Xbox Design Lab is available at xboxdesignlab.xbox.com.