Microsoft has two new Xbox controllers ready for Gears of War: E-Day, and both lean hard into the series’ grim visual language. Pre-orders opened today for the main limited edition model, while a fully customizable Design Lab version follows at the end of next month.
The Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller costs $89.99 and looks pretty wild, with crackled asphalt stamped on the face of the controller in 3D and laser-etched details, bright red lines tearing thru the black surface like the earth has opened up and a Locust is bursting forth, and that unmistakable red-glowing Crimson Omen, exposed and taunting. That crack pattern gives the controller a raw, brutal appearance that complements the game’s setting of destroyed cities ravaged by the Locust Horde.
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances...
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and...
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
The buttons follow the same pattern, with the A, B, and Y buttons completely blacked out, so you can’t know they’re there. The X button is clear red, allowing you to see thru it, as are the triggers and D-pad. They are entirely transparent red and as clear as glass. And then there’s a little dark silver COG tag attached to the battery door with the slogan “Never Fight Alone,” and the textured grips on the sides and rear give it the feel of worn leather rather than basic rubber.
Despite the theming, it’s a regular Xbox Wireless Controller. It works great on the Series X and S, as well as Windows PCs, phones, tablets, and pretty much anything else you’d want to use it on, and the battery life is expected to be around 40 hours. All of the typical features are present, including the hybrid D-pad, the Share button, Bluetooth, Xbox Wireless connectivity, and even a 3.5mm jack. The Xbox Accessories app allows you to configure all of your button mapping and other settings.
However, on September 30th, another option will become available with the Xbox Design Lab. Luke Preece, a British artist who has done some really interesting work, including some awesome album and band graphics for heavy metal bands, has produced a top shell that displays a skull resting on two crossed Chainsaw Lancers, with all sorts of other skulls and scarred up features around it… it’s a real monster. From there, you may add a variety of extras such as metallic triggers, D-pads, grip textures, button styles, and even have it engraved with your own personal touch. The pricing starts at the normal Design Lab level, but any extras you add will increase the final bill. Along with each of these special controllers will be an 8BitDo Ultimate Charging Dock, which is also done out in the Gears of War theme and has some pretty fascinating features, such as magnetic alignment and a drop-and-charge capability.
Both of these Xbox Wireless Controllers will be on display at the Xbox booth at Gamescom later this month, and if that isn’t enough, players will get their first look at the Gears of War: E-Day campaign. The game will be released on October 6th for Xbox Series X | S and PC.
