Xbox has officially revealed two limited-edition Gears of War: E-Day controllers, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma praising the franchise for having one of the most distinctive visual identities in gaming.
Previous reports suggested that a special controller was being prepared to celebrate the launch of Gears of War: E-Day, but Xbox has now gone one step further. Fans will have a standard Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller to choose from, alongside a customizable Xbox Design Lab version featuring exclusive artwork.
Both designs will also be showcased at Gamescom 2026 ahead of the game’s launch.
Gears of War: E-Day Xbox Controller Features Emergence Day Design
The standard Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller takes direct inspiration from the destruction of Emergence Day.
Its design features 3D-molded and laser-etched cracked asphalt, with glowing red cracks representing the power of an erupting E-hole. Beneath the damaged surface sits the franchise’s iconic Crimson Omen.
The face buttons have also received a darker appearance, with blacked-out ABY buttons accompanied by a transparent red X button.
Red triggers continue the theme, while a transparent D-pad is designed to represent the destruction left behind following Emergence Day.
Around the back, players will find a dark silver metallic COG tag on the battery door, while textured grips are included to improve handling during gameplay.
It’s a design that leans heavily into the darker, war-torn visual style that has defined Gears since the original game.
Xbox Design Lab Is Getting an Exclusive Gears of War: E-Day Controller
Players looking for something more customizable will have another option beginning September 30.
Xbox Design Lab is receiving exclusive Gears of War: E-Day artwork created by heavy metal illustrator Luke Preece.
The centerpiece of the design features a skull positioned above crossed Lancers, surrounded by additional skulls and battle-worn imagery inspired by the Gears universe.
Unlike the standard Limited Edition controller, players will be able to customize several aspects of the Design Lab version.
Options include metallic triggers and D-pads, rubberized side and back grips, and personalized engraving, allowing fans to create their own variation of the Gears design.
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Asha Sharma Praises Gears’ Visual Identity
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma also shared the announcement, highlighting how recognizable the franchise has become over the years.
Sharma wrote:
“Gears has one of the most distinctive visual identities in gaming.”
It’s difficult to argue with that assessment when looking at the new controllers.
The Crimson Omen, Lancer, COG imagery, dark metallic surfaces, and heavy use of red have been closely associated with Gears of War since the franchise’s earliest days, and Xbox is leaning heavily into those elements for E-Day.
The new game itself also returns to an earlier point in the Gears timeline, focusing on the devastating events of Emergence Day and the relationship between Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago.
Gears of War: E-Day Controllers Price & Release Details
The Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller will cost $89.99, with pre-orders available ahead of release.
The Xbox Design Lab version becomes available beginning September 30, 2026.
Xbox is also releasing a matching 8BitDo Ultimate Charging Dock designed to complement the limited-edition controllers.
Fans attending Gamescom 2026 will get an opportunity to see both controllers at the Xbox booth before they become widely available.
With Gears of War: E-Day approaching, the controllers are another part of Microsoft’s push to make the return of one of Xbox’s most recognizable franchises feel like a major event.
