Gears of War: E-Day Controller Is Up for Preorder at $89.99
Xbox revealed two Gears of War: E-Day controllers. See the $89.99 preorder, Design Lab date, compatibility, design details, and charging dock.
By Nova RainesAug 12, 2026
Video
Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Controllers Reveal Trailer
Xbox
Xbox’s official trailer shows both Gears of War: E-Day controller designs.
Xbox has opened preorders for a Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Wireless Controller priced at $89.99. The standard limited edition is available through the Microsoft Store and participating retailers, while a separate customizable Xbox Design Lab version launches September 30.
Both designs lean into the damage left by Emergence Day instead of simply placing a logo on a standard shell. The $89.99 controller uses molded cracks, a Crimson Omen beneath the surface, transparent red controls, and a metallic COG tag. The Design Lab model takes a different direction with heavy-metal artwork by Luke Preece.
Here is what Xbox has confirmed about the price, preorder, compatibility, Design Lab release, and matching charging dock.
Gears of War: E-Day Controller Price and Preorder
The fixed-design Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller costs $89.99 in the United States. Preorders opened August 12 through Xbox.com, the Microsoft Store, and participating retailers. Xbox describes it as a limited-time product, but it has not announced a sellout date or a shipping date.
That last detail is easy to miss. The preorder button is live, but Xbox has not said exactly when the controller will reach buyers. Retailer pricing and availability may also vary by region.
The $89.99 limited edition uses molded cracks, transparent red controls, and the Crimson Omen. Image: Xbox.
The shell is built around the E-holes that tear open Sera when the Locust emerge. Cracked asphalt is molded and laser-etched across the controller, with red fissures revealing the Crimson Omen underneath. It is a physical texture rather than a flat printed pattern.
Xbox also changed several smaller pieces to match the design:
Blacked-out ABXY buttons with a transparent red X button.
Red transparent triggers and a transparent directional pad.
Black and red thumbsticks.
Leather-like textured grips on the back and sides.
A dark metallic COG tag on the battery door with the “Never Fight Alone” message.
Underneath the artwork, this is the standard modern Xbox Wireless Controller rather than an Elite Series 2 model. It keeps the familiar share button, 3.5 mm headset jack, button remapping through the Xbox Accessories app, and AA-battery setup.
Which Devices Does It Work With?
The limited edition supports Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, Android phones and tablets, and iPhone or iPad devices. It uses Xbox Wireless for compatible consoles and Bluetooth for supported computers and mobile devices.
It can also switch between paired devices, which is useful if you play E-Day on a console but use the same controller for PC Game Pass or mobile streaming.
The Design Lab Version Arrives September 30
The second controller is not the same $89.99 model with extra color choices. It uses exclusive artwork by UK heavy-metal illustrator Luke Preece, centered on a skull above two crossed Chainsaw Lancers and surrounded by more skulls and battle damage.
Xbox Design Lab will open the design on September 30. Buyers can change curated button colors and add paid upgrades such as metallic triggers and directional pads, rubberized side and back grips, and personalized engraving. Xbox has not announced the base price for this version, and customization costs will depend on the selected options.
The Design Lab version uses artwork by heavy-metal illustrator Luke Preece and opens September 30. Image: Xbox.
There Is Also a Matching 8BitDo Charging Dock
8BitDo is releasing an officially licensed Gears of War: E-Day Ultimate Charging Dock for Xbox controllers. It includes a rechargeable battery pack, magnetic alignment, drop-and-charge placement, and protection against overcharging and overheating.
The dock works with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One wireless controllers. It is a separate accessory rather than part of the $89.99 controller box.
The charging dock is useful for players who do not want to keep replacing AA batteries, but it does not change the controller itself. Buyers should treat it as an optional display-and-charging accessory, not a required part of the limited edition.
When Can You See the Controllers in Person?
Xbox plans to display both controllers publicly at its gamescom 2026 booth. The event will also host the first playable campaign demo for Gears of War: E-Day, giving attendees a chance to see the hardware beside the game that inspired it.
The controller reveal arrives just before the second open-beta weekend. Pixel Twelve’s Gears of War: E-Day beta guide has the exact start times, download steps, modes, and rewards.
Xbox’s full announcement includes the controller reveal trailer and additional official images.
Is This an Elite Controller?
No. Despite the detailed shell and higher limited-edition price, this is an Xbox Wireless Controller rather than an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. It does not include rear paddles, adjustable-tension thumbsticks, trigger locks, interchangeable components, or the Elite carrying case.
The extra cost is paying for the licensed Gears design, molded finish, translucent parts, and limited availability. Players who care more about competitive hardware features than the artwork may prefer an Elite model or a less expensive standard controller.
Hello Games’ 10th-anniversary trailer looks back at No Man’s Sky’s first decade, then closes with “Cosmos.” No release date or features have been announced.
