Microsoft has announced a limited-edition Gears of War: E-Day Xbox Wireless Controller and opened preorders through participating retailers worldwide. According to the official Xbox Wire post dated August 12, 2026, the controller carries a US list price of $89.99. The company also said a second E-Day design that can be customized through Xbox Design Lab will become available on September 30.
What changes on the limited-edition model?
The new version keeps the functions of the standard Xbox Wireless Controller while replacing its exterior design with Gears-inspired artwork. Microsoft says the shell includes three-dimensional molded and laser-etched details intended to resemble cracked asphalt. Red accents, a transparent red X button, matching triggers, a transparent directional pad and a dark silver COG tag on the battery door are among the listed visual elements.
Xbox also confirms textured grip surfaces. These are cosmetic and ergonomic details. The announcement does not introduce a new processor, an additional button layout or a connection system that differs from the standard controller. The product is therefore positioned as a themed limited-edition accessory rather than a new generation of Xbox controller hardware.
How is the Design Lab version different?
The Xbox Design Lab option is built around a special E-Day-themed top case. From September 30, customers will be able to combine it with options such as metallic triggers and directional pads, rubberized side and back grips, and personalized engraving. Because optional changes can affect the price, the fixed $89.99 label for the ready-made limited edition should not be treated as the final price of every Design Lab configuration.
The ready-made model and the Design Lab option follow different purchase paths. The finished controller is available for preorder through participating retailers, while the customizable version is scheduled to open inside Design Lab on September 30. Customers should distinguish the customization start date from a retailer’s delivery date. The announcement does not provide one universal delivery timetable for every country.
An 8BitDo charging dock accompanies the release
The announcement also includes the officially licensed 8BitDo Ultimate Charging Dock. The manufacturer’s official product page says the dock supports Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One wireless controllers, includes a rechargeable battery pack and uses magnetic alignment. Protection against overcharging and overheating is also listed among its features.
TechRadar independently reported that preorders had opened, that the ready-made controller would be released on September 30 and that its US price would be $89.99. The report also identifies the charging dock as a separate accessory. Regional prices, taxes and retailer inventories can differ, so a price listed in one country should not be presented as a universal global price.
How does this connect to the game?
The accessories are tied to the promotional schedule for Gears of War: E-Day. An official Xbox update published on August 13 says the open beta is running on Xbox Series X|S and PC and identifies October 6 as the planned full-game launch date. Buying the controller is not required for beta access; the hardware and the game are separate products.
The confirmed details at this stage are that the ready-made limited-edition controller is available for preorder at a US list price of $89.99, the Design Lab option begins on September 30, and a compatible 8BitDo charging dock is being offered separately. Availability and country-specific prices should be checked through Microsoft and authorized retailer pages.
