Everyone loves a limited edition controller. Most LE controllers come bundled with a console or game, others are country-exclusive, while few are available as a regular retail release. But one thing is clear, they are not usually produced in high quantities which allows their value to skyrocket years after release. Here are my Top 10 Limited Edition Controllers of this generation.
For purposes of this list, limited edition controllers will include anything deviating from the standard controller that comes with the console. While Xbox One controllers are compatible with Xbox Series X|S, I will only be including controllers released after the Xbox Series consoles were released.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Joy-Cons (Nintendo Switch)
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Joy-Cons a packed with character. You can tell what game they were made for just by looking at them. Released alongside the Tears of the Kingdom OLED Nintendo Switch model, these are a sight for sore eyes. I definitely think the right joy-con could have been designed a little better, but the overall aesthetic is nice.
9. Stellar Shift Controller (Xbox Series X|S)
The Stellar Shift Special Edition Wireless Controller was released in February this year and is the third controller available in the Shift Special Edition series of controllers. The colour palette is absolutely gorgeous and out of this world (pun intended). Photos don’t do the controller justice. I own this controller and was amazed by just how good this controller looks in real life.
8. Final Fantasy XVI DualSense (PlayStation 5)
The Final Fantasy XVI DualSense was released alongside the Final Fantasy XVI console covers which were unfortunately only available in Japan. The details on this DualSense are so intricate you almost need a magnifying glass to take it all in. As you can imagine, being region-exclusive led to these being in very high demand. I do wish Sony would experiment more with the actual controller colour rather than just designs on the grips and touchpad.
7. Hogwarts Legacy Limited Edition DualSense (PlayStation 5)
The Hogwarts Legacy Limited Edition DualSense is another region-exclusive controller that was only available in the US and UK via PlayStation Direct. It was released alongside Hogwarts Legacy earlier this year and features Hogwarts on the touchpad with magical accents on the grips. These were very limited in quantity and are worth more than double its original RRP now.
RELATED: Hogwarts Legacy Review
6. Remix Special Edition Controller (Xbox Series X|S)
The Remix Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller isn’t really limited edition, but it is a special controller that is worthy of being included on this list. The controller features recovered plastics with one-third of it made from regrind and reclaimed materials. Xbox wants to reduce their environmental impact, and this is one of the ways they are doing so. You can read about Sustainability at Xbox here.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Joy-Cons (Nintendo Switch)
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Joy-Cons were released alongside the game of the same name back in 2021. These deep royal blue joycons are stunning with golden accents around the buttons and sticks, as well as the vibrant red Hylian crest which pops. Nintendo know how to design Zelda limited edition hardware and peripherals so well.
4. Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition Controller (Xbox Series X|S)
The Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition Controller is sure to turn heads. The colour palette here is so aesthetically pleasing. Released in November 2021 alongside the game, this controller was an instant hit, even if you weren’t a fan of Forza, you wanted this controller. Can transparent controllers make a comeback already?
3. God of War Ragnarök Limited Edition DualSense (PlayStation 5)
The God of War Ragnarok DualSense is the best PlayStation 5 controller released so far. It features an illustration of a howling bear and a wolf — representing Kratos and Atreus. As stated before, Sony needs to change up the colours of the DualSense a bit more with their limited edition controllers. The Final Fantasy XVI and Hogwarts Legacy ones are great, but this one is in a whole other ballpark.
2. Splatoon 3 Joy-Cons (Nintendo Switch)
The Splatoon 3 Joy-Cons take out the #2 spot and title of the best limited edition Joy-Cons on this list. The beautiful gradients combined with the squid-tastic images straight out of Splatsville, no other Joy-con comes close to this pair. While this list isn’t about consoles, the limited edition OLED model that was released with these joy-cons is phenomenal.
1. Starfield Limited Edition Controller (Xbox Series X|S)
Where do I start? The Starfield Limited Edition Controller is designed to perfection. It features transparent triggers, a bronze metallic D-pad, and two-tone grips designed to resemble spaceship panels. Not to mention, the iconic Constellation-inspired colour mark around the Xbox button and the vibrant red panel on the backside of the controller. The controller has set a benchmark that will be hard to meet.
So that is my Top 10 Limited Edition Controllers of the current generation! Did I miss anything? Think something should be higher or lower? Let us know on Facebook, X, Threads or Instagram!
