Over two years have passed since Bethesda’s cosmic horror-tinged expansion Shattered Space whisked players away to the enigmatic homeworld of House Va’ruun, yet its haunting lavender skies and gravitational anomalies continue to captivate the Starfield community. Now, in 2026, Xbox is making sure that devotion can extend beyond the screen and into players’ hands—thanks to a pair of stunning custom controller designs featured on the Xbox Design Lab. But what exactly makes these peripherals so alluring, and how can fans of the Settled Systems claim one for themselves?
The Shattered Space DLC introduced a realm drenched in surreal purples, deep pinks, and misty grays, crafting an atmosphere of cosmic dread that felt equal parts beautiful and unsettling. It’s a palette that instantly became iconic, and Xbox’s design team has translated it masterfully into hardware form. Two distinct builds are currently showcased on the front page of the Design Lab website, each directly inspired by the expansion’s visual identity without relying on overt logos or insignias. The result is a subtle yet unmistakable tribute that any Va’ruun’kai explorer would recognize.
For those craving a premium experience, the Elite Controller option employs the candy cipher translucent shell—a semi-transparent casing that seems to capture the eerie bioluminescence of the Scaled Citadel. This is paired with a dark blue backplate, buttons, thumbsticks, and bumpers, creating a sophisticated contrast that mimics the twilight void above Dazra. Meanwhile, the Standard Controller leans into the ethereal with the cyber vapor faceplate design, whose smoky purple swirls dance over a midnight blue chassis. Both versions offer textured grips and remappable inputs, but it’s the way they reflect the DLC’s mood that turns an everyday tool into a conversation piece.
“Isn’t it time your hardware matched the haunting beauty of the Shattered Space?” That’s the question Xbox seems to be posing—and the answer appears to be a resounding “yes” from the community. Since the initial rollout of these themed presets in late 2024, the Design Lab has seen a steady stream of Starfield fans eager to pair their playthroughs with a controller that feels like an extension of the game world. And the best part? The journey doesn’t stop at the preset. Once a design is selected, users can dive deeper into the customization suite, tweaking everything from trigger accents to D-pad metallics. Want glowing orange vortex rings on your thumbsticks? Go for it. Prefer a matte black battery cover to symbolize the void? The options are nearly limitless.
Xbox’s strategy of tying controller releases to major game moments is nothing new. Who could forget the rugged, Vault-Tec-adorned Fallout 4 controller that still enjoys cult status? Or the countless limited-edition pads celebrating titles like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5? The Design Lab has evolved into a nexus where fandom meets self-expression, and Shattered Space is the latest—and perhaps most visually striking—beneficiary. With Bethesda continuing to support Starfield through quarterly updates and community mod collaborations well into 2026, the demand for themed gear shows no sign of waning.
So, why settle for a generic controller when you can wield a peripheral that mirrors the very essence of Va’ruun’kai? The answer is as clear as the nebular glow on the candy cipher shell. Whether you’re delving into new Creation Club questlines, rebuilding outposts on uncharted moons, or simply drifting through the Serpent’s Embrace, these controllers add a layer of immersion that a standard black pad simply cannot match.
Navigating the Design Lab is straightforward: head to the official Xbox website, browse the featured designs, and click either the Elite or Standard Shattered Space inspiration. From there, the tool presents a 360-degree view of your creation, with real-time rendering that shows how light plays off the surfaces. Pricing starts at around $79.99 for the Standard build and climbs to $179.99 for the Elite—still a bargain compared to many collector-focused peripherals. Shipping is available globally, and each controller comes with the same warranty as off-the-shelf models.
For those who prefer to start from scratch, the Design Lab also offers the raw color palette used in the themed presets, allowing you to incorporate just a hint of Shattered Space into an entirely personal creation. Perhaps you’ll blend the cyber vapor faceplate with acid-green accents for a mutated touch, or swap the candy cipher backing for something opaque to double down on the mystery. The only limit is imagination—and that’s precisely why the Xbox Design Lab remains a beloved fixture in 2026.
With Starfield’s player count remaining healthy and new content on the horizon, there has never been a better moment to upgrade your gear. After all, exploring the unknown feels far more authentic when the controller in your hands looks like it was forged in the heart of the Vortex. Will you answer the call of the Serpent?