E-Day Peripherals Launch
Microsoft Unveils Limited Edition Gears of War: E-Day Xbox Controllers with Unique Designs, Pre-Orders Open
Key Points
Limited Edition uses 3D-molded, laser-etched cracked asphalt with red cracks; most buttons are black, but the X button, triggers, and D-Pad are transparent with red tints; the battery door features a silver COG tag.
The Xbox Design Lab variant features a top-case design with a skull perched atop crossed Lancers, plus battle-worn detailing as part of the E-Day customization.
An official 8BitDo charging dock will accompany the peripheral, including an 8BitDo rechargeable battery pack and magnetic alignment for easy drop-and-charge.
Pricing for the Limited Edition is $89.99 (also listed as £84.99 / €89.99 in some markets); the Design Lab variant price has not been specified in the reports, though the standard edition carries the USD price.
The Design Lab option goes live September 30, with pre-orders via Microsoft Store, retailers, and the Design Lab; Gears of War: E-Day is an Xbox console exclusive and will be available on day one via Game Pass for PC and console.
Microsoft has unveiled two new Gears of War: E-Day Xbox wireless controllers, priced at $89.99 for the flagship Limited Edition, ahead of the game's October 6 launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC. Windows Central called the designs "absolute stunners" and "the coolest special-edition pads this generation."
The controllers ship on September 30, giving fans a week to break them in before the game drops. Both designs lean hard into Gears lore, drawing from Emergence Day — the fictional apocalypse at the heart of the series. Pre-orders are live now through Microsoft Store, major retailers, and Xbox Design Lab.
Cracked Asphalt and Red Cracks Define the Limited Edition
The flagship Limited Edition controller uses 3D-molded, laser-etched texturing to mimic cracked asphalt split open by glowing red fissures. Tech Times reports that most buttons are standard black, but the X button, triggers, and D-Pad are transparent with a red tint. The battery door features a silver COG tag — the faction symbol from the Gears universe.
Games Radar noted that the design looks striking in press shots, though the site expressed some skepticism about whether the textures would look as vivid in person. The controller is fully compatible with Xbox Series X|S, PC, and mobile devices. It retails at $89.99 in the US and £84.99 in the UK.
Design Lab Variant Adds Artist Artwork and Full Customization
The Design Lab version goes a step further. It features a top-case design created by artist Luke Preece, known for heavy-metal–style illustration work. The image shows a skull perched on crossed Lancers — the iconic chainsaw rifles from the Gears series — with a battle-worn finish. Comic Book reports that the faceplate is fully customizable through the Design Lab platform.
The Design Lab option opens for customization on September 30. Shoppers can add color choices and cosmetic tweaks on top of the Preece artwork base. Pricing for the Design Lab variant has not been officially confirmed, though the standard Limited Edition carries the $89.99 price tag.
8BitDo Charging Dock Rounds Out the Accessory Line
Microsoft is also releasing an official 8BitDo charging dock to pair with the controllers. Windows Central says it includes an 8BitDo rechargeable battery pack and uses magnetic alignment for a drop-and-charge setup. That means no fumbling with cables — just set the controller down and it starts charging.
No price has been announced for the dock yet. It is designed to match the E-Day aesthetic, making it a natural companion for either controller variant. Full accessory details are expected closer to the October 6 game launch.
E-Day Game Is an Xbox Exclusive with Day-One Game Pass
Gears of War: E-Day is a console exclusive for Xbox. Comic Book confirmed the game will be available on day one through Game Pass for both PC and console subscribers. That means players who already pay for Game Pass won't need to buy the game separately — just the controllers if they want the limited gear.
Microsoft has described E-Day as one of its biggest upcoming releases. The game is set before the original Gears of War, telling the story of Emergence Day itself. Pre-orders for all controllers and accessories are live now via Microsoft Store, the Xbox Design Lab, and participating retailers ahead of the October 6 launch.
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