The Outer Worlds 2: Custom Controllers & Launch Hardware Review

Last Updated: November 8, 2025

Following its successful launch on October 29, 2025, Obsidian Entertainment’s The Outer Worlds 2 expanded its universe beyond the screen with a series of premium, customizable Xbox controllers. This initiative, which coincided with the game's release, allowed dedicated fans of the Halcyon colony to create their own bespoke hardware.

The move came after a brief but intense pre-launch debate surrounding the game’s price, offering a premium experience for enthusiasts while ensuring the base game remained accessible to all.

Hardware for the Halcyon Faithful

Leading up to the game's release, Microsoft and Obsidian announced that fans would have a new way to show their corporate loyalty—or rebellious spirit. This materialized not as a pair of static, limited-edition controllers, but as a comprehensive suite of customization options within the Xbox Design Lab. Players were given the ability to theme both the standard Xbox Wireless Controller and the premium Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.

This approach aligned with the growing industry trend of offering bespoke hardware for major first-party releases, providing fans with tangible collector's items. Given the distinct art style and satirical corporate branding of The Outer Worlds, the potential was immense. The Design Lab options allowed for creative and visually striking combinations, including official Spacer's Choice color palettes, Auntie Cleo-themed metallic finishes, and rugged textures inspired by the Iconoclasts. This level of personalization offered a deeper layer of investment for players wanting a physical piece of the Halcyon colony to call their own.

A Look Back: The Pre-Launch Pricing Debate

This hardware initiative did not occur in a vacuum. It arrived shortly after a significant public conversation about the price of The Outer Worlds 2 itself. The game initially caused a stir when it was listed for pre-order with an $80 price tag for its standard edition, a full $10 above the common $70 price for new AAA titles. The community response was swift and largely negative, with many expressing concern over the perceived price hike.

To their credit, Microsoft and Obsidian were quick to respond. The publisher walked back the price, adjusting it to the industry-standard $70 and clarifying the cost structure for its various editions. This move was widely praised as a course correction that respected consumer sentiment. The subsequent introduction of premium, optional hardware was then seen as a clever way to engage the most dedicated part of the fanbase. Ironically, despite the focus on official hardware, some PC players using Game Pass reported controller recognition issues on launch day—a minor technical hiccup that was soon addressed in a post-launch patch.

The Proven Strategy of Premium Peripherals

The release of themed controllers is a calculated and often successful business strategy. For publishers like Microsoft, it deepens brand engagement by creating a physical, tactile connection to a game world. It also serves as a significant revenue driver that targets the most dedicated segment of the player base—super-fans who are often willing to pay a premium for unique items that showcase their fandom.

This strategy has been successfully deployed for numerous other major titles, from the sleek, minimalist controllers for Starfield to the rugged hardware for Cyberpunk 2077. For The Outer Worlds 2, these custom options in the Xbox Design Lab represented an opportunity for Microsoft to reward its most loyal fans while building on the game's strong visual identity. It was a delicate balancing act: offering exclusivity to those who wanted it, without alienating the broader player base who had already voiced concerns over cost.

The Verdict: A Collector's Dream, An Accessible Adventure

For the average player, the custom controllers changed little. The Outer Worlds 2 launched at its adjusted $70 price point and was available on day one for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, representing one of the best values in gaming. The controllers were a purely optional, luxury purchase.

For the collector and the die-hard fan, however, this was a significant development and a welcome one. The execution via the Xbox Design Lab was key, offering high-quality, compelling designs that honored the source material. Ultimately, Obsidian and Microsoft successfully navigated the ecosystem of products surrounding the game's launch. They delivered a critically acclaimed RPG that was accessible to millions while providing a premium, creative outlet for the franchise's most dedicated followers.