Blog / Xbox Design Lab Returns After Half-Year Hiatus—And It’s Better Than Ever
August 07, 2025
Xbox Design Lab Returns After Half-Year Hiatus—And It’s Better Than Ever Customize controllers again with fresh themes like Doom: The Dark Ages and The Witcher, available anew for Xbox Series X|S and Elite 2 models.
🔔 What You Should Know
- Official Revival: Microsoft announced via social media and a promo trailer that the Xbox Design Lab is officially back online after a six-month shutdown.
- Unmatched Customization: Players can now personalize both standard Xbox Series X|S and Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 models. New translucent colors and franchise-themed themes—such as Fallout, Doom: The Dark Ages, and The Witcher—are available.
- Why It Was Down: The site had gone offline due to a platform migration to a new payment provider. The extended downtime had sparked speculation about whether the service was being retired—but it’s now back and better than ever.
- Global Access Restored: The service is now live across all previously supported regions, making it a perfect time for early holiday customization.
✅ TL;DR
- The Xbox Design Lab is back after being offline since December 2024.
- Expands customization with new color schemes and franchise-themed controller designs.
- Includes returning limited editions for Doom and The Witcher.
- Global access is restored just in time for holiday gift shopping.