While Sony continues to have an edge over Microsoft in the next-gen controller department in terms of functionality, the Xbox company at the very least sports a whole lot of pretty colors for its Xbox controllers. One such example is the newly announced Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller, now available for pre-order and releasing later this month.

Microsoft took to its Xbox news site to reveal the very, very blue Aqua Shift controller. The controller features a “color-shifting blue shimmer” that was inspired “by the fantasy that gaming brings into our lives,” according to Microsoft. Additionally, the new color is the “first Special Edition Xbox Series X|S controller to feature rubberized side grips with a unique dual color swirl on every unit,” confirming that the Aqua Shift is similar to the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 giving the rubberized side grips. Pretty fancy, really.

In terms of pricing and availability, the Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller is currently available for pre-order at a cost of $69.99, with a release date of August 31, 2021. Those looking to put an order in for themselves can do so right here.

As previously mentioned, what the Xbox Controller lacks in next-gen features it makes up for in a lovely variety of colors. That said, Xbox boss Phil Spencer seems keen on giving the Xbox Controller an upgrade, noting that Sony has done a “nice job” with the DualSense and that “we kind of look at some of that and [think] there are things that we should go do.” Whether that will amount to any substantial upgrades to the Xbox Controller remains to be seen, but, at least there’s a chance such a thing will happen in the future.

Thoughts on the new Aqua Shift Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller? Let us know in the comments section below, and as always, stay tuned to Don’t Feed the Gamers for all the latest gaming and entertainment news! Don’t forget to follow DFTG on Twitter for our 24/7 news feed!