Summary
- The Stormcloud Vapor Xbox Wireless Controller, with a storm-inspired design, is now available for purchase.
- Priced at $69.99, it is one of the more affordable special edition Xbox controllers, with free shipping available from the Microsoft Store and various retail partners.
- The controller has a premium design, with rubberized diamond-textured grip and compatibility with PC and Xbox consoles, while the possibility of limited-edition controllers for future games remains open.
The Stormcloud Vapor variant of the Xbox Wireless Controller is now available for purchase. The special edition Xbox controller was originally revealed on August 1, and the wait is now over.
Much like its name implies, the Stormcloud Vapor gamepad is speckled with shades of blue and gray intended to evoke the look of tempest mist. Its swirly color pattern also extends to its triggers, bumpers, and backplate. Although Microsoft reveals special edition Xbox controllers fairly frequently, most of them tend to come with a unique twist so that their value as collector's items isn't tied to mere artificial scarcity. The company doubled down on that notion this time around, as each individual Stormcloud Vapor gamepad features a unique color pattern which makes it a one-of-a-kind offering.
The Stormcloud Vapor Xbox Wireless Controller has now hit both physical and digital store shelves a week into its reveal. The gadget retails at $69.99, which is on the lower end of what special edition Xbox controllers typically cost. For example, the recently debuted Starfield gamepad and Remix Xbox Wireless Controller with a unique twist currently retail at $79.99 and $71.99, respectively. As per usual, this newly released device will be available while supplies last. Microsoft's special edition controllers historically sold out within weeks, and only a select few of them were ever treated to limited restocks.
The Microsoft Store's long-standing offer of free shipping on gaming accessory orders also extends to the Stormcloud Vapor variant of the Xbox Wireless Controller. Alternatively, stateside consumers can order the device from one of the company's retail partners, including Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, Newegg, and Verizon. The tech giant is also selling the gamepad via Amazon.
Keeping with the tradition of premium design associated with its special edition controllers, Microsoft equipped the bumpers, triggers, and back of the Stormcloud Vapor Xbox gamepad with a rubberized diamond-textured grip. The AA battery-powered device is compatible with PC and the last two generations of Xbox consoles.
The first details about the Stormcloud Vapor Xbox controller leaked back in July. The industry insider who revealed them speculated that the gadget might be related to Forza Motorsport, which didn't come to pass. However, that turn of events doesn't preclude the possibility that the next installment in the popular racing franchise will indeed receive a limited-edition controller. The last several entries in the series were also accompanied by special edition gamepads, as were all of Microsoft's other first-party games that hit the market in recent years.