Xbox Design Lab, the site where players can design their own Xbox controllers, went down yesterday. Players were left wondering why this was until an Xbox rep confirmed the store was down for maintenance for a few days. Many expected the store to return on June 12 during the Xbox and Bethesda showcase along with some new features, but it seems like the Design Lab is actually set to return on June 9 when a new Pride controller will be available from the store.
The Xbox Series X|S Pride controller
The Xbox Series X|S Pride controller made its debut last year but was only available in extremely limited numbers that were sent out to LGBTQIA+ players and creators around the world. After players demanded to have the design universally available for purchase, Microsoft revealed they will be adding the controller to Xbox Design Lab on June 9. The standard design features a white controller with standard face buttons and an outer shell covered in 34 community flags. Players will be able to customize all other parts of the controller using Microsoft’s entire color palette.
Microsoft is celebrating Pride in many other ways this year too. They are donating $170,000 to OutRight Action International, African Rainbow Family, National Center for Transgender Equality, Mermaids, Lavender Rights Project, and Fulcrum UA, all organizations that fight for LGBTQIA+ equity and equality. Players will also be able to donate their Reward Points to some of these organizations too.
Elsewhere, players will be able to download Tell Me Why for free on Xbox consoles throughout June. Halo Infinite players will get a “Unity” nameplate and emblem as long as they log into the game at some point during the month. Meanwhile, Forza Horizon 5, Forza Horizon 4, and Forza Motorsport 7 will get the Forza rainbow livery for the 2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster at some point during June. For more details on these and the other activities Microsoft has planned for Pride month, take a look at the Xbox Wire post.
In other news, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have caused quite a stir with their new trailer. Not only are fans lusting after the new Professors, they’re also convinced the two new Legendary Pokemon will be motorcycles that can be ridden around the open world.
