Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that that they were adding two new limited edition colours to the range of Xbox One controllers: Dusk Shadow and Copper Shadow.
The new colours feature a unique faded colour gradient finish: blue-to-black for Dusk Shadow and copper-to-black for Copper Shadow. The gradient colouring is the first of its kind for Xbox One Wireless Controllers. As with other controllers for Xbox One, these come equipped with all the standard features that Xbox One gamers have come to know and enjoy, including Impulse Triggers, responsive thumbsticks, an enhanced D-pad, and a 3.5mm stereo headset jack.
The moment I spotted the Dusk Shadow controller in Microsoft’s announcement earlier this year, I knew that I simply had to get one for myself. So when I spotted the controller on sale over the weekend at Takealot, I went ahead and bought it. Although both controllers are gorgeous in their own right, I have a natural tendency to gravitate towards items that are blue in colour. Naturally, I found the Dusk Shadow controller to be the sexier of the two; and what a beautiful controller it is.
Dusk Shadow is an incredibly fitting name for the colour that this controller exudes. After the sky changes from an ocean blue to the warm orange and red hues of the sun sinking into the horizon, and eventually into the dark purple and blue hues of twilight; there is a moment between the last visible rays of sunlight, and the all encompassing darkness, that is known as dusk. This is the moment that the Dusk Shadow coloured controller catches almost to perfection.
The quality of the paint and the gradient that Microsoft has used is sublime. The colour actually appears to be a part of the moulded plastic, rather than simply having been painted on. As such, the controller appears to shimmer and morph from an inky black to an iridescent azure blue; and it always changes depending on the angle it is being held at and how much light is on the controller. The effect is gorgeous in motion and easily makes this controller one of the most beautiful available for the Xbox One, or any controller for that matter.
In terms of how the controller feels and operates, my thoughts from the original review remain true – in short, it is excellent! This is merely a cosmetic difference.
Microsoft’s Dusk Shadow and Copper Shadow controllers are now available at all major retailers for R1299/US $69.99.
Owner, founder and editor-in-chief at Vamers, Hans has a vested interest in geek culture and the interactive entertainment industry. With a Masters degree in Communications and Ludology, he is well read and versed in matters relating to video games and communication media, among many other topics of interest.