Gorgeous new Xbox hardware comes with free download

There’s nothing better than a free gift, and Xbox has confirmed that anyone who buys its latest piece of hardware can get a digital download at no extra cost. What a win.

So, what’s the new hardware, I hear you ask? Don’t get too excited, it’s not a new console, but a very swanky looking wireless controller. Specifically, it’s the Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition controller, which Xbox officially announced yesterday.

Next month, Xbox users can finally dive into Bethesda’s space-exploration RPG, Starfield. Take a look below.

Don’t be fooled by the extra-snazzy trailer, the Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition doesn’t constantly emit lightning and static (which is a good thing, for practical purposes), but it does boast a gorgeous navy blue and black design, with swirly clouds and matching grips and buttons. What’s more, each colour swirl will vary slightly between controllers, so the one you get will be totally unique. Even so, I personally don’t think it can match up to the stunning limited edition Starfield controller, but it’s still very cool, and the free download certainly helps seal the deal.

As revealed in a post on Xbox Wire, once you connect the Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition controller to your Xbox Series X/S, it’ll unlock a matching dynamic background for your Xbox Home Screen. How neat is that? If you’re one of the many Xbox users who absolutely hates the new Home Screen UI, this might make it feel a little bit cooler again.

It’s not clear if this background can somehow only be distributed once per controller. If not, as Eurogamer points out, you could presumably share it with your friends by letting them connect it to their consoles, too.

The Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition controller costs £64.99 ($69.99) - you can preorder it now ahead of its release on 8 August.