We noticed a little while ago here at Pure Xbox how Microsoft wasn't taking orders for Xbox Design Lab controllers - the company says they're "temporarily on hold while we switch to a new payment platform".
You can still go on there and create your own design, and there are even some 3D printable files to download if you wish, but the main focus of the program - to build your own controller - has been absent for ages now.
After doing a bit of research, it seems the "temporarily on hold" message for Xbox Design Lab originated all the way back in January, and there are plenty of posts from people who are desperate to know when it's coming back:
Now, it's obviously understandable that Microsoft needs time to migrate to a new payment platform, but it does seem a bit strange that it's taking this long - and that Microsoft hasn't provided any kind of update since the process started.
We haven't heard anything directly from Microsoft ourselves about Xbox Design Lab, but if we get an update on the situation, we'll let you know. In the meantime, it's just a case of playing the waiting game until it comes back online.
Come and tell us how you feel about Xbox Design Lab in general anyway! Is it something you think should continue in 2025, or should Team Xbox's resources be directed elsewhere at this point?
Have you been waiting to order an Xbox Design Lab controller? Tell us down in the comments below.
Comments 11
I got a controller from them to be honest. I went to the site and played around making a controller but never bought one I created.
What exactly does it mean to move to a new payment platform? I'm confused trying to work out what that entails?...
@Kaloudz In the background, there are multiple available systems that handle credit card transactions. Stripe, for example. It is big business.
Companies need an accredited (if that is the proper term) organization to take credit card payments. You could not build a website tomorrow and start taking credit card payments. Companies that handle payments need strict approval. That companies API would probably have to be integrated into your website.
@theduckofdeath Ahhh right I'm with you. Thank you. I assume such a platform probably takes a healthy bite out of the income? Or does it not work like that? I'm guessing if that's not the case, then they're working on integration for next gen? Perhaps? Assuming the payment platform they use will be used for purchases across the their ecosystem and (if true) Steam etc...?
A lot of these are made in China so I think it will delay the comeback of this service while they figure out the global market at the moment 😭😢
I never could design a pretty controller. At this point I just want my gamertag engraved.
Not sure how it could be taking Microsoft a long time to get a payment platform together, they actively run a multitude of storefronts that readily accept and process payments no problem.
@Kaloudz Yes, the payment method provider charges a fee for transactions. I imagine it varies, so the fee and the capabilities of the payment provider may be why MS is switching to another.
@theduckofdeath Ah gotcha. No wonder it's taking some time. I'd assume rather than disrupt their entire commerce (I'm guessing they're doing it for the whole company or division) they'd want it in place so the switch is seamless.
You would have thought that they could resolve this pretty fast and it shouldn’t take this long?
I would have thought the largest software maker in the world would be able to invent their own payment platform.
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