Adaptive thumbstick toppers
More customization for everyone
Make your favorite Xbox controller even more personal with 3D printable files available for download with Xbox Design Lab. Create customizable adaptive thumbstick toppers dialed in to the millimeter that work best for you.
Six unique shapes with customizable sizes
Choose from six different types of adaptive thumbstick toppers that attach to supported Xbox controllers. Customize the shape, width, and height to create your 3D printable file from Microsoft, available for download with Xbox Design Lab.**
Print your design
Choose where to print your adaptive thumbstick topper, whether on your own 3D printer at home or with a 3D printing service. Attach to a supported Xbox controller and be ready for game time.**
How it works
Ready to design, print, and assemble your own adaptive thumbstick toppers? Follow along with the video and steps below, or view our getting started guide.
Step 1. Choose your controller
Step 2. Design it
Design by selecting the shape, width, and height of the adaptive thumbstick topper you want. Download the 3D printable file and print at your convenience.
Step 3. Print it
Choose where to 3D print your adaptive thumbstick topper, whether it's on your own 3D printer or with a printing service, to 3D print your customized topper and make it yours.
Step 4. Assemble it
Attach your 3D-printed adaptive thumbstick topper to your Xbox controller. If you have an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, you will first need to remove your existing thumbstick.
Tips and printing recommendations
- The shorter and smaller the topper, the more performant it will be.
- We recommend printing with 10% fill as the heavier the topper is the less responsive the controller.
- We recommend using ABS material as it holds up to wear the best and will reduce the amount of wear to the topper and debris that can fall into the controller.
- Printing the toppers right side up will allow the top of the topper to have the cleanest finish where you hold the topper when gaming.
- Printing the toppers upside down will give the best quality print and connection to the device. This is especially true for the Standard and Xbox Adaptive Joystick toppers.
- While we recommend printing the Standard toppers upside down, if you print the Standard toppers right side up, please be sure to clean up where the topper attaches to the controller so you don't scuff up or damage your controller thumbstick as much.
- We recommend using organic or tree supports as they tend to be easier to remove.
- We recommend to not use a Brim or Raft for stability where possible. This can increase post-processing requirements.
- We recommend to not use a Raft or Brim when printing the Elite controller right side up as there can be problems removing the Brim or Raft causing damage around the base of the topper. This might not allow the Elite topper to seat correctly on the controller.
- To put the Standard topper on, lean the topper to the left with two of the clips on the controller. Then while pushing down to hold those positioning in place, slowly lean the topper over to the opposite side so the other clips snap over the other side of the thumbstick, snapping the topper into place.
- For the Elite topper, simply remove your existing thumbstick and replace with the adaptive thumbstick topper. Be sure that the bottom edge is clean and free of any artifacts. The bottom edge tolerances are very high so any artifacting can cause the topper to not seat properly. For more information see the full "How to Guide" below.
- All dimensions are based on the original 3D model. Your print will vary a little based on your printer settings and tolerances.
- Measurements are from the base of the thumbstick to the top of the thumbstick.
- Standard and Xbox Adaptive Joystick toppers are measured from the inside top of the clip where the top of the controller thumbstick would be to the top of the topper.
- Elite toppers are measured from the base of the thumbstick to the top of the topper.
- 3D printing may generally require some sort of post-processing. When a 3D print is complete, it's good to let the part fully cool versus doing your cleanup when the part is still warm. This decreases the risk of warping or doing any unintended damage. Sometimes you can simply remove supports or clean up excess material. Other times, you may need to scrape or sand the part to help with the finish. There are multiple in-depth resources available. To get started, feel free to check out this section on support.xbox.com.
Need more help?
Please feel free to visit our detailed how-to guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
*Windows 10/11: Requires Bluetooth, compatible USB-C® cable, or Xbox Wireless adapter. Each sold separately. Android, iOS, & Bluetooth: Select devices and versions. Some functionality not supported. Software download may be required via Windows PC or console. See xbox.com/controller-compatibility. Use with controller compatible games.
**For use with ABS material and 10% fill. Adaptive Toppers cannot be printed or ordered through Xbox Design Lab. A 3D printer or printing service is required. Printing costs may vary depending on printer or service. Toppers are for use only with Xbox controllers. Use only in accordance with instructions at support.xbox.com. Microsoft does not guarantee that the design will work for everyone. Use at your own risk. Microsoft is not responsible for any damage resulting from use of the design. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Microsoft disclaims all liability resulting from printing and use of the 3D file.
