Finally, your nail polish can match your Xbox controller

xbox x opi collection
(Image credit: Microsoft)

I’m not sure exactly who asked for a collaboration between Xbox manufacturer Microsoft and cosmetics powerhouse OPI. But to those eleven or twelve people, congratulations: Your wish has come true.

(In related news, Microsoft has finally discontinued the Xbox One.)

Today, Microsoft announced the OPI x Xbox collection for Spring 2022, which includes 12 gamer-inspired nail polish colors. Even if you’re not in the habit of painting your nails, don’t click away just yet — buying these real-world cosmetics could be your ticket to digital cosmetics in Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite.

This info comes from the official Xbox Wire blog, and to my knowledge, it’s the first time that the publication has dedicated an entire post to nail polish. Once you get past the novelty, though, the collaboration isn’t as bizarre as it may seem. This spring, OPI will offer 12 new nail polish colors, each one with a slight Xbox twist. The colors themselves aren’t anything outlandish, either, ranging from pale pinks to dark purples.

The names are fairly clever, at least, including “Heart and Con-soul” (“A shimmery crimson red that takes nails to the next level”), “You Had Me at Halo” (“A shimmery galactic blue that will give you sparkly stats”) and “Can’t CTRL Me” (“A shimmery robin’s egg blue that cannot be CTRL’d.”)

The whole line will be available at Ulta stores starting in February, and the prices range from $11 to $13, depending on the style. Later on in the year, you can expect to find the OPI x Xbox collection at Amazon, CVS, Target, Dillard’s and other major cosmetics stores.

It wouldn’t be an Xbox tie-in without some in-game goodies, however. Each bottle of nail polish unlocks “hue-matched, in-game content for Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite starting February 1.” In other words, if you buy a bottle of “Sage Simulation,” you’ll also get shimmery green cosmetic skins in Forza and Halo. (As some fans have pointed out, this is actually one of the cheaper ways to unlock skins in Halo Infinite at the moment.)

xbox x opi collection

(Image credit: Microsoft)

There’s one major hitch in the plan, however. “Have you dreamed of having your controller perfectly match your nails?” the Xbox Wire post inquires, right below a photo of three pastel Xbox controllers with matching nail patterns. Even if you have no interest in nail polish, a whole new line of Xbox controller colors sounds tempting.

However, you probably won’t be able to get these gorgeous accessories. Instead of selling the controllers directly, the Xbox Wire post explains that “Fans will have the chance to win custom Xbox Wireless Controllers in top trending hues” on Instagram and TikTok.

In other words, if you’ve dreamed of your controller perfectly matching your nails, you may have to keep dreaming.

Still, the Xbox x OPI collection seems like an unconventional crossover from two beloved brands. It’s sure to appeal to some fashionable Xbox players — or their partners, who can give the gift of nail polish, and keep the cosmetic codes for themselves.

Marshall Honorof

Marshall Honorof is a senior editor for Tom's Guide, overseeing the site's coverage of gaming hardware and software. He comes from a science writing background, having studied paleomammalogy, biological anthropology, and the history of science and technology. After hours, you can find him practicing taekwondo or doing deep dives on classic sci-fi. 

Read more
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Which console wins?
The era of console exclusives is slowly coming to an end — and I’m fine with that
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Deleted image reveals Steam games in the Xbox app — here's what it could mean
Playing Metaphor ReFantazio on the Xbox Series X Digital Edition
Got a new Xbox Series X? Here are 5 games you need to play first
Xbox handheld
Xbox handheld reportedly arriving this year, new PC-like console in 2027
Nintendo Switch 2 promo image
Nintendo Switch 2 officially getting Xbox games, confirms Phil Spencer
Evil Shift Controller Xbox One
Microsoft may be designing a new Xbox controller with DualSense-like features — here's what we know
Latest in Xbox
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Deleted image reveals Steam games in the Xbox app — here's what it could mean
Evil Shift Controller Xbox One
Microsoft may be designing a new Xbox controller with DualSense-like features — here's what we know
Playing Metaphor ReFantazio on the Xbox Series X Digital Edition
Got a new Xbox Series X? Here are 5 games you need to play first
Xbox Series X console with a Tom's Guide Black Friday deals tag
Xbox Black Friday deals — biggest savings on Series X, Series S and more
Xbox Game Pass logo above an Xbox controller
Microsoft will finally let you stream Xbox games you already own via Game Pass — here's what you can play right now
wd_black xbox expansion card deals
WD_Black’s 1TB Xbox Expansion Card just hit its lowest ever price — this is a killer Black Friday Xbox deal
Latest in News
Apple Peek Performance
Apple makes a move to revive its Siri revamp — and the Vision Pro boss could play a part
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Friday, March 21 (#649)
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Deleted image reveals Steam games in the Xbox app — here's what it could mean
Severance season 2 finale
How to watch 'Severance' finale online – stream final episode of season 2 tonight
Render of the alleged design of the iPhone 17 Pro
New iPhone 17 Pro dummy leak highlights redesigned camera and part glass body
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 just tipped for three display upgrades — here's what we know