Microsoft has announced a new wireless controller for the modern Xbox systems that comes with a slight twist. It is the new Xbox Wireless Controller Remix Special Edition and this one was “made partly” from recycled material (CDs, water jugs, as well as other controllers’ parts). Bringing a little more green to the Xbox family of accessories (both in materials and color).
Overall, the controller features a two-tone color theme with smoke-grey buttons (that’s my official description, not theirs) and an Earthy blue across the back. With the idea of creating a fully Earthy/neutral theme throughout. The company is also using this method to take it further to make each one unique, as each may contain its own fingerprint due to the materials used in its manufacturing.
“Mixing post-consumer recycled resins with regrind consisting of previously molded colored parts creates custom, earth-tone colors with subtle variations, swirling, markings, and texturing – giving each Remix Special Edition controller its own look and feel.” — Daniel Ruiz, Senior Marketing Manager, Xbox Accessories
The whole idea is part of Microsoft’s recent push to reduce waste and save energy (ie, updating consoles so they turn off completely by default vs remaining in sleep mode). Which isn’t a bad thing as long as other companies join the bandwagon.
What would be funny is if the “other controllers’ parts” included parts from competitor models. Just think of it: “a new controller made from the bodies of its enemies”. That would add a bit of suspense to it all. Chances are though, these parts came from returned/broken Xbox controllers, old controllers, and extra parts lying around they couldn’t use for anything else anymore.
Another way to make it fun is to say that all CDs used in the manufacturing of these controllers came from years’ worth of rejected AOL online discs. That would be worth a laugh and would likely gain some sales just from consumers knowing that. Sadly, there was probably no discrimination regarding what discs were used (it is also likely just a random term/example thrown around to help describe what kinds of general plastics were used and not a direct focus on CDs over other products).
Anyway, back to the news. It will come with an Xbox Rechargeable Battery Pack (battery and cable), adding to the sustainability so you don’t have to eat through batteries during use. It will also come with a heightened price tag because of this, landing it at $84.99 MSRP vs the normal $60-$65 range. It will begin shipping April 18th and is currently available for pre-order.
It honestly looks kind of nice and I could easily predict that there will be many gamers looking to get their hands on one. I myself (possibly) included. I have enough controllers and do not collect them like Pokemon, but it does have a certain appeal to it (design-wise) that makes me want one.
