Pursuing its mission to ‘create a future of gaming in a world we all want to play in,’ Microsoft has unveiled a new Xbox controller made from recovered plastics from CDs, water jugs, and even other controller parts.
Launched ahead of Earth Day later this month, the new controller – dubbed the Remix Special Edition – is also one-third made from regrind and reclaimed materials.
Mixing post-consumer recycled resins with regrind consisting of previously molded coloured parts gives the controller a custom earth-tone colour, with subtle variations, markings, and texturing. Xbox has brought this into the narrative, giving each of the controllers its own look and feel.
Regrind, Microsoft explains, is the process of mechanically recycling leftover Xbox One generation controller parts into a raw material that can be used to partially create new controllers while maintaining durability and performance.
Post-consumer recycled resins are incorporated from reclaimed materials like automotive headlight covers, plastic water jugs, and CDs.
By incorporating these regrind materials, post-consumer recycled resins, and including the Xbox Rechargeable Battery Pack – Xbox is exploring ways to use less new plastic and reduce waste. The goal is to bring its fans along with the team on the journey towards greater sustainability across the entire Xbox portfolio.
“We drew inspiration from natural landscapes and the physical world around us when designing the Remix Special Edition controller,” reads a press release from Microsoft. “The various earth-tone colours create a patchwork effect, featuring bright pops of colour that create a vibrant yet serene vibe.”
Ambitious goals have been set at Microsoft – and by extension, Xbox – to meaningfully reduce the company’s environmental impact and be carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030.
“Sustainability at Xbox is more than a single destination. It’s a long-term responsibility that requires commitment, innovation, and accountability,” said Phil Spencer, ceo of Microsoft Gaming.
