With Earth Day coming up on April 22, companies around the globe are doing their part to help out Mother Earth and reduce their carbon footprint. Microsoft has just revealed the new controller for its Xbox, called Xbox Remix Special Edition, which is made of recycled plastics — partially, at least.
Sporting several earth-tone shades of green all over the device, the patchwork-looking Xbox Remix gets its colors by blending post-consumer resin plastics with reground parts from old controllers. As such, each controller has its own unique look and feel, with nuances in both texturing and swirling differing from piece to piece. Although most of the material used is virgin plastic, one-third of its composition is made up of recycled material in the way of used CDs, water jugs, and automotive headlight covers. Other nature-specific nods on the controller are the bright green featured on the hybrid D-pad, triggers, and front case, which is inspired by lichen moss found in the forests of the Pacific Northwest — where Microsoft’s Washington headquarters is located. Likewise, the bumpers, triggers, and side grips feature a topographical texture pattern that resembles the Earth’s countless changes in elevation.
As far as functionality, the controller features a new Share button so users can easily capture, record, and share gameplay and screenshots. Compatible with the latest fourth-generation Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, as well as the third-gen Xbox One, the wireless controller can also connect via Bluetooth to your iOS and Android mobile devices and your PC if it runs Windows 10 or 11.
By 2030, Microsoft has committed itself to becoming a carbon-negative, water-positive, and zero-waste company, and this is just the first step. Sold with both the Xbox Rechargeable Battery and USB-C Cable, the Xbox Remix Special Edition is currently available for $85 from Microsoft’s website.
