There is a new two-tone green Xbox wireless controller on time for the start Earth Daythis is April 22nd. Microsoft is touting the gamepad’s legacy of recycled plastic, but most importantly, the thing looks cool and it’s a new color for the console and PC-compatible peripheral.
Tuesday’s announcement of the Remix Special Edition controller said it was made from “recycled plastics, with a third of that being regrind and reclaimed materials.”
For those unfamiliar with materials science jargon, “smoothing” means that parts from old-gen Xbox One controllers were used in the making of the new model. In addition, “post-consumer recycled resins are incorporated from reclaimed materials such as car headlight covers, plastic water jugs, and CDs.”
It’s a nice touch, but fans really concerned about the impact of plastics on the environment should keep their eyes peeled: reduce consumption is, after all, the most effective way to reduce waste. Research has found that only 9% of plastic waste has ever been recycled and the oceans are notoriously full of plastic waste, some of which builds up huge, floating garbage patches.
In 2021, Microsoft launched an “Ocean Plastic Mouse” made from 20% recycled plastic. But the benefit of reusing so much plastic was effectively negated when the company sold 20% more mice thanks to the new model, an expert told The Verge.
For those wondering, yes, the Earth Day Remix Special Edition controller comes with a rechargeable battery. (You can also just stick two rechargeable AAs in it. Or plug the thing into the console.) In that respect it at least reduces consumption. The controller is $84.99 and will be available in stores and on Xbox.com on April 18th.