There is a new two-tone green Xbox wireless controller start on time for Earth daythat’s April 22. Microsoft touts its heritage gamepad made from recycled plastic, but mostly the thing looks cool and is a new color for the console-and-PC-compatible peripherals.
Tuesday’s announcement of the Remix Special Edition controller said it was made from “reclaimed plastics with a third of it made from regrinds and reclaimed materials.”
Image: Microsoft
For those not hip to materials science jargon, “re-sharpening” means that parts from old generation Xbox One controllers were used in the making of the new model. In addition, “post-consumer recycled resins are processed from reclaimed materials such as automotive headlight covers, plastic water jugs and CDs.”
It’s a nice gesture, but fans who are really concerned about plastic’s impact on the environment should keep their eyes on the ball: 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 ocean is notoriously full of waste plastic, some of which forms huge, floating rubbish dumps.
In 2021, Microsoft launched an “Ocean Plastic Mouse”, which consisted of 20% recycled plastic when manufactured. But the benefit of reusing so much plastic was effectively wiped out if 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 put two rechargeable AAs in it. Or plug the thing into the console.) So at least in that respect it saves consumption. The controller is $84.99 and will be in stores and available through Xbox.com on April 18.