The Plastics Behind Your Xbox Controller

what plastic is in an xbox controller

Microsoft has recently revealed a new Xbox Wireless Controller – Remix Special Edition, made from old recycled plastics and first-generation Xbox One controllers. The controller is made from recovered plastics, with one-third of its plastic coming from recycled controllers and reclaimed materials. These include plastics from car headlight covers, plastic water jugs, CDs, and other first-generation Xbox controllers that have been ground up into raw materials. This announcement is part of Microsoft's sustainability initiative, which also includes the introduction of an Xbox Rechargeable Battery Pack to limit the use of single-use batteries.

Characteristics Values
Plastic type ABS, PBT, PC/ABS
Other materials Reclaimed materials from car headlight covers, plastic water jugs, CDs, and first-generation Xbox controllers
Sustainability Made from recycled plastics and first-generation Xbox One controllers
Texture Texture patterns on the bumpers, triggers, and side grip areas inspired by the Earth's dynamic landscape
Color Earth tones inspired by the green lichen found in the Pacific Northwest
Battery Rechargeable battery pack included to reduce the use of single-use batteries

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The new Xbox controller is made from recycled plastic

The new Xbox Wireless Controller – Remix Special Edition is made from recycled plastic. This controller is made from recovered plastics, with one-third of it coming from recycled controllers and reclaimed materials. Microsoft ground up old first-generation Xbox One controllers into a raw material and then used it to create a new controller. The new controller also includes post-consumer recycled resins from sources like car headlight covers, plastic water jugs, and CDs.

The controller sports an Earth tones color scheme inspired by the green lichen found in the Pacific Northwest, where Microsoft is headquartered. The texture patterns on the bumpers, triggers, and side grip areas are a nod to the Earth's dynamic landscape.

Microsoft has been taking several initiatives towards sustainability. The new controller is a part of this initiative, with the company exploring ways to use less new plastic and reduce waste. Microsoft is also including a rechargeable battery pack with the controller, hoping to limit the use of single-use batteries.

Old Xbox controllers were made of ABS plastic, while the new recycled controllers are made of a mix of plastics, including those from recycled controllers and other sources. This new controller is a step towards sustainability and reducing waste, with Microsoft also making every Xbox console default to the energy-saving option.

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Microsoft ground up old Xbox controllers to make the new ones

Microsoft has unveiled a new Xbox Wireless Controller – Remix Special Edition, which is made from recycled old plastics and first-generation Xbox One controllers. The new gaming peripheral is made from recovered plastics, with one-third of it coming from recycled controllers and reclaimed materials. The recycled controllers and reclaimed materials include plastics from items such as automotive headlight covers, plastic water jugs, and CDs.

The new controller is part of Microsoft's sustainability initiative, which includes goals of being carbon-negative, water-positive, and zero-waste by 2030. The company is also including an Xbox Rechargeable Battery Pack with the new controller to limit the number of single-use batteries that end up in landfills. The rechargeable battery pack costs $25 when bought separately.

The new Xbox controller is designed to be comfortable, tactile, and intuitive, with a familiar silhouette that preserves the recognizable shape of previous controllers. The team at Microsoft preserved and refined several previous design decisions, such as the ABXY color scheme, the feel of the thumbstick, and the general shape. They also added a new share button to make capturing and sharing moments quicker and easier for gamers.

The Xbox Wireless Controller – Remix Special Edition costs $85, the same price as a $60 standard Xbox wireless gamepad with a rechargeable battery pack. It will be available on April 18, just ahead of Earth Day 2023 on April 22.

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The plastic used includes old CDs, plastic jugs, and headlights

Microsoft has revealed a new Xbox controller design, the Xbox Wireless Controller – Remix Special Edition, made with sustainability in mind. The plastic used in the controller includes recycled plastics from old, first-generation Xbox One controllers and other items such as headlights covers, plastic water jugs, and CDs. This controller is made from recovered plastics, with one-third of its plastic coming from recycled controllers and reclaimed materials.

The new controller is a step towards sustainability, with Microsoft also including a rechargeable battery pack to reduce the use of single-use batteries. The controller sports an Earth-tone colour scheme, inspired by the green lichen found in the Pacific Northwest, where Microsoft's headquarters are located. The texture patterns on the bumpers, triggers, and side grip areas are a nod to "the Earth's dynamic landscape."

The Xbox controller is made from ground-up first-generation Xbox One controller parts mixed with post-consumer recycled resins. This innovative approach to design reduces waste and encourages the use of recycled materials. By utilising old plastics and first-generation controllers, Microsoft has created a unique and sustainable product.

The use of recycled plastics in the Xbox controller is a positive step towards reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste. By incorporating materials such as plastic jugs and CDs, Microsoft is exploring ways to use less new plastic and promote sustainability across its product portfolio. This initiative sets a precedent for environmentally conscious design in the gaming industry and beyond.

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The controller has an Earth-inspired colour scheme and texture

Microsoft has unveiled a new Xbox controller design, the Xbox Wireless Controller – Remix Special Edition, made with sustainability in mind. The controller has an Earth-inspired colour scheme and texture, with one-third of its plastic composition derived from recycled controllers and reclaimed materials. The colour scheme takes inspiration from the green lichen found in the Pacific Northwest of the US, where Microsoft is headquartered. The texture patterns on the bumpers, triggers, and side grip areas are a nod to the Earth's dynamic landscape.

The controller's plastic composition includes ground-up first-generation Xbox One controller parts, car headlight covers, plastic water jugs, and CDs. This innovative approach to recycling allows Microsoft to reduce its environmental impact by using less new plastic and repurposing existing materials.

The Earth-inspired colour scheme and texture of the controller are not just aesthetically pleasing but also symbolic of Microsoft's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The green lichen colour reflects the natural world, conveying a sense of eco-consciousness and a connection to the Earth.

The texture patterns on the controller are carefully designed to evoke the Earth's dynamic landscape, providing a tactile reminder of the controller's sustainable origins. The combination of recycled plastics and reclaimed materials results in a unique texture that sets this controller apart from its predecessors.

Microsoft's decision to incorporate an Earth-inspired design extends beyond aesthetics, as it symbolises the company's recognition of the importance of environmental stewardship. By embracing sustainability and eco-friendly practices, Microsoft is leading the gaming industry towards a greener future, reducing waste, and encouraging the conservation of natural resources.

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Xbox is exploring ways to reduce new plastic use and waste

Xbox has been exploring ways to reduce new plastic use and waste. In April 2023, ahead of Earth Day, Microsoft announced the release of the Xbox Wireless Controller – Remix Special Edition, a controller made from recovered plastics. This controller is made from ground-up first-generation Xbox One controllers and "post-consumer recycled resins". The resins include reclaimed materials from car headlight covers, plastic water jugs, and CDs.

The controller sports an Earth-toned colour scheme, inspired by the green lichen found in the Pacific Northwest of the US, where Microsoft is headquartered. The texture patterns on the bumpers, triggers, and side grip areas are a nod to "the Earth's dynamic landscape."

The Remix Special Edition controller also comes with a rechargeable battery pack, which aims to reduce the number of single-use batteries used by gamers. This initiative is part of Xbox's journey towards greater sustainability across its product portfolio. In February 2023, Xbox became the first "carbon-aware" console by updating its energy-saving settings. According to Microsoft, for every two Xbox consoles that switch to energy-saving mode for a year, it will save "the equivalent of carbon removed by one tree planted and grown for a decade."

While Xbox has made strides in sustainability with its new controller, it is important to note that the original Xbox controllers were made of ABS plastic, a combination of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. This plastic is a common thermoplastic polymer used in various products, including electronics and automotive parts, due to its durability and impact resistance.

Frequently asked questions

The Xbox Wireless Controller – Remix Special Edition is made from recycled plastics, including first-generation Xbox One controllers, car headlight covers, plastic water jugs, and CDs.

The original Xbox controller is made of ABS plastic.

The top and bottom shells of the Xbox One controller are made of PC/ABS, while the internal skeleton is made of ABS.

The Remix Special Edition controller is priced at $85.

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