Xbox launches partially recycled Remix Controller for Earth Day

A new, two-tone green Xbox Wireless Controller is launching in time for Earth Day, which is April 22. Microsoft is tapping into the gamepad’s made-from-recycled-plastic legacy, but mostly, this thing looks good and is a fresh take on a console-and-PC compatible peripheral.

Tuesday’s announcement of the Remix Special Edition controller said it was “made from reclaimed plastic, one-third of which is made from regrind and reclaimed materials.”

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Image: Microsoft

For those not hip to materials science jargon, “regrind” means that parts from older Xbox One generation controllers were used in the construction of the new model. Additionally, “post-consumer recycled resins have been incorporated from reclaimed materials such as automotive headlight covers, plastic water jugs and CDs.”

It’s a nice gesture, but fans really concerned about plastic’s impact on the environment should keep their eye on the ball: reducing consumption is 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 plastics, some of it forming huge, floating garbage dumps.

In 2021, Microsoft launched an “Ocean Plastic Mouse”, which included 20% recycled plastic in its construction. One expert tells The Verge that if the company sells 20% more mice thanks to the new model, the benefit of reusing that much plastic is effectively nullified.

For those wondering, yes, the Earth Day Remix Special Edition controller comes with a rechargeable battery pack. (You could even just put two rechargeable AAs in it. Or plug the thing into the console.) So at least it lowers consumption in that regard. The controller is $84.99 and will be in stores and available from Xbox.com on April 18th.