How Ikea Turned a Controller Thumbstick Into the Star of Its Xbox Gaming Range
Xbox and Ikea collab alert! This unique nine-piece collection for gamers arrives this fall and has a slew of Easter eggs.
In 2024, Ikea and Xbox collaborated to create the Xbox gaming range, Yxstaby. This collection's inspiration came from a meeting in Milan between Ikea product design developer Philip Dilé and the Xbox team, led by Carl Ledbetter. The collection aimed to blend gaming gear with home decor, featuring pieces like a side table on wheels with built-in controller charging and a toolbox for cables and hardware.
The star of the collection is the thumbstick stool, designed by Ikea designer David Wahl. He collaborated with Xbox designers to transform the controller's 3D design files into a functional stool, enlarging the thumbstick and turning it into a seat. The stool's ergonomic design and comfortable features made it a hit during prototypes.
Hidden Easter eggs, such as a message in Swedish, add a playful touch to the collection. Ikea and Xbox are open to future collaborations, with more ideas still in the works.
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