While PlayStation is preparing to launch a DualSense controller featuring its adorable mascot Astro, Xbox prefers to play the simplicity card with a new peripheral straight from the 90s. If there is one aesthetic from this era that everyone wants to see again, it is that of transparent technological devices. Once the Gameboy Advance generation had passed, consoles and other machines entered an era of (too) refined designs. The flashy and translucent shells then gave way to black and white, and a few colored variants to for children.
While computer enthusiasts dream of finding Apple's famous transparent Macs, gamers would do anything to rediscover consoles of the same style. If Valve tried it with the limited edition of its Steam Deck OLED, and emulation console manufacturers do not hesitate to play with this nostalgic aesthetic, no major manufacturer has tackled this design... until now. If we forget a very limited model of the PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox is therefore the first to revive this trend on modern consoles with a new special controller that players will want to snap up.
A peripheral of great beauty
In 2020, the Redmond firm timidly tried its hand at transparent accessories with a range of controllers Xbox One half-tinted. Xbox was trying to new experience in 2021 with a limited edition controller to celebrate its 20th anniversary, which unfortunately had a shade too dark to fully appreciate the transparent effect. Now, the manufacturer offers a completely translucent design, allowing you to discover the insides of the Xbox Series controller. This model called Sky Cipher has a blueish color that even reminds us of one of the most popular versions of the Nintendo 64.
The peripheral is already available for pre-order on the official Microsoft store. It will be available from August 13th and will be sold for €69.99. In terms of technical characteristics, this controller offers exactly the same features as its counterparts. Note, however, that the design takes up certain customization options offered on the Xbox Design Lab, namely rubberized grips as well as triggers and a metal directional cross. Now, all that remains is to hope that this special edition will be successful enough to be released in many other colors, and perhaps even exported to the design of the console itself. They say that fashion is a never-ending cycle: is this the beginning of a renaissance for transparent accessories? Hope springs eternal.
0 Comments