Your next Xbox controller could be made from a CD or other trash

Microsoft will use post-consumer recycled resins for the first time in Xbox hardware in its new controllers.

What you need to know

• The Electric Volt and Daystrike Camo Xbox Wireless Controllers will incorporate post-consumer recycled resins.
• They are the first pieces of Xbox hardware to use these types of materials.
• Some source materials include CDs, plastic water jugs, and automotive headlight covers.

Microsoft announced the Electric Volt and Daystrike Camo controllers for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S today. The controllers feature striking designs and launch on April 27. While the vibrant colors will catch people's eyes, another aspect of the controllers is quite interesting, and not so visually obvious.

The two new Xbox Wireless Controllers are the first to use post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins. Microsoft highlights this in the blog post announcing the controllers:

Additionally, our efforts to become more sustainable across the Xbox product lifecycle apply to Xbox Wireless Controllers. With the new Electric Volt and Daystrike Camo Special Edition controllers, we will be incorporating post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins for the first time in any Xbox hardware. Both controllers will contain a portion of resins made from recycled materials like automotive headlight covers, plastic water jugs, and CDs. We expect no compromises from these recycled materials either, as our testing shows the materials provide the same controller durability or performance you have come to expect. We are excited to be taking this next step in our commitment to waste reduction and recycling, while still coming up with innovative new controller designs.

Each of the new controllers will incorporate PCR from recycled materials, such as automotive headlight covers, plastic water jugs, and CDs. Who says physical media is dead? Maybe some of the discs used to make the controllers will be for old Xbox games.

Despite incorporating recycled materials, Microsoft doesn't expect any compromises. The new controllers performed just as well and were as durable as previous controllers in Microsoft's testing.

Switching over to PCR resins isn't as simple as pouring in some new materials. As we discussed in our interview with Razer's Patricia Liu, designing products using new materials is an in-depth process.

If you grab one of the new controllers, you should check out one of the best Xbox One controller phone mount clips so you can game on the go and show off your new gear.