IKEA launches gaming furniture inspired by XBOX’s iconic controller
The nine-piece YXSTABY collab brings the thumbstick, D-pad & grip texture into the living room
IKEA and gaming console XBOX have teamed up on a nine-piece furniture collection called YXSTABY built around how gaming actually happens at home: not confined to a dedicated setup.
The collaboration paired one designer from both companies on every piece, with XBOX bringing 25 years of studying how people play and IKEA drawing on decades of home-life research, including visits to actual gamers' houses.
Philip Dilé, Product Design Developer at IKEA of Sweden, said that the goal was furniture people would actually want in their space, not gear they tolerate because gaming requires it: “How people play at home has shifted, and it is as much about relaxing and connecting with others as it is about performing, which changes what the space has to do. XBOX knows what players need from their gaming setup, and we know how to solve the small problems that come with adapting that to everyday life at home.”
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That thinking shows up most in the thumbstick stool. Designer David Wahl worked on getting the seat curve and stability right while keeping that shape recognisable: “The challenge was making it work as a stool, with the right seating curve and stability, while still feeling like a thumbstick.”
Elsewhere, the controller's D-pad turns into a cushion and a stainless steel platter, and a mirrored display box holds controllers alongside other collectibles.
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Functional pieces, like a rolling TV stand and a toolbox that doubles as a laptop stand, are built to pack away once the session ends.
YXSTABY was unveiled at Gamescom (the world’s largest computer and video games event) in late August and arrives in IKEA stores and online from October 1.
More information on YXSTABY here.
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
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