Rare reveals new Xbox controller ahead of anniversary

Excitement builds as a new Rare-themed controller appears on Amazon.

Rare's 40th anniversary coincides with third-party Xbox controller listing

A third-party Xbox controller inspired by Rare has surfaced on Amazon, hinting at an official reveal soon by the game developer. The controller, noticed by Reddit user CyraxxFavoriteStylus, is made by 8BitDo and is not an official product from Microsoft. It features Hall Effect sticks and 'Pro Back Buttons' and is compatible with various platforms including Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices. Notable is that this is 8BitDo's first wireless Xbox controller. August 4 marks Rare's 40th anniversary, a date the company previously used for major announcements. However, this year's celebrations come on the heels of layoffs within Microsoft that affected several veteran developers at Rare, including Gregg Mayles and Louise O’Connor, leading to concerns about the company's future.

The listing of the controller at such a significant moment underscores the tension between celebration and transition for Rare. The anniversary offers a chance for nostalgia and recognition of Rare's legacy. However, the recent layoffs and project cancellations create a somber backdrop. How Rare navigates this anniversary will impact its community's perception and trust. Will this controller signal a new direction, or is it merely a bittersweet reminder of what once was?

Highlights

The future of Rare remains uncertain, but the controller may symbolize both nostalgia and change.