Microsoft is teaming up with Disney+ to produce new Xbox Series X controllers inspired by the hit Star Wars TV show, The Mandalorian. This isn't the first unlikely partnership Xbox has taken on to promote its new console. Last month fast food chain Bojangles unveiled a special console skin for the Xbox Series X, dressing up the next-gen system as a box of Bojangles' fried chicken. This bizarre crossover was won by a single lucky follower on Twitter.
If nothing else can be said for the launch of the new console generation, at least it's been eventful. Both the Series X and its competitor, the PlayStation 5, launched in November to widespread fanfare, and sold out immediately. The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a heavy toll on console production, and demand is, in a word, ravenous. Scalpers have been using bots to swoop in and pick up hundreds of the consoles before law-abiding customers have a chance to secure machines for themselves, and retailers simply can't keep up. Unfortunately, these unscrupulous resellers have been rewarded for their shady behavior; scalpers have made almost $60 million in profits since the new consoles hit shelves.
But these critical supply chain obstacles haven't stopped Xbox from rewarding those lucky customers who actually managed to get their hands on a new console. Today Xbox Wire (via Game Rant) announced a pair of special edition Xbox Series X controllers themed after The Mandalorian. Since the show tragically does not have a video game adaptation, these controllers are instead being released to celebrate the premiere of the show's season 2 finale on December 18th. One controller features the Child wielding the force, while the other depicts the titular Mandalorian, decked out in his iconic Beskar armor. The controllers are not available for retail; fans will have to retweet the Xbox sweepstakes Twitter post to enter for a chance to win these exclusive accessories, which will be sent in a special Star Wars-themed mailer.
It might seem strange for Xbox to offer fans accessories themed after a TV show instead of a video game, but it does make sense in context. Back in November, Xbox made another partnership with Disney, and is now offering a 30-day free trial of Disney+ to people who subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This is a good way for dedicated Xbox fans to catch up on the hit Star Wars show in time for the premiere, and, if they're very lucky, in time for their new special edition controllers to arrive.
Cross promotions are nothing new in the video game industry. Microsoft, in particular, loves them; in fact, the company has landed in a bit of controversy recently due to offering several snack-themed promotions for Halo Infinite, even though that game was quite notoriously delayed, and won't even release until next year. Some of these promotions make more sense than others, and some of them are certainly stranger than others too. But fans of The Mandalorian would be hard pressed to take issue with these special edition Xbox Series X controllers.