Microsoft enlisted the expertise of a skilled artisan to handcraft an exceptional Xbox controller entirely out of jade. This rare gemstone, commonly used to fashion traditional Chinese jewelry, was specifically commissioned by Microsoft to commemorate the arrival of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty on Xbox.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a captivating third-person action-adventure role-playing game, imbued with Soulslike elements, set within a fantastical rendition of the waning days of China's Han Dynasty. Developed by Team Ninja, renowned creators of the Ninja Gaiden and Nioh series, Wo Long garnered generally positive reviews upon its release on March 3. In the game, jade assumes utmost significance in combat, as the anonymous player character is bestowed with a jade talisman early on, granting them the ability to unleash a formidable attack that summons a fabled creature.
The attack, crucial for defeating the first boss, Zhang Liang, in the Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty game, harnesses the power of a vibrant green mineral known as jade, which holds significant importance in the game's narrative. Recognizing its significance, Microsoft enlisted the expertise of a skilled jade craftsman to design an Xbox controller entirely constructed from authentic jade. In a promotional video on YouTube, renowned jade artist Andy Chi explains the challenges of using this precious and delicate material, typically reserved for crafting jewelry, to create a groundbreaking video game controller.
Chi encountered various hurdles throughout the process, primarily focusing on safeguarding the delicate mineral from potential damage caused by continuous use and the controller's plastic components. To address this, he innovatively added a plastic ring along the outer edges of the thumbstick base to absorb any shocks from sudden movements. The manufacturing process also posed difficulties, with Chi having to repeatedly cut the individual pieces of the outer shell due to cracking. Despite these challenges, Chi's tireless efforts resulted in a one-of-a-kind Xbox controller that showcases the beauty of jade while commemorating not only the game's release but also the profound historical significance of the nation and its people.
The jade controller, created by Andy Chi, is a remarkable improvement compared to other game tie-in controllers such as the newly revealed Starfield-themed Xbox controller. However, it is disappointing to note that the jade controller is not being produced in large quantities and is not available for purchase. It is primarily designed as a work of art for promotional purposes. Additionally, Microsoft has not disclosed any plans for a promotional giveaway featuring the jade controller.