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Technology · Consumer gadgets · published 2026-08-26 · via The Verge

Ikea and Microsoft launch gaming furniture line for Xbox's 25th anniversary

Ikea and Microsoft have introduced a nine-piece furniture and accessory collection called Yxstaby, timed to the 25th anniversary of the original Xbox. The range includes items like a TV stand, lounge chair, and a stool shaped like a thumbstick, with design cues from Xbox controllers. The pieces are intended to blend into home decor while offering hidden storage for gaming equipment.

Expanded Detail

The Yxstaby collection represents a nine-piece collaboration timed to the original Xbox's 25th anniversary, with each item developed jointly by Ikea and Microsoft designers. Beyond the headline pieces, the range includes a monitor stand, laptop stand, side table, and multi-functional toolbox, all designed around neutral Scandinavian aesthetics punctuated by Xbox's signature green accents. Several items feature castors for mobility, while the thumbstick stool was engineered from original Xbox controller design files, repurposing the controller's textured grip surface for practical seating use.

The collection's design philosophy centers on integrating gaming equipment into existing home environments rather than creating dedicated gaming spaces. Storage solutions are embedded throughout—including a mesh pocket under the lounge chair and a green tray on the side table—allowing players to conceal controllers and accessories when not in use. The mirrored display box and decorative platter extend the range beyond pure furniture into home decor territory.

Context

This collaboration could signal a broader shift in how gaming furniture is marketed to mainstream consumers, moving away from bulky, tech-forward designs toward pieces that blend with existing interior aesthetics. Adults who game regularly may find this approach appealing, as it addresses the tension between maintaining a polished living space and accommodating gaming equipment. The partnership between a major furniture retailer and a console manufacturer could also influence how other tech companies approach physical product design, potentially normalizing gaming as a permanent, integrated part of home life rather than a separate activity.

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