Skip to main content

Xbox debuts brilliant grease-proof controller but only makes 200 of them

Grab the pork rinds! This greaseproof Xbox gamepad shrugs off finger slime

Xbox PUBG Greaseproof Controller

When you win a match in PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, you’re rewarded with a coveted chicken dinner. For most players, this prize is virtual but for others, celebrating a win with a delicious greasy snack between games is a very real thing. This can quickly make your keyboard or controller pretty gross. Luckily, Xbox players have a solution for that problem and it’s the new grease-proof Xbox One controller.

Recommended Videos

It looks almost identical to a standard Xbox controller but if you look closely, you’ll notice that it’s significantly shinier. That’s because of a patented urethane coating that’s resistant to grease, or in this case, chicken grease.

Xbox Australia released a video showing off its impressive grease-resistant powers. We not only see grease drip onto the controller and immediately roll away, but we also see the controller tossed in a batch of chicken and doused in a waterfall of oil.

To go along with its grease-fighting properties, the controller comes with chicken-colored analog sticks. We’ll have to resist calling them drumsticks while playing, especially if we happen to be eating a chicken leg at the same time.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Yes, the grease-proof controller is a promotional gimmick, and it won’t be available for sale. However, you can still enter for a chance to win one by visiting the Xbox Australia Facebook page and commenting with your best PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds chicken dinner story. Only five winners will be chosen, though the numbers on the back of the controller suggest there are actually 200 examples in total. Perhaps we’ll see other contests in the future.

This isn’t the first time Xbox Australia has unveiled a bizarre novelty item — in fact, it seems to be the branch’s bread and butter. Back in 2016, it introduced us to the Xbox Onesie, a full-body pajama that includes pockets to fit remotes and an Xbox One controller, and it can be custom-embroidered with your Gamertag. We wouldn’t recommend using Onesie and the grease-proof controller together, however, as the grease will likely slide off and stain the fabric.

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds finally had its official release on Xbox One after nearly a year in Xbox Game Preview. The full version introduced us to the smaller Sanhok map, as well as dynamic weather, several new vehicles, and weapons. It’s also available on PC and on mobile as PUBG Mobile.

Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
How to sync an Xbox Series X controller
The Xbox Series X controller on a black background.

Now that the Xbox Series X and Series S are readily available, you'll likely be excited to dive into some of the system's new games, as well as old favorites from Xbox One and prior. Out of the box, the Xbox Series X comes with everything you need to start playing, including a wireless Xbox controller. Though, syncing the controller with your new system can be tricky if you aren't familiar with the process.

In this guide, we'll go through everything you'll need to know about pairing an Xbox controller to the new Xbox Series X system, as well as information about compatible controllers and more. Here's how to sync an Xbox Series X controller.

Read more
You can now customize your Xbox Elite Series 2 controller with Design Lab
A customized Xbox Elite Series 2 controller made in Design Lab.

Microsoft added the ability for people to design their own Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 in the Xbox Design Lab. Starting today, you can customize and order this kind of controller on Xbox Design Lab's website. 
Customize Elite with Xbox Design Lab
Colloquially referred to as the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller, this enhanced gamepad first released in 2019. Unlike the standard Xbox One or Xbox Series X controllers, the Elite Series 2 features adjustable-tension thumbsticks and shorter hair-trigger locks on the trigger buttons in addition to interchangeable thumbstick toppers, paddles, and d-pads. Meanwhile, the Xbox Design Lab first launched in 2016 and gives people a way to design and order Xbox controllers with customized colors and engravings. 
While there was already a bit of customization with the Elite Series 2's buttons, players can now go to Xbox Design Lab and personalize the colors of the body, back case, d-pad, bumpers, triggers, thumbsticks, thumbstick base and ring, and buttons. You can even adjust the hue of the Xbox button on your controller with the Xbox Accessories App once it's in your hands. You can get the controller itself for just $150, but if you want all of the interchangeable accessories, the price jumps up to $210.
This announcement comes on the same day as the release date reveal for Sony's DualSense Edge, a customizable PS5 controller. It will cost $200 when it launches on January 26, 2023, though people will have to pay an extra $20 if they want to get replaceable stick modules. Whether you play on Xbox or PlayStation, you certainly don't have a lack of options when it comes to customizable controllers. 

Read more
Xbox gets a new camouflaged controller with a matching charger
Xbox Wireless Controller - Mineral Camo Special Edition

If you want to add some more camouflage to your Xbox wireless controller collection, Xbox has got you covered. Microsoft has unveiled the Mineral Camo Special Edition controller.

This controller combines four different shades of blue to create a beautiful camouflage pattern. It has a vibrant mineral blue, aqua, and bright and dark purple -- all of which are inspired by oceanic geode crystals that give the controller its name.

Read more