Ikea Unveils Gaming Furniture Collection in Collaboration with Xbox
Ikea has introduced an innovative collection of gaming furniture in partnership with Xbox, unveiled at the Gamescom event in Cologne, Germany. This new range, consisting of nine distinct pieces, emerged not from a marketing brainstorming session but rather from a productive meeting that took place during the Milan Design Week in 2024. Philip Dilé, a product design developer at Ikea, took the opportunity to showcase the latest offerings from the company, specifically the Brännboll collection, which moves away from sharp edges, RGB lighting, and a predominantly black colour scheme.
“That meeting helped to break the ice,” Dilé explained in an interview. “We were delving into the world of video games and sought collaboration with experts who truly understand gaming habits. While we have extensive knowledge about home life, we wanted to gain specific insights into designing for gamers.”
The Resulting Yxstaby Collection
Fast forward two years, the Yxstaby collection from Ikea is the direct outcome of the discussions held in Milan. Drawing inspiration from the Brännboll philosophy, this new range seamlessly integrates gaming elements into home decor, avoiding the typical aesthetics associated with bachelor pad furniture. The collection goes a step further by incorporating design cues from Xbox, aiming to facilitate the integration of gaming into living spaces while ensuring everything can be neatly stored away afterwards.
Among its features is a wheeled side table designed to hold and charge controllers behind sliding doors. Additionally, a tool box cleverly conceals cables and accessories beneath a lid that doubles as a laptop stand. The collection also includes a gaming chair equipped with a mesh pocket for stowing controllers out of sight and a mobile television stand that accommodates screens up to 55 inches, complete with a two-tier shelf for consoles.
Design Elements Inspired by Xbox
Notable pieces inspired by Xbox include a green cushion shaped like a D-pad and a surprisingly elegant controller tray, originally conceived as a stool. Johan Ejdemo, Ikea’s design director, removed the base and experimented with the seat, ultimately deciding it would work beautifully as a tray.
However, the standout piece of the Yxstaby collection is undoubtedly the joystick-shaped stool. David Wahl, the Ikea designer who queued overnight for the first Xbox 25 years ago, persuaded the design team to provide the original 3D design files of the controller, allowing him to experiment with different concepts.
“I was exploring the idea of keyboard chairs when it struck me: what do you actually use when gaming? Input devices,” Wahl explained. “You have buttons and the joystick… and the joystick moves. What if it could be enlarged into something you could actually sit on?”
The Journey to the Thumbstick Stool
It turns out that Ikea had been producing a product that would serve as the foundation for the “thumbstick” stool: an extendable office bench known as Nilserik. “It’s a classic Ikea product, and I was inspired by the functionality of the Nilserik. What if we created something similar but tailored for gamers, and updated the design?” This was the pivotal idea that initiated the project.
Even in the early prototyping stages, the “thumbstick” stool proved to be a hit. Wahl recounted that during a workshop with the Xbox team, the console designers instantly loved the stool and wanted it included in the collection. “It was an immediate response,” confirmed Ledbetter. “The feedback was clear: ‘We simply have to do this.’ It then became a question of how to make it appealing. What is the right scale? How should the ergonomics work? Can it move and rotate?”
Challenges in Design
However, adapting the size of the existing Xbox joystick to create the stool was more complex than it seemed. “The joystick is designed for maximum grip during gameplay, but it isn’t really suitable for sitting on. Its design is quite aggressive and angular,” Wahl noted. “Thus, the first challenge was figuring out how to make it comfortable while maintaining its iconic shape. You need to recognise that it is a joystick, yet you are sitting on it.”
Ikea began prototyping the stool using various materials, including cork and wood. Wahl shared that the company produced multiple 3D prints, experimenting with different base radii. One version featured a completely round base, making it quite unstable, which Wahl found amusing as it required careful balance when seated.
Thoughtful Design Features
Ledbetter was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the joystick stool turned out to be. “Wow, it’s really comfortable,” he remarked. “It feels good and adapts to various gaming postures. I can’t tell you how many people have said, ‘I need to get that joystick stool.’ It’s genuinely delightful.” The team then incorporated additional Xbox-related details, such as rubber rings on the base for improved grip, mirroring the rings found on the interchangeable joysticks of the Elite controller.
Assembling the stool reveals a hidden surprise for the observant. Wahl explained, “To add a playful touch to the collection, I enjoy hiding surprise elements in my products. Xbox consoles have the phrase ‘Hello from Seattle’ concealed somewhere. We’ve included a similar message that is only visible when assembling the stool: ‘Hej from Älmhult,’ which is the small Swedish town where Ikea is headquartered.”
Future Collaborations on the Horizon
Beyond the hidden greeting on the stool, Ikea has incorporated various Easter eggs throughout its new gaming collection, set to launch in stores and online this autumn. As for the potential of future Ikea and Xbox collaborations, Ledbetter remains optimistic. The teams have several ideas in the pipeline that are compelling enough to warrant a second range. “I hesitate to discuss some of the concepts still under consideration because they are still in the works,” he said. “All I can reveal is that there are plenty of really good ideas that we simply didn’t have time to develop. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, as they are intriguing.”
Ledbetter’s enthusiasm for collaborating with Ikea feels refreshingly authentic in the realm of partnerships. Among the Herman Miller and Eames furnishings in his home, he also incorporates various Ikea items, such as shelves and plant pots. “Here’s a little-known fact: when Ikea opened its first store in Renton, Washington, in the late ’90s, my wife and I were among the first to queue for entry,” he shared. “The local news station even interviewed us because we were so excited. We are fans of Ikea.”