Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, Xbox and MFS launched a floating controller, an expansion that will transport players to the harsh deserts of Dune. This partnership also brings a unique custom Xbox Series S with a Dune-themed Ornithopter Stand and the world’s first floating Xbox controller.
Xbox is teaming up with Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment to introduce gamers to the world of Arrakis. To coincide with the release of Dune Part Two on March 1st, players can expect a range of immersive content. Among the exciting offerings is the world’s first floating Xbox controller, soaring above sand dunes in a stunning display. Additionally, there’s a specially designed Xbox Series S and console holder inspired by the captivating world of Dune.”
An Uncharted Territory
The beloved aviation game, “Microsoft Flight Simulator,” is venturing into uncharted territory by offering players an otherworldly experience, allowing them to soar beyond Earth’s boundaries for the first time to navigate the turbulent skies of Arrakis. Starting today, gamers can step into the virtual cockpit of the Royal Atreides Ornithopter in the latest expansion. For those unfamiliar, an Ornithopter is a nimble aircraft resembling a helicopter, powered by four precisely tuned oscillating wings. The Royal Atreides model featured in the expansion is a special ultra-performance variant, renowned for its lightning acceleration, blazing speeds, and precise maneuverability, particularly in the challenging environment of Arrakis.
Expansion Features
The expansion of the floating controller, available for free, includes three tutorials covering take-off, landing, and freefall techniques. Once players have mastered the basics, they can embark on six exhilarating activities, including five-time trials and a daring rescue mission where pilots must save their flight instructor before being engulfed by a massive sandstorm. To enhance the immersive experience further, Xbox is introducing two life-size Ornithopter gaming simulators at the London Microsoft Experience Center from Feb. 16 and the New York Microsoft Experience Center from Feb. 26.
Xbox Unveils Exclusive Floating Controller in Dune
Amidst turmoil within the Xbox community over rumors of exclusives potentially migrating to rival platforms, Xbox persists in delivering exclusive Xbox Series S consoles and floating controller. In a recent announcement on Tuesday, Xbox revealed yet another collaboration, this time with Warner Bros. Pictures for their upcoming film, Dune: Part Two. Following the success of previous partnerships such as Wonka, which featured a custom Series X console and controller inspired by the beloved chocolate factory, Xbox enthusiasts can now anticipate bespoke hardware inspired by the eagerly awaited sequel to 2021’s Dune.
Part Two Controllers Amidst Community Concerns
Although devoid of edible components unlike its predecessor, Dune: Part Two offers a unique feature: the “first-ever floating controller,” as described by Xbox. Adorned with a marble finish and emblazoned with the Dune: Part Two logo, the controller seemingly levitates atop a stand with matching aesthetics, evoking an ethereal presence reminiscent of the film’s desert landscapes.
Microsoft’s Creative Console Creations: From Ornithopter Inspired Holders to Edible Gamepads
Microsoft continues to push the boundaries of creativity with its gaming consoles and controllers. Among its latest offerings is a custom Series S console resting in a “specially designed console holder inspired by the Ornithopter,” deemed a “true collector’s item for fans.” The floating controller addition adds to Microsoft’s reputation for producing eccentric controllers, with highlights from the Xbox Series X and S generation including red and blue fluffy Sonic the Hedgehog gamepads, one crafted from genuine Jade, and even an edible gamepad. Alongside these unconventional designs, Microsoft also offers a range of more traditional controllers, such as the sleek Gold Shadow, the cosmic Stellar Shift, the rugged Stormcloud Vapor, and an Earth Day edition made partly from recycled CDs, water jugs, and other Xbox controller components.