Gamers, assemble. IKEA and Xbox have teamed up to create a brand-new furniture range designed for people whose gaming setup basically takes over the house.
The collection, called YXSTABY, features nine pieces of furniture inspired by the reality of modern gaming. In other words, gaming isn’t confined to a bedroom anymore. It’s happening on sofas, at dining tables, in living rooms and pretty much anywhere there’s a screen and a spare plug socket.
According to IKEA, the range was built with the more than three billion people worldwide who game in mind. Rather than creating stereotypical RGB-covered gaming furniture, the aim was to make pieces that blend into everyday homes when you’re not in the middle of a Fortnite marathon.
The collection was designed by actual gamers
IKEA and Xbox worked together on every item in the range, combining Xbox’s gaming expertise with IKEA’s knowledge of how people actually live at home.
The designers even visited real homes to see how gaming fits around everyday life, from homework at the kitchen table to family movie nights in the lounge.
Philip Dilé, Product Design Developer at IKEA of Sweden, said gaming today is just as much about relaxing and socialising as it is about winning, which means furniture has to work harder than ever.
There’s a TV stand that follows you around
One of the standout pieces is a rolling TV stand that can be wheeled wherever gaming is happening, then tucked away afterwards. There’s also a toolbox-style storage unit designed to keep controllers, cables and consoles out of sight when you’ve finished playing.
Its lid doubles as a laptop stand too, meaning your dining table can transform from work zone to gaming zone and back again in seconds.
Other pieces include a mobile side table with charging storage, and a monitor stand complete with dedicated spots for your phone, headphones and controller.
The Xbox controller inspired some seriously quirky designs
This is where things start getting interesting.
Several items take direct inspiration from the iconic Xbox controller. The D-pad has been transformed into both a cushion and a shiny decorative serving platter.
There’s also a mirrored display case built specifically for showing off controllers, collectibles and gaming memorabilia.
But the most eye-catching item is undoubtedly the thumbstick stool.
Yes, really.
Designed using the original Xbox controller files, the stool actually tilts as you sit on it, mimicking the movement of a controller thumbstick.
Designer David Wahl admitted he queued overnight to buy the first Xbox console 25 years ago, making the project something of a dream assignment.
It doesn’t scream “gaming furniture”
Unlike many gaming setups that look like they’ve been borrowed from an esports arena, YXSTABY has a much more minimalist feel.
The collection sticks to IKEA’s familiar Scandinavian aesthetic, with muted black, white and beige tones. The only obvious gaming references are subtle green accents and cleverly hidden storage spaces for all your accessories.
When can you buy it?
The YXSTABY collection was unveiled at Gamescom and is set to launch in IKEA stores and online from 1 October 1, although availability will vary depending on where you live.
IKEA has a store in Notts so East Midlands gamers will be hoping the collection shows up there.
