In recent years, the largest video game corporations and studios worldwide have been increasingly accountable for their environmental impact. Xbox, as well as its parent organization Microsoft, have been at the forefront, establishing ambitious goals to achieve carbon positivity and advocating for a dedication to change via succinct press announcements.
Xbox made a significant update to the power-saving settings for Xbox Series S and X consoles on January 11th. The update, which will be available to all Xbox users soon, ensures that games, applications and the operating system are updated “when the most renewable energy is available on your local power grid.” Microsoft implemented a similar feature for Windows Update on Windows 11 PCs in March 2021.
According to Microsoft, they are the first gaming console providers to offer game downloads and updates while taking into account carbon emissions. This function is only available in areas where their collaborators, Electricity Maps and WattTime, have access to electricity grid data. These companies offer real-time information on the energy sources being used, which can assist users in downloading updates during periods when more renewable energy is being generated.
While a carbon-aware console is a positive development praised by climate experts and has minimal impact on the performance of the Series S or X (though it may slightly affect Xbox One console boot up times), it is important to consider Xbox’s overall activities. When taking a more comprehensive view, it becomes challenging to reconcile this new initiative with other aspects of the business that appear to contradict its environmental objectives.
In December, Xbox released a “mini controller hoodie”. This garment fits over your Xbox controller and keeps it warm during the chilly months. Surprisingly, it was well received and praised by the gaming media.
Although they are not practical in Australia’s summery December, the hoodies have been dubbed “absolutely adorable” by Press Start. Their arrival left Kotaku a bit confused, while PCMag suggested alternative ways to spend your money wisely. We covered the announcement with a blend of amusement and mild disbelief here on CNET.
The initial batch of mini hoodies sold out in mere hours. To acquire one presently, preorders must be made with an expected delivery time of March or April. These miniature hoodies are composed of 100% polyester and appear to be entirely useless. Designed to rest over your controller, a piece of technology lacking the ability to experience temperature fluctuations or possess a head, which is a crucial element of wearing a standard hoodie. This is most likely a low-cost item to produce that only offers a meaningless laugh.
The problematic item.
CNET
I understand the situation. This is a combination of a marketing ploy and a joke. I don’t intend to stop you from having your gamer equipment if it’s something you genuinely desire. Additionally, I don’t want Xbox merchandise to be tossed into a fire pit. After all, a T-shirt can be beneficial! However, what is disregarded when producing this type of product is that it doesn’t fit in with Microsoft’s general, admirable environmental objectives.
In recent years, Microsoft has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by setting a goal of becoming carbon negative by 2030, and removing its past carbon emissions by 2050. At first glance, it appears that Microsoft is taking responsibility for its emissions and their impact on the environment, especially when compared to its counterparts in the video game industry such as Sony and Nintendo.
Xbox plays a vital role in the carbon-negative strategy and has made significant progress towards achieving its goals. The company has enhanced the energy-saving modes of its consoles and reduced the use of plastic in its gift cards. Additionally, it has incorporated more recycled resins in its controllers, ensuring that they maintain high quality and durability. Xbox aims to achieve “zero waste” by 2030, as part of its commitment to the environment. It is counter-intuitive to sell products that are incompatible with the company’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions in its consoles when it has pledged to make a positive impact on the environment.
The zero waste objective becomes meaningless with the production and marketing of controller hoodies. To put it in perspective, it’s like Greenpeace admitting to occasionally consuming minke whale. Polyester, a synthetic fiber commonly obtained from oil, is a form of plastic that is not easily biodegradable and can remain in landfills for many years. The carbon emissions associated with polyester can be staggering depending on its origin. Additionally, washing polyester clothes releases microfibers that might end up in rivers and oceans. Recycling polyester is also challenging because elements such as zippers and threads need to be removed.
To summarize, a controller hoodie that has no practical use and was produced in 2022 may still exist in the environment long after 2030, and even up to 2050, depending on its disposal methods. It’s possible that in 2040, you could still be using these fibers to keep warm on Christmas Day, only to later consume them in the fish you eat. Wonderful!
The National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Everest Expedition discovered microplastic fibers in snow samples. This is a significant problem as the world is currently facing a crisis due to the abundance of plastic. In 2017, it was reported that around 500,000 tons of plastic microfibers make their way into the ocean each year. Microplastics have also been detected in some of the remotest places on Earth, including the Antarctic, the Pyrenees, and the peak of Mount Everest.
Compounding the issue is our inability to effectively manage plastic recycling once it leaves our hands. A plethora of plastic varieties fail to undergo recycling, and discerning which ones can be recycled and where the process occurs remains a persistent challenge.
I inquired Xbox about the intended purpose of these hoodies. What goals are they trying to accomplish? How many units have been sold, and why did Microsoft choose to utilize polyester? Is the polyester virgin or recycled, and what is its origin?
My request for comment from Xbox went unanswered. Nevertheless, I applaud Xbox’s accomplishments, particularly in the realm of environmental and sustainability efforts. I believe that Xbox is committed to cultivating a gaming industry that is aware of its responsibility to address and mitigate climate change. While I commend Xbox for introducing the first carbon-conscious console, the existence of controller hoodies raises concerns about the company’s overall commitment to sustainability.
And what makes it even more ironic is that a controller hoodie is even more insignificant in a world that’s getting warmer.
Updated on Jan 24th: Included details about climate conscious settings. Revised the heading.
