Rare Studio Marks 40th Anniversary With Themed Controller
▼ Summary
– A third-party controller themed around Rare’s 40th anniversary has leaked, built by 8BitDo and officially licensed with Rare and Xbox.
– The controller features Hall Effect sticks, ‘Pro Back Buttons,’ and an integrated charging dock, compatible with Xbox, PC, and mobile devices.
– Priced at $89.99, the controller includes design elements like bananas, feathers, and tentacles as nods to Rare’s iconic games.
– Rare celebrated its 40th anniversary with a social media post thanking fans, alongside artwork featuring characters from its games.
– Rare recently faced setbacks, including the cancellation of Everwild and the departure of longtime creator Gregg Mayles after 35 years.
Gaming enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as Rare, the legendary studio behind classics like Banjo-Kazooie and Sea of Thieves, approaches its 40th anniversary. A newly leaked limited-edition controller, officially licensed by both Rare and Xbox, pays homage to the developer’s iconic legacy. Designed by 8BitDo, this premium peripheral boasts Hall Effect joysticks, programmable back buttons, and a sleek charging dock, making it a must-have for collectors and players alike.
The controller supports Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Android, and iOS, marking 8BitDo’s debut in the 2.4G wireless Xbox controller market. Its striking blue and gold design is packed with subtle nods to Rare’s beloved franchises, bananas referencing Donkey Kong, feathers for Banjo-Kazooie, and tentacles from Sea of Thieves, creating a visual tribute fans will instantly recognize.
Currently listed on Amazon for $89.99, the controller appears to be a US-exclusive release for now. While Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed its launch, the product page describes it as a “legendary collaboration for a legendary milestone,” hinting at a celebratory drop timed with Rare’s anniversary.
The leak coincides with Rare’s heartfelt social media post commemorating four decades in gaming. The studio shared an artwork featuring its most iconic characters gathered in a theater, thanking fans for their support. “For keeping an assorted ragtag of creatives working magic in the Midlands, only two words will do: THANK YOU,” the message read.
However, the milestone comes amid challenges for Rare. Last month, the studio’s ambitious fantasy project Everwild was canceled following Xbox’s restructuring. The game, first announced in 2019, was expected to be Rare’s next major release alongside Sea of Thieves. Additionally, veteran designer Gregg Mayles, known for shaping franchises like Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong 64, departed after 35 years, a significant loss for the studio.
Despite these setbacks, the anniversary controller serves as a vibrant reminder of Rare’s enduring impact on gaming. Whether as a collector’s piece or a high-performance accessory, it’s a fitting tribute to a studio that has shaped countless childhoods, and continues to inspire new adventures.
(Source: Eurogamer)
