The Xbox brand has been the subject of its fair share of memes over the years. After all, gamers are among the most technologically literate on the Internet, and therefore have no problem making memes online to immortalize creators (and gaming legends like Crash Bandicoot). Microsoft's newest console, the Xbox Series X, released in November 2020 and it has been no exception to the rule.
The Series X and its shiny new controller have been in gamers' hands for some months now. Players have had the chance to familiarize themselves with the console, and many have taken the chance to pull up their preferred photo editor and add their own humorous takes to the collective conversation.
8 Canadian Controller
The 'Canadian Tuxedo' is a term that reached the height of its popularity in 2001 and has been swinging in and out of popularity ever since. It refers to an outfit with layered denim - usually blue jeans and a denim jacket or top.
Since the release of the Xbox Series X, fans have been cooing over unique controller designs, like the brand new Pulse Red option. Xbox Canada took to Twitter to join the fun: it was soon featuring this 'Canadian Tuxedo' custom controller. Unfortunately, the description reveals that it's one of a kind - just like a dress with pockets.
7 The Computers Are Taking Over
The screen referenced in this meme shows up right after booting up an Xbox Series X: it needs to update your controller. This isn't unusual - controllers need updates like everything else - but it's a little strange to see it on your startup screen.
For some users, it's been a real problem. Since the system launched, many players have reported that they just can't get their new wireless controller to connect to the console. It would be a lot more fun and interesting if the controller were taking over our TVs... as long as they don't beat our high score, as AI has been seen to do in some Atari titles!
6 Old + Tanktop = New
It is a truth universally acknowledged that some Xbox fans just don't see eye to eye with PlayStation fans, and vice versa. The so-called console wars continue to drag on. When the new PlayStation 5 controller came out, perhaps looking more like its Xbox counterpart than ever, some friendly jabs were inevitable.
Long-time players of one console or the other may swear to the difference because they've held the controller in their hand for decades. For others who are new to gaming, or just can't afford a brand new console, the appearance is enough proof to fall down a rabbit hole of theories about Sony giving in to Microsoft's design.
5 KFC Controller
Usually, images like this are related to an online April Fool's prank by a corporation, but the KFC controller is real. It's not as bad as this horror, but it's equally surprising to see in your Twitter feed.
KFC has been creeping into the video game industry for years, since they made ten novelty "Gamer's Boxes" which let fans play and eat their takeout food at the same time back in 2017. Now, they're coming out with a legitimate gaming console, and have paired up with Xbox for a few big profile ads. Where does it end?
4 The Jig Is Up
Whether players use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or not all comes down to personal preference. Some usually play on a TV, while others prefer using their Switch as a handheld.
Some may be converts to the system from the PlayStation or Xbox, grasping for a sense of familiarity and happy to pay 70 dollars for an optional add-on. They might even want to connect a controller to their Android. Or perhaps looking for an aesthetic upgrade with a stylish custom controller. However popular it may be, it's hard to argue that Nintendo wasn't inspired by its console competition for the Pro Controller design. At least it offers variety.
3 The Competition
Google's Stadia console garnered mixed reviews upon release. The concept of gaming without a console appealed to a lot of people, but reports of poor graphics and other unfortunate technical problems sat heavy in gamers' minds.
Whether people were cautiously optimistic or dismissed the concept entirely, Google has spent time and dedication on Stadia's progress since its release. Low costs (just $100 compared to Xbox Series X's $499) combined with improving tech have kept it afloat till now. The community watches hesitantly to discover if a no-console option can really survive amongst three powerhouses of gaming.
2 Mobile Gamers
Often, a mobile gamer is a console gamer, and vice versa. Mobile gaming proved incredibly popular across the board in 2020, after all. Xbox hasn't caught on yet, though, sending a tweet that is supposed to bridge the gap between players on different systems - but forgetting the mobile players.
Every gamer, at one time or another, has sorrowfully gazed outside their bubble to the fun other players are having. First-person shooter players may envy the reflexes that come with a keyboard and mouse, instead of a controller. Owners of a particular console may look upon the others and mourn all the exclusive games they can't play. People always seem to want what they can't have, but there's no reason to leave mobile gamers out of the fun.
1 Could Be Worse
Corporate decisions are often tough to untangle from the outside, so it can be nice to have a wider perspective sometimes. Viewed like this, the Xbox and PlayStation controllers have experienced a much more natural evolution than their Nintendo counterparts.
Xbox and PlayStation have spent years perfecting their controllers over multiple generations, whereas Nintendo's past has been more experimental. In some ways, the Joy-Cons are revolutionary. On the other hand, the infamous "Joy-Con drift" is a serious detriment to the reputation of a $400 product.