Level Up Your Living Room: IKEA and Xbox Unveil the ‘Yxstaby’ Gaming Collection

To mark the 25th anniversary of the original Xbox console, home furnishing giant IKEA has unveiled a brand-new collaboration with Microsoft. The result is the Yxstaby collection, a nine-piece assortment of furniture and accessories designed to bridge the gap between high-performance gaming gear and modern, minimalist interior design.

Merging Gaming Nostalgia with Scandi-Design

The collection, which features a tongue-twisting name, aims to resolve a common frustration for gamers: how to integrate gaming setups into a living space without sacrificing aesthetics. By utilizing signature Scandinavian design principles—neutral color palettes and clean lines—the collaboration inserts subtle “Xbox-coded” elements, such as the company’s iconic bright green, to highlight hidden storage compartments and functional pockets.

“How people play at home has shifted, and it is as much about relaxing and connecting with others as it is about performing, which changes what the space has to do,” explained Philip Dilé, an IKEA product design developer. “Together, we set out to make furniture people really want in their home, not furniture they accept because it is what you need to game.”

Standout Pieces: From Thumbsticks to TV Stands

The Yxstaby range is defined by its clever nods to Xbox history. Perhaps the most striking piece is the stool, which was developed using the original 3D design files for an Xbox controller thumbstick. IKEA designer David Wahl, who recalls queuing all night to purchase the first Xbox 25 years ago, noted that the stool is engineered to tilt with the user, mimicking the movement of a controller stick while ensuring ergonomic stability.

Other notable items include:

• The Lounge Chair: Equipped with a discreet mesh pocket on the underside, perfect for storing controllers, magazines, or books.
• The Easel-Style TV Stand: Available in classic black or white to match console colorways, this mobile unit features built-in hooks and shelves for gear, all mounted on castors for easy repositioning.
• The Mirrored Display Box: Designed for enthusiasts looking to turn their controller collection into a piece of wall-mounted art.
• The Multi-functional Toolbox: A versatile wooden piece that, while subtle in its gaming influence, doubles as a functional laptop stand.

A New Standard for Home Gaming

The collection isn’t just about appearance; it’s about organization. The pieces are specifically crafted to help users “bring play into a room and tuck everything away afterwards,” keeping the living area clutter-free.

The Yxstaby collection is scheduled to hit online shops and physical IKEA retail locations starting October 1st. While pricing and specific availability may fluctuate depending on the market, the collaboration marks a significant step forward in the evolution of gamer-centric furniture, moving away from “gamer aesthetic” cliches toward pieces that fit naturally into any modern home.