The Xbox Design Lab - a simple online tool that allows you to create colourful custom controllers - is a brilliant way to realise you're not quite as artistic as your Year 4 teacher said you were. But, this Pokémon fan has made some incredible themed controllers based on the most iconic critters in the series.
When I tried the tool out, I created a pirate themed one with a blue back plate to represent the sea lapping onto the white sands of a tropical beach, with multicoloured buttons like the jewels at the bottom of a treasure chest. In spite of the vision I had for this controller, it did look a bit pants. However, mandoo12345 on Reddit has emphasised that minimalism is the way when it comes to customising your controllers, like a Mondrian you can hold in the palm of your hand (though I'd suggest holding it with both hands because these doodads do not come cheap). From Totodile to Gengar to Sylveon, there's one for every type of Gym Leader who likes to game to wind down from training for the Championship.
Pokémon Adventures Sinnoh is a concept for a game where the player explores beautiful locales in the world of Pokémon, soaring in the sky and proving their mettle in battles. Oh, and it's the work of one talented fan. Check it out right here.
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mandoo12345 made 20 awesome Pokémon themed controllers, and I'm envious of their effortless creativity. Some, like the Charizard, Bulbasaur and Butterfree controllers are very recognisable and I'm annoyed that I didn't think of this first. Others, like Litten, Primarina and Galarian Darmanitan, are much more low-key but I think this is an excellent thing too. It's like a little acknowledgement of the massive variety of pocket monsters that are out there, plus you can pat yourself on the back for not following the crowd.
As the Xbox Design Lab is a freely available bit of kit, you're able to recreate these colour schemes for yourself. I cannot tell you how tempted I am to copy mandoo12345's Volcarona controller - it's one of my favourite Pokémon. The celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the series are in full swing, of course, and we've been treated with not one, not two, not three, but four new Pokémon games. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is on its way in 2022, and Ewan is practically levitating in excitement for this gorgeous open world jaunt. Get his words on the new game here.
Featured Image Credit: The Pokemon Company, mandoo12345 via Reddit, Scott Webb via Unsplash