Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is currently in the process of rolling out into theaters around the world, and Microsoft has decided to celebrate with some custom hedgehog and echidna-themed Xbox Series X/S controllers. This might not seem particularly surprising to fans, but the design team made some questionable decisions when nailing down what form the controllers would take. Now, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 star Idris Elba's reaction to the weirdly furry controllers has been recorded and shared online.
Gamers have a long history of creating custom hardware and controllers as tributes to beloved franchises and characters. Sometimes, official video game brands get in on the action by creating limited-edition custom designs. However, most custom controller designs build on features that are already there rather than adding entirely new ones.
In a short video posted to IGN's verified Twitter account, two interviewers showed Idris Elba--who voices Knuckles the Echidna in Sonic the Hedgehog 2--the custom furry Sonic and Knuckles-themed Xbox controllers. He started by asking to touch the Knuckles controller and spent several seconds just petting it. When it lit up, he reported that it "looks evil" and then stated that it could be used as a mustache. When the interviewers noted that Ivo Robotnik has a similar mustache, he accused them of spreading spoilers.
When he had a chance to examine the Sonic-themed Xbox Series X/S controller, Elba turned it around in his hands and showed it off to the camera. Then he openly asked the interviewers if they had cut up a pair of fuzzy slippers to make the controllers. Presumably, this question came from the presence of fur on the controllers, which is very much not a typical part of the video game controller design. He appeared to be quite shocked when he was informed the furry controllers were a legitimate promotional design from Xbox.
Apparently, Elba had assumed that IGN had created the controllers and showed them to him to judge his reaction. He was not expecting them to be actual promotional materials created by Xbox to advertise the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The video ends with him apologizing to IGN for assuming that they made the controllers out of fuzzy slippers and some glue specifically to mess with him. While it's possible he was putting on an act for comedic purposes, it can't be denied that these custom controllers have very odd design sensibilities.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will zoom into cinemas on April 8th, 2022.