Microsoft is down to party, as the tech giant has unveiled a Barbie-themed Xbox Series S, its first ever Barbie dolls, and Barbie cars for Forza Horizon 5. The collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures and Mattel is part of promotional efforts for Gerta Gerwig’s upcoming movie, and it wasted no time in getting the fun started.
Xbox is excited to team up with Warner Bros. Pictures “Barbie” and Mattel to celebrate the iconic doll-size heroine’s journey of self-discovery with a variety of activations, @ForzaHorizon in-game content and giveaways: https://t.co/foyaH4giFh
— Xbox Wire (@XboxWire) June 26, 2023
Starting today, all Forza Horizon 5 players will be able to welcome two themed cars to their garage: a classic 1956 Chevrolet Corvette EV Corvette in signature Barbie pink and Ken’s 2022 GMC HUMMER EV Pickup. To claim both for free, simply head over to the in-game Message Centre and download them.
There are also interchangeable Xbox Wireless Controller faceplates designed after Barbie and Ken’s outfits, but the real star of the event is a custom Xbox Series S that has been built into the glamourous Barbie DreamHouse. It’s very pink, and will only be available as a competition prize from 10 July onwards.
In a separate contest, Microsoft is giving away 10 special Barbie dolls. Described to be “reflective of the Barbie line, which is the most diverse doll line on the market,” they are outfitted with Xbox Gear fashion, and will be up for grabs as part of an international sweepstakes. It’s unclear when that will happen, though.
While this collaboration may come across as bizarre for some, it’s very much on brand with the playful, wild energy exuded by the Barbie movie. It stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, and is set to open in theatres on 19 July.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Natalie
