IKEA is assembling a new world of 3D-printed gaming accessories, like wrist supports and keycaps

Swedish household wizard IKEA is teaming up with UNYQ, a custom prosthetics company, to improve gaming ergonomics.

The name of the new 3D-printed collection is a true IKEA special: UPPKOPPLA. Swedish esports institution Area Academy is also working on the project, which is expected to go live in 2020.

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UPPKOPPLA items will include desk and wrist supports, textured keycaps, and a “bungee” for your mouse to keep the cord out of the way (seriously, anyone who plays games with a wireless mouse is just challenging their luck). This exclusive line will only be available through a special IKEA and UNYQ app, which will also be used to measure biometrics.

In an official press statement, IKEA Sweden’s creative lead Michael Nikolic discussed the “full potential” of the global gaming community, and expressed interest in addressing their needs. “There are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding gamers. In fact, it is a large group of people in all ages where gaming is even a full-time job for some”, he said.

The idea behind UPKOPPLA is to make gaming a more accessible and comfortable experience, especially for people with disabilities or injuries. Given the repetitive nature of many video game mechanics, gaming is known to cause postural issues and carpal tunnel problems. UPKOPPLA is also meant to be a sustainable enterprise, to reduce waste and resources needed to transport goods around the world.

“By working with IKEA, we can explore new ways to leverage a concept we’ve been working with for years, as well as the technological process to implement it. Understanding individuals’ unique needs are what drives UNYQ’s strategy and are the basis for all of our products – we feel completely aligned with IKEA on this mission” said UNYQ’s CEO, Eythor Bender.

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UNYQ is a worldwide company that specialises in incredible prosthetic covers and spine “wears” (a bit like a specially engineered corset) for scoliosis. Its striking limb covers are designed to fit over existing prosthetics and come in an array of colours, shapes, and textures. At the moment, UNYQ’s Asian outposts include offices in Japan, Korea, China, and Malaysia.

Of course, IKEA needs no introduction. Whether you’re a fan of their bookshelves or their meatballs, the furniture and homewares giant is known around the world for their affordable, but sometimes, uh, not-so-resilient wares.

alexisong@asiaone.com