At a Glance
- Hyperkin’s new controller, “The Competitor”, rethinks Xbox’s layout with PS-style symmetry.
- Adds two programmable rear buttons, a mute button, and Hall-effect thumbsticks.
- Comes in a $50 price point, wired-only, and looks like a PS5 DualSense.
- Why it matters: It offers a PS-inspired feel for Xbox players without a wireless connection, blending familiar Xbox hardware with new aesthetics.
Hyperkin’s latest offering, “The Competitor”, aims to give Xbox players a taste of the sleek, symmetrical feel that has made Sony’s DualSense a benchmark. By swapping the classic asymmetric thumbsticks for a horizontal layout and adding programmable buttons, the controller promises a hybrid experience at a budget price.
Design and Aesthetic
The controller’s look is a direct nod to the DualSense, featuring white grips that meet in the center over a black base, with black edges forming a subtle “X” motif. It is also available in solid black.
The layout mimics Sony’s horizontal thumbstick arrangement, separating the D-pad into individual buttons and spacing the ABXY face buttons slightly farther apart. The Xbox home, menu, view, and share buttons are integrated where the DualSense touchpad would sit, complete with an LED ring that echoes the DualSense’s periphery lights.
Thumbsticks feature PS-style thumbcaps with a convex central point, while also including Xbox-standard concave caps for easy swapping.
Two programmable rear buttons, M1 and M2, default to A and B but can be remapped via the Mode button, and physical locks prevent accidental use.
A 3.5-mm headphone jack and an additional mute button hidden between the thumbsticks add convenience.
Performance and Feel
In terms of performance, the controller uses Hall-effect thumbsticks and triggers, providing precision and eliminating stick drift. Anti-friction rings and metal stems give a smooth, durable feel.
Impulse Triggers incorporate Hall-effect technology and individual rumble motors for nuanced haptic feedback, while the shoulder buttons are slightly longer than the DualSense’s but otherwise similar.
Face buttons are bouncy and responsive, and the D-pad excels in fighting-game scenarios. The overall weight is 232 grams, and a micro-textured underside offers a solid grip for extended play.
However, the controller is wired-only, using a 3-meter USB-A to USB-C cable that is rubber-coated rather than braided, which can be a trip hazard on the couch.
The lack of wireless connectivity and the absence of PS5 features such as a central touchpad, gyroscopic sensors, and adaptive triggers mean the controller’s upgrades are largely cosmetic.
At $50, the Competitor offers a budget alternative that blends familiar Xbox hardware with a PS-inspired look, but it is best suited for casual couch gaming rather than competitive esports.
| Feature | Xbox Original | Competitor | PS5 DualSense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumbsticks | Asymmetric | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| D-pad | Single block | Separate buttons | Separate buttons |
| Rear buttons | A/B | M1/M2 programmable | N/A |
This design shift shows Hyperkin’s intent to offer a hybrid experience, but the wired limitation and missing PS5-specific inputs keep it from fully matching Sony’s innovation.
Key Takeaways
- The Competitor reimagines Xbox’s layout with PS-style symmetry and programmable rear buttons.
- Hall-effect thumbsticks, triggers, and a 232 grams weight give a premium feel at a $50 price.
- Wired-only design and lack of PS5-specific features limit its appeal to casual players rather than esports pros.
For Xbox players craving a DualSense-like look without breaking the bank, Hyperkin’s Competitor offers a compelling, if wired, compromise.
