At CES 2025, Hyperkin, the well-known third-party gaming accessory maker, made waves by revealing an improved version of their ‘Competitor’ gamepad for Xbox consoles and PC (sourced from IGN). This refreshed gamepad, sticking to a wired-only design, aims to bring significant upgrades over its predecessor with its refined controls and a new layout reminiscent of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller.
Now, if you take a closer look at the design, it’s clear the Competitor Xbox Controller borrows quite a bit from the PlayStation 5’s DualSense. From the shape to the segmented d-pad, and even the button and stick placement, it’s very similar, with analog sticks positioned below the face buttons. This design choice could appeal to gamers who prefer the DualSense style while playing their favorite Xbox games on the Series X|S.
What’s more, this gamepad isn’t just mimicking appearances. Hyperkin has equipped the Competitor Xbox Controller with Hall Effect joysticks and triggers. Unlike traditional analog sticks, Hall Effect technology uses magnetic fields and electric sensors. This change promises enhanced accuracy in-game, cutting down the likelihood of stick drift and potentially reducing the need for large deadzones.
But there’s more than just performance upgrades. The inclusion of Hall Effect triggers means players can expect more precise and less physically demanding controls. Since these triggers also rely on magnetic fields and sensors, detecting inputs is faster and smoother, likely reducing wear and tear over time.
Switching gears a bit, this controller will also come packed with some handy extras: a mic mute button for seamless online chatting and two programmable back buttons, offering even more control options during gameplay.
While Hyperkin has yet to announce a release date or pricing for the Competitor Xbox Controller, the buzz is already building. This new controller could be a game-changer for those who enjoy Xbox games but miss the familiar feel of a PlayStation-style controller. Personally, as someone who loves the Razer Wolverine V2 Chromia but occasionally finds myself yearning for the PlayStation layout, especially for certain games like 2D fighters or side-scrollers, this development is pretty exciting.
Will the Competitor Xbox Controller captivate Xbox gamers with its unique design and functionality and perhaps rank among the best Xbox controllers when it hits the shelves? That’s something we’ll just have to wait and see. Only time will tell if Hyperkin’s bold move will pay off in the world of gaming peripherals.
