This XBOX Controller Uses A PlayStation Design?
49Over the past number of years, manufacturers have struggled to get back to where they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially true if they happened to import goods or parts from China. In one of the last E3 expos we ever got, Hyperkin announced one of the most exciting controllers I had ever seen to date, something that would actually make me want to buy the system it would work for. Called the Competitor, it is a controller designed for the Xbox One S/X, and eventually the Xbox Series X/S as well. Instead of having offset sticks like the Xbox controller has, it actually has inline sticks like a PlayStation controller. Since I prefer the PlayStation style of controller, I definitely wanted to check this out. It had been delayed for a number of years, but it is finally here!
Order the Hyperkin Contender Controller at:
White: https://amzn.to/42MurzU
Black: https://amzn.to/4nYPl7h
Check out the original Facebook Post from E3 2019(!) at
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2267879879913762
The changes:
While I know I have impatiently been waiting for the Competitor controller, they've actually made some amazing quality of life improvements to it. Two of the biggest have to do with the analog sticks and the analog triggers, which now utilize Hall Effect sensors. The original version did not, so that is a huge improvement they were able to make thanks to the delay.
Out of the box:
Inside the Competitor's box, you'll get a quick start guide, a Hyperkin decal, a social card, and something I did not expect: a 1-month free trial of Xbox Game Pass! This is a nice value that I was not aware they were going to do. Good on you, Hyperkin! In addition, since this is a wired controller, a 10 ft long USB-A to USB-C cable is also included.
The controller:
The original mock-ups of the Competitor made it look very similar in size to the DualShock 4 controller. Holding it in my hands, however, it's probably closer to the feel of the DualSense controller, and that's not a bad thing! The analog sticks are buttery smooth, and I love the triggers. The Competitor also integrates back buttons, which you can lock out through a convenient switch. The bottom of the controller includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, while the top features your female USB-C port. The d-pad is possibly the best feeling that Hyperkin has ever produced, and the buttons feel very responsive.
Testing:
First up, my Xbox One S, which I have not turned on in many months. In fact, I had to sign into both this and my Xbox Series S, which I tested later on. Goes to show you that I'm just not an Xbox gamer.
I started out with Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, and wanted to test things such as the dead zone and the accuracy of the analog sticks. The dead zone was a little bit larger than I expected, but once a character started to move, they could creep and crawl as slow as I wanted to or go full sprint.
I also tested out a number of games from the Rare Replay and the new version of Battletoads. The reason behind this was to check out the performance of that d-pad. I am thrilled to share that I thought the d-pad performed flawlessly. I'm really happy with how it performed and reacted to my inputs! Unfortunately, I still suck at the turbo tunnel on Battletoads.
Finally, I fired up my Xbox Series S and F1 2024. After I realized that I had a manual gearbox engaged, I got to work at the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos. This, for me, really sold the accuracy of the analog stick and the hall effect triggers. I could roll on the throttle and either induce or eliminate wheel spin very easily. The analog sticks also worked flawlessly, so that I wasn't just banging them side to side to make the corner.
The final game up was Madden 24. Just as I had experienced in other games, the analog sticks worked perfectly, button presses were on point, and the overall performance was terrific.
Why it RoX:
Only $49.99 AND includes a month of GAME PASS?!?!?!
Finally! A controller I want to use on an Xbox
Crucial quality of life upgrades are integrated into this
Buttery smooth analog sticks
Tremendous d-pad
10 ft long USB cable included
What could be improved:
Rumble is a bit weak
I'd love a wireless version
Should you buy one?
Over the years, Hyperkin has made some great controllers and some current controllers that have missed the mark. While delayed over 4 years, I can easily say the competitor is the best controller that Hyperkin has ever released. It's got great ergonomics, and the performance is spot on. I really only have two complaints about it: a weaker rumble and the fact that it's wired and not wireless, but beyond this it is simply an amazing controller. Great job, Hyperkin. Thank you for sticking with this project and not giving up on it.