Hyperkin Competitor Review: Features and Performance
▼ Summary
– The Hyperkin Competitor is a budget wired controller offering a symmetrical stick layout for Xbox and PC, addressing a preference typically tied to PlayStation.
– It is priced at about $57 USD but is significantly more expensive in Australia, making it a less competitive value there compared to local alternatives.
– Key features include Hall effect sticks, two programmable back buttons that can be configured on the device itself, and a long USB-C to USB-A cable.
– The controller lacks premium features like wireless connectivity, advanced haptics, and customizable triggers, positioning it as a basic, functional option.
– Review notes include that the face and bumper buttons can feel mushy or unresponsive, and the D-pad is small and uncomfortable for some users.
For gamers who prefer a symmetrical thumbstick layout but primarily play on PC or Xbox, finding an affordable controller has long been a challenge. The Hyperkin Competitor directly addresses this niche, offering a budget-friendly symmetrical controller that works seamlessly with both platforms. While its value proposition is strongest in certain regions, it presents a compelling, no-frills option for players seeking an alternative to the standard offset Xbox design.
Controller preference often dictates console loyalty, with the symmetrical versus offset stick debate tracing back decades. Hyperkin’s solution is straightforward: provide a pad with a PlayStation-style symmetrical layout that uses native Xbox inputs and connectivity. Available in solid black or a black-and-white scheme reminiscent of a DualSense, the Competitor is a wired-only device. It forgoes wireless connectivity and advanced haptics to hit a competitive price point of around $57 USD, though international pricing, particularly in Australia, can make it a less attractive deal.
Despite its budget nature, the controller includes some notable features. It employs Hall effect joysticks, which are prized for their durability and smooth, precise operation, a rare find at this price. The Competitor also features two programmable back buttons that can be mapped and toggled directly on the controller itself without any external software. These buttons are well-placed on the inner grips, reducing the chance of accidental presses, a common issue with other pads.
The overall build is lightweight, partly due to the lack of batteries, weighing in at approximately 250 grams. The included USB-C to USB-A cable is exceptionally long, offering some of the freedom of a wireless connection. However, the controller makes clear compromises to achieve its low cost. The face buttons and bumpers have a somewhat soft, mushy actuation that lacks crisp feedback. During testing in fast-paced games like Hades 2, this occasionally led to delayed or missed inputs, affecting performance in time-sensitive scenarios.
The D-pad, while functional, feels small and has raised edges that create an uncomfortable slide back to the center. The rumble motors are also fairly basic and lack impactful feedback. It is crucial to understand this is not a substitute for a high-end Sony controller; it offers basic haptics and standard triggers reminiscent of older PlayStation pads rather than the adaptive triggers of a DualSense.
For players in the United States seeking a simple, wired symmetrical controller with the bonus of Hall effect sticks and programmable back buttons, the Hyperkin Competitor is a sensible choice. It successfully bridges a gap in the market. However, for gamers in regions like Australia where its price climbs significantly, or for those wanting premium features and tactile responsiveness, more fully-featured alternatives in the same price range may be a better investment.
(Source: PC Gamer)
