Hyperkin’s Xbox Controller Inspired by DualSense Launches This Fall
▼ Summary
– Hyperkin’s Competitor controller for Xbox, inspired by PlayStation’s DualSense design, will launch in October 2025 for $49.99.
– The controller will be available in five colors: black and white in North America initially, with red, blue, and gold added later in that region and at launch in Europe and Australia.
– It features a symmetrical joystick layout, anti-drift Hall effect joysticks, impulse triggers, a separated D-pad, lockable back buttons, and a mic mute button.
– Unlike the DualSense, it lacks advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, focusing on core functionality instead.
– The Competitor is a wired-only controller, ensuring no concerns about battery life during use.
For Xbox gamers who have admired the sleek, modern design of Sony’s DualSense, Hyperkin has answered with a compelling alternative. The Competitor controller, set to launch this October, brings a PlayStation-inspired layout to the Xbox ecosystem at an accessible price point of $49.99. Initially available in black and white for North American markets, the controller will also release in red, blue, and gold variants in Europe and Australia, with those colors expected to reach other regions later.
Originally teased back in 2019, the Competitor has undergone significant design refinements. Earlier versions featured a more generic look, but the final model proudly embraces its PlayStation-inspired origins with a symmetrical thumbstick layout—a clear departure from the offset design typical of Xbox controllers. This ergonomic choice may appeal to players who prefer the feel of Sony’s controllers but want to stay within the Xbox environment.
Under the hood, the Competitor doesn’t skimp on performance-oriented features. It includes anti-drift Hall effect joysticks, which are known for their durability and precision, alongside impulse triggers for tactile feedback during gameplay. The design also incorporates a separated directional pad, two programmable back buttons equipped with locking mechanisms to prevent accidental inputs, and a convenient microphone mute button.
It’s important to note that this is not a direct copy of the DualSense. The Competitor lacks some of the more advanced features found in Sony’s flagship controller, such as advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that adjust resistance dynamically. Additionally, the controller is wired-only, which may be a drawback for those who prefer wireless freedom but ensures consistent performance without concerns over battery life.
(Source: The Verge)
