Hyperkin Controller Review: A Worthy Xbox & PC Rival?
▼ Summary
– The Hyperkin Competitor is an Xbox/PC controller that imitates the PlayStation 5 DualSense’s symmetrical stick layout but lacks its advanced features like adaptive triggers and detailed rumble.
– It features Hall Effect sticks and triggers for smooth, precise control and includes simple, programmable back buttons that are easy to use and enhance gameplay agility.
– The controller has a bouncy, unified D-pad that is comfortable for extended use and outperforms the Xbox controller’s D-pad in rhythm and fighting games.
– Despite performing well in games with responsive inputs, the Competitor feels slightly toyish and lightweight due to its hollow build and absence of a battery.
– It is a wired-only controller with a solid construction that avoids feeling cheap, but its design includes small, awkwardly spaced face buttons and less prominent Menu/View buttons.
Finding a great controller for your Xbox or PC doesn’t always mean sticking with the first-party option. The Hyperkin Competitor makes a strong case for itself, especially if you appreciate the symmetrical stick layout popularized by PlayStation controllers. While its design clearly draws inspiration from the DualSense, this is a dedicated gamepad for Xbox and Windows, bringing with it some compelling features like Hall Effect sticks and triggers for enhanced durability and precision. Beyond those headline specs, thoughtful additions such as responsive back buttons and a pleasantly bouncy D-pad help it carve out its own identity. Once you move past its familiar look, you discover a controller that executes its core functions reliably and effectively.
A closer look at the design reveals a thoughtfully constructed device, available in a two-tone scheme or all-black. The analog sticks glide smoothly thanks to anti-friction rings and metal stems, with default caps that feel nearly identical to a DualSense in texture and concavity. They don’t possess the same substantial weight found in first-party console controllers, lending the Competitor a slightly lighter, almost toy-like feel in the hand, though this doesn’t hinder its performance. The symmetrical stick layout will be a matter of personal preference; some players swear by it, while others prefer the offset style. For those accustomed to both, switching is generally effortless.
The face buttons are surprisingly compact. They are responsive and springy, ideal for games requiring rapid input, but their spacing feels a bit unusual, creating a marginally longer travel distance for your thumb. The D-pad, a unified rotational piece with inward-facing arrows, outperforms the DualSense version with its springier feedback. It’s excellent for rhythm and fighting games, avoiding a mushy feel that can cause thumb fatigue, and it’s a clear upgrade over the eight-way D-pad on the standard Xbox controller.
The simple and effective back paddles are a standout feature. Positioned naturally under your middle fingers and identifiable by a small bump, they require minimal pressure to activate. Programming them is straightforward via a mapping button on the controller’s back, and each paddle includes a physical lock to prevent accidental presses.
It’s important to understand what the Competitor is not. Don’t expect advanced features like detailed haptic feedback or adaptive triggers; this is a straightforward Xbox/PC gamepad. The Hall Effect triggers, however, are exceptionally smooth, using magnetic sensors for consistent, precise pressure application, a real advantage in racing games. The shoulder buttons are clicky, reminiscent of an Xbox controller, despite their visual similarity to the DualSense. You’ll find all the standard Xbox buttons, including Menu, Share, and View, though these are smaller and less protruding, making them slightly harder to locate. A 3.5mm headphone jack and a mic mute toggle are included, and the package comes with a generous 10-foot USB cable and swappable thumbsticks.
Evaluating the Competitor’s performance means comparing it to its true rivals: the standard Xbox controller and other PC gamepads. Testing across various genres, from the fast-paced action of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to the precise platforming of Hollow Knight: Silksong, confirms it holds its own. For shooters, the analog sticks’ smooth, light resistance is crucial, allowing for precise aiming and quick flicks during intense matches. Mapping actions like jump and reload to the back paddles enhances agility, as they are effortless to press in the heat of the moment.
The D-pad truly shines in 2D games. While the standard Xbox controller’s D-pad is tactile, its sharp, clicky nature can become uncomfortable during long sessions. The Competitor’s softer, bouncier D-pad delivers precision without the discomfort, making intricate directional inputs less of a chore. In a game like Hades II, which demands rapid button tapping, the controller’s responsive face buttons performed admirably for its price category.
The Competitor’s lightweight nature stems from its lack of a battery and omission of sophisticated internal hardware. If you prefer a dense, heavy controller, this might not satisfy you, as it can feel somewhat hollow. Despite this, the build quality is solid, with no creaking or loose parts that would suggest cheap construction. Its primary limitation is the wired-only connection, which reduces versatility but helps keep the cost down in an already crowded controller market.
(Source: IGN)
