Hyperkin's new controller, dubbed "The Competitor," aims to bring a touch of Sony's design elegance to the Xbox gaming experience. Compatible with Xbox consoles and PCs, the controller incorporates functional upgrades while subtly mirroring the input layout and aesthetic of Sony's PlayStation 5 DualSense controller.
The Competitor boasts several features, including swappable thumbcaps, Hall effect sticks, and impulse triggers, potentially improving player performance and control. Mappable rear buttons offer further customization, allowing players to tailor the controller to their specific gaming styles. However, the controller is corded-only, a potential drawback for gamers accustomed to wireless freedom.
The design shift addresses a long-standing desire among some Xbox players for a more streamlined and symmetrical controller, similar to the DualSense. While the Xbox controller layout has remained largely unchanged since its inception, becoming an industry standard, the DualSense's sleek, monochrome design has garnered attention.
"The Competitor" seeks to bridge this gap, offering Xbox users a taste of Sony's design philosophy without sacrificing the functionality they expect. The controller is available for purchase at multiple retailers, including Amazon, GameStop, and Hyperkin, for $50.
The release of "The Competitor" comes at a time when controller innovation is a key area of competition in the gaming industry. While Microsoft has largely maintained its core controller design, Sony has experimented with features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback in the DualSense. Hyperkin's new offering suggests a growing demand for more diverse controller options within the Xbox ecosystem.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment