Hyperkin's new controller, dubbed "The Competitor," aims to bring a touch of Sony's DualSense design to the Xbox gaming experience. Compatible with Xbox consoles and PCs, the controller incorporates functional upgrades while rearranging inputs to mirror the symmetrical layout of Sony's current-generation controller, borrowing its aesthetic in the process.
The Competitor offers features such as swappable thumbcaps, Hall effect sticks, and impulse triggers, providing players with enhanced control and customization options. Mappable rear buttons add another layer of personalization, allowing gamers to tailor the controller to their specific playstyles. However, the controller is corded-only, which may be a drawback for some users.
The design of the Xbox controller has remained largely unchanged since the console's first generation, becoming a standard for gamepads across the industry. Despite its ubiquity, some Xbox players have expressed envy towards the sleek, minimalist design of the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller. Hyperkin's Competitor seeks to bridge this gap by offering an Xbox-compatible controller with a similar aesthetic.
While the Competitor introduces design changes and functional upgrades, some critics argue that the changes are primarily cosmetic. The core functionality of the Xbox controller remains intact, with the Competitor focusing on enhancing the user experience through improved ergonomics and customization options.
The Competitor is currently available for purchase at various retailers, including Amazon, GameStop, and Hyperkin's website, with a price of $50. The controller's release marks Hyperkin's attempt to cater to Xbox players who desire a more modern and aesthetically pleasing gamepad, drawing inspiration from the design of its competitor, Sony's DualSense.
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